Jensen Motors Distributors A-Z
Until the birth of the Italian styled Jensen Interceptor and FF, Jensen Motors had a ‘small family’ of distributors that sold the company’s cars. Bearing in mind the relatively small number of Jensen cars being produced at that time they had no need for a larger distribution scheme. This was about to change. As the company headed through the later 1960s, and into the 1970s, the distribution network enlarged, with nearly 50 Jensen Motors distributors signed up by 1974. And that was in the UK alone.
Like most other manufacturers at the time, Jensen Motors Ltd operated a three tier distributor/dealer network, where dealers were appointed within distributors’ areas and purchased cars and parts through them at agreed over-riding discount to the distributors. In areas outside any distributor area , all trade sales and parts supplies were handled by Jensen Motors Ltd direct. In addition, some ‘service only’ dealers were appointed, both in and outside accredited distributors, especially in export markets such as Switzerland.
The names of key management reflect individuals holding that position within the company at some-point during the 1960s/1970s. Obviously some of them may have left, and others taken over their position.
JENSEN MOTORS DISTRIBUTORS | GREAT BRITAIN
ALAN FRASER AUTOMOBILES
Hildenborough, Kent
Owner: Alan Fraser
Jensen distributors 1965. How long they remained Jensen distributors isn’t known.
Probably no longer Jensen distributors by 1968.
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AUTOCARE LTD
Pangbourne, Berkshire
Sales Director: M.G.Ward
Service Manager: F.Hopkins
Jensen distributors from at least 1972
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AUTO SCUDERIA
Bristol
Jensen distributors from 1974
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A.R.D GARAGE(CWYMBRAN)LTD
Cwmbran, Monmouthshire
Managing Director: Alf Gooding
Director: Don Gooding
Service Manager: L.Webb
Alf & Don Gooding at the launch of the new Jensen Interceptor MK.II in 1969.
The ARD showrooms in Wales . Photographed in 1972
The ARD showrooms in Wales was run by Alf and Don Gooding. The family had made money by lining blast furnaces. A.R.D took on their Jensen distributorship during the later 1960s (?). The two brothers would often go to London (especially when the Motor Show was on) to generate publicity for their distributorship. Through this means (and no doubt by their likeable character), they managed to attract some customers; not necessary living in Wales; to their Welsh-based business. Tony Marshall, former Sales Manager at Jensen Motors, remembers the two brothers as “true characters”
Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold nine Jensen FF cars
A.R.D remained a Jensen Motors distributor until at least 1974.
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R.W.BAKER (STONEHOUSE) LTD
R.W Baker were no longer Jensen Motors distributors by the late 1960s / early 1970s. Outside of other Jensens, the Company are known to have sold three Jensen FF cars.
Jensen Distributor Start & finish dates not known
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BARGATE MOTORS (BOSTON) LTD
Boston, Lincs
Managing Director: W.Maltby
Service manager: R.Bailey
Jensen distributors from at least 1973
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BELL & COLVILL LTD
West Horsley, Surrey
Owners: Robert (Bobby) Bell & Martin Colvill
Bobby Bell. Portrait from the 1970s.
Martin Colvill. Portrait from the 1970s.
Bell & Colvill were distributors of Lotus and Alfa Romeo from 1970. Jensen distributors from 1974 – 1979.
Bell & Colvill showrooms in West Horsley, Surrey, 1970s.
Bell & Colvill keyfob dating from the 1970s.
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BOTWOODS
Major Corner, Ipswich
Suffolk
Works Manager: R.K.Clapham
Botswood showrooms photographed in the 1950s. The petrol pump was removed by the 1960s, and the main Mann Egerton signage was also removed.
The Botwoods showroom on Majors Corner, Ipswich. Photograph taken in the 1960s. The showrooms were demolished in the 1980s.
Botwoods Coachbuilders was started by William Botwood. His carriage making works were in Woodbridge Road (between Kirby Street and Milton Street), Ipswich, and had been established in 1870. In 1882 showrooms were opened in St Matthews Street. Botwood died in 1896 and the business was carried on by two sons, Samuel Ernest and William Thomas, who a few years later were joined by a pioneering motorist, Reginald Egerton.
Until 1910, the motor car manufacturers Botwood & Egerton ran alongside the carriage-making firm until Egerton left to set up his own business in Northgate (Street) next to the Great White Horse Hotel. The Botwood company became Botwoods Ltd and in the 1920s the Botwood shares were acquired by Mann, Egerton & Co. of Norwich, who had by then expanded to Woodbridge Road/Majors Corner.
During the 1970s, the Botwood name was discontinued, the company coming under the umbrella name, Mann Egerton.
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BROADWAY AUTOS
Broadway, Cricklewood
London
Managing Director: Alfie Ahrens
Keyfob for Broadway motors dating from the 1970s.
Jensen distributors from at least 1970
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BROOKLANDS OF BOND STREET
103 New Bond Street
London
Brooklands of Bond Street may have been one of the first Jensen distributors. They were the distributors for Jensen post-war, and may have continued to sell Jensen until the early 1960s.
Brooklands Of Band Street showroom dating from just post-war.
Brooklands advert dating from the late 1950s.
Brooklands keyfob dating from the 1950s.
The reverse of the plaque details the firms Brooklands were distributors for, including Jensen Motors.
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ROGER CLARK (CARS) LTD
Narborough, Liecs
Managing Director: R.Clark
Service Manager: P.Blackwell
Jensen distributors from at least 1973
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CROPREDY BRIDGE GARAGE LTD
Cropredy, Buckinghamshire
Managing Director: Andrew Edwards
Andrew Edwards, Managing Director, Cropredy Bridge Garage until 1995. Photograph taken in the 1980s.
The Company had been in existence from 1968, and became official distributors for Jensen Motors in 1975.
Beside standard Interceptors, Andrew Edwards managed to sell a few Jensen Convertibles between 1975 / 76.
After the collapse of Jensen Motors, Cropredy Bridge Garage continued to specialise in Jensen cars.
As other distributors moved away from Jensen cars, Edwards would purchase their entire stocks of parts, including the entire parts department of Charles Follett.
Edwards remained as the MD of Cropredy Bridge Garage until 1995, then selling out to Bob Cherry.
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CULLEN’S (LANGFORD) LTD
Langford, Nr.Bristol.
Jensen distributors from at least 1964, possibly earlier. They were no longer Jensen distributors from the later 1960s
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BRIAN ELDRIDGE LTD
Eldridge remained a Jensen Motors distributor until the late 1960s, possibly early 1970s. They were no longer distributors for Jensen by 1972.
Jensen Distributor exact start & finish dates not known
Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold five Jensen FF cars
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J.A.ELSE & SON
Codnor, Derbyshire
Managing Director: R.Else
Jensen distributors from at least 1973
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ENDCLIFFE MOTORS LTD
Sheffield, Yorkshire
Sales Manager: D.Turner
General Service Manager: P.A.Cook
Jensen distributors from at least 1972
It seems that Endcliffe Motors Ltd, took over the Hillsborough Garage & Motor Company in or around the beginning of 1972. At around that same time, they became the Jensen distributors for the South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire areas.
Due to financial issues by 1975, Endcliffe Motors Ltd was the subject of a winding up court order in 1975. Interestingly, the Company was still trading in 1980, in the hands of liquidators.
Endcliffe Motors photographed in 1965, at which time they were Mercedes-Benz agents.
Hillsborough Garage & Motor Company photographed at the beginning of 1972. At this time Endcliffe had taken them over, but the site temporarily kept the Hillsborough signage, along with the new Jensen distributorship signs. Later in 1972, the Hillsborough signage was taken down and replaced with Endcliffe Motors signage.
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EYELES & COXETTER (OXFORD)LTD
This Oxford-based company were no longer Jensen Motors distributors by the late 1960s / early 1970s
Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold one Jensen FF car
Jensen distributors from at least 1972
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MANN EGERTON LTD
Chairman Mr.Hawksley
Sales Manager David Dixon
David Dixon, Sales Manager at Mann Egerton, hands the keys to the Jensen over to golfer, Tony Jacklin.
David Dixon hands over the keys to Norrie Paramor in 1974.
Mann Egerton Ltd. was an automotive and aerospace company headquartered in Norwich. During its history the company was variously active in automotive retailing, aircraft manufacturing, automotive coach-building and electrical services.
The Company was founded in 1905 by Gerald Mann, an electrical engineer, and Hubert Egerton, although the two had been working in partnership for a number of preceding years (the “Tern” logo used in the 1960s was often accompanied by the statement “ESTD. 1898”).
During the First World War, Mann Egerton received government contracts to build aeroplanes. Government contracts were also given to Mann Egerton during the Second World War, particularly for vehicle bodies. After the war, the company concentrated on setting up automobile retail outlets. However, the company continued to be involved in electrical installation work, although this section of the business was sold off in 1964. The company was acquired by Inchcape in 1973.
Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold 31 Jensen FF cars
It isn’t known when Mann Egerton became Jensen distributors, but they were no longer Jensen Motors distributors by 1973.
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CHARLES FOLLETT (MAYFAIR) LONDON
Founder Charles Follett ( born 1899 – died 1982)
Chairman R.Dutton-Forshaw (Known to be Chairman during the 1960s)
Managing Director Pat Follett (from 1961)
Directors
R.P Baker (known to be a director during the 1960s)
A.D.Fincham (known to be a director during the 1960s)
John Jason (director from 1973)
Sales Managers
N.B.Dixon (known to be Sales Manager early to middle 1960s)
Nigel Bligh, later 1960s.
David Pigott from around 1972/73 by David Piggot.
Service Director (St.John’s Wood) Derek Piper
Service Manager M.E.Burrow (known to be in that position 1970s).
Charles Follett giving a prize to Prince Bira in 1937.
Pat Follett’s father, Charles, started out in the 1920s, selling second-hand cars. He built up a reputation for selling good quality, good
Charles Follett showrooms in Mayfair, photographed in 1972.
condition cars, which largely were sold on to the trade. Follett was asked by one of his clients, if he would like to run a Lancia agency from showrooms in Berkeley Street, Mayfair, Follett agreed immediately.
The Lancia agency later ended, and Follett was give the opportunity to buy the Berkeley Street premises. He took on a bank loan, bought the premises, and started selling Alvis cars.
Follet went a step further, and made an agreement with Vandem Plas to make stylish bodies for Alvis chassis’, which sold well, and enhanced his position.
The relationship with Alvis soured, and in 1936 Alvis withdrew from Follett. Unperturbed, Follett still managed to fill his showroom with other sporty makes.
In 1958, Charles Follett became the London-based distributor for Jensen cars. It was the start of a close relationship with the Jensen brand, which continued through until after Jensen Motors ceased trading in 1976.
By 1961, Follett retired, and handed over the reigns of his company to his son, Pat. The company, Charles Follett, went from strength to strength, and sold the largest amount of Jensen cars of any authorised distributor.
Pat Follett (left) with Carl Duerr, Managing Director , Jensen Motors. The photograph was taken at the Jensen factory on the occasion of 1000th Interceptor having been built.
A delivery of Jensen Interceptors arriving at Charles Follett Mayfair showroom in 1971.
Letter opener given to Pat Follett to celebrate the sale of Follett’s 500th Interceptor.
Reverse of the letter opener with dedication, ‘PRESENTED TO PAT FOLLET by JENSEN MOTORS LTD TO MARK THE OCCASION OF THE SALE OF THE 500TH JENSEN INTERCEPTOR by CHARLES FOLLETT LTD.’ No date is given, but it is believed the 500th sale happened during 1972.
Pat Follett (left) outside the Mencap building in London. Jensen Motors Sales Promotion Manager, Dick Thorogood stands next to him, and Charles Follett Sales Manager, Nigel Bligh, stands behind him.
John Jason had made money from a clothing business; in the early 1970s, he put money into Charles Follett in return for 50% of the company, becoming a director.
Charles Follett remained a Jensen Motors distributor through to 1976, and continued to service Jensen cars whilst Jensen Parts & Service remained in operation. After the demise of Jensen Parts & Service, Charles Follett took on a Porsche agency.
Typically of the Jensen distributor which sold the most Jensen cars; the Company sold an astounding 86 Jensen FF cars
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FRANCIS MOTORS
Humberstone Rd, Leicester
Jensen distributors from at least 1964, possibly earlier. They were no longer Jensen distributors from the later 1960s
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GIDEA PARK MOTORS (ESSEX) LTD
Managing Director R.H.G.Diebel
Sales Manager D.Manley
Service Manager A.Perry
Gidea Park Motors Ltd were based in Romford, Essex.
Gidea Park Motors remained a Jensen Motors distributor until 1972 at which time Grange Motors in Brentwood took over as Jensen distributors.
Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold three Jensen FF cars
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GRANGE MOTORS LTD
Brentwood, Essex
Managing Director: C.F.Chambers
Service Manager: R.G.Flat
Keyfob supplied by Grange Motors during the 1970s.
Grange Motors took over from Gidea Park Motors, and were Jensen distributors from at least 1972.
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F.C.GREEN AUTOS LTD
Hertford, Hertfordshire
Jensen distributors from 1974
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Hoffman’s Garage, Huddersfield Road, Halifax
( a part of the Swain Group)
Managing Director: P.F.Swain
The Hoffman of Halifax showrooms photographed in 1948.
Known to be Jensen distributors immediately post-war, but when Hoffman’s Garage took on Jensen distribution isn’t known, or, indeed, how long they remained as Jensen distributors. It is believed Hoffman were no longer Jensen distributors by the end of the 1950s.
Immediately post-war, the Swain Group included (in addition to Hoffman’s Of Halifax), Edwards and Co (Bournemouth), Edwards and Co (Boscombe), Harold Radford (Coachbuilders), Swain Group (Services), Freestone and Webb, Hoffmans of London, Fleets Division,
By 1948, further companies had been bought up by the Swain Group, Thomas Greenwoods, (Horton Street, Halifax), Carlton Autocars (Hfx) Ltd, (Carlton Street, Halifax), H.R. Owen Ltd, (17, Berkeley Street, London), Park Lane Garage, Brick Street, London, Swain Corner, North Circular Road and Haslam Harrison & Co, Eccleshall Road, Sheffield.
The Swain Group was acquired in 1959 by the Provincial Traction Co. P.F. Swain remained as the Managing Director.
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HUGHES OF BEACONSFIELD LTD
Managing Director Michael J.Hughes
Sales Director Derek Owen
Service Manager Fred Greenwood
M.J.Hughes Garage photographed in 1955.
During the beginning of the 1970s, the garage was completely rebuilt, and opened in March 1971 at a cost of £300,000. The architect was James A Stiff A.R.I.B.A. This photograph was taken in 1977, shortly after Hughes of Beconsfield, had given up Jensen, and become a Mercedes-Benz distributor.
The new Hughs of Beconsfield service centre which opened in March 1971.
Michael Hughes founded the Station Road firm, Hughes of Beconsfield, in 1955, and remained as Chairman of the Hughes group until the late 1990s. He died in September 2011 at the age of 81.
Hughes remained a Jensen Motors distributor until at least 1974.
Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold six Jensen FF cars
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JENSCOT LTD
Edinburgh, Scotland
Managing Director: Tom Sleigh
Co-Managing Director: Eric Liddell
Tom Sleigh.
By 1974, Tom Sleigh opened a new Edinburgh-based Jensen distributors, Jenscot, and apparently left Rossleigh to be run by another family member. A second Jenscot was opened in Glasgow later in 1974. The Glasgow-based Jenscot was managed by Robert Todd.
Jackie Stewart on the Jenscot stand at the Scottish Motor Show 1974.
Jenscot Road Tax disc holder dating from the 1970s.
Jenscot were Jensen distributors from at least 1974 until 1976.
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JENSEN HOUSE (ST. ANNES) LTD
Managing Director: Nigel E.J.Bradshaw
Nigel Bradshaw photographed in 1972.
Service Manager: R.Eccles
Jensen distributors from at least 1972
The showrooms of Jensen House, St.Annes, dating from approximately 1974.
Nigel Bradshaw was the nephew of Colonel Gray, the owner of Loxhampton (Rover dealers).
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NEVILLE JOHNSTON (GARAGES) LTD
Chairman: Paddy Hopkirk (the well known racing driver)
Managing Director: J.Neville Johnston
Service Manager: R.Gregg
By 1972 at least, Neville Johnston (Garages) Ltd were the distributors for Northern Ireland. They took over from Malcolm Templeton
Paddy Hopkirk and Neville Johnston, photographed in Knightsbridge by Jensen photographer, Michael Cooper. Photograph circa 1971.
Neville Johnston had been Paddy Hopkirk’s co-driver on the 1970 World Cup Rally – London to Mexico. He also became Hopkirk’s business partner in Belfast selling Toyota cars. Due to Hopkirk’s friendship with Jensen Motors Chairman, Donald Healey, Hopkirk and Johnston also became distributors for Jensen cars. Jonhnston was killed in a car crash in 1975 while competing at the Spelga Hill Climb.
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LOXHAMS LTD OF PRESTON
Owners not known.
The Loxhams showrooms Preston. Photograph taken in the 1960s.
This Preston-based company were no longer Jensen Motors distributors by the late 1960s / early 1970s
Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold two Jensen FF cars
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MALAYA GARAGE (COWFOLD)
Cowfold, Sussex
Jensen distributors from at least 1974
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MARTINS OF BILLINGHAM LTD
Billingham, County Durham
Managing Director: G.Allen
Service Manager: J.Marshall
Jensen distributors from at least 1973
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MILLOCRAT MOTORS LTD
General Manager R.Pope, later M.J.Woolston
Service Manager: R.Barrat
Millocrat Motors Ltd were based in Winton, Bournemouth. The company went into liquidation in 1975
Millocrat Motors remained a Jensen Motors distributor until the late 1960s, possibly early 1970s. They were no longer distributors for Jensen by 1972 / 73.
Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold three Jensen FF cars
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PHILIP MIST (BIRMINGHAM)LTD
Managing Director Glen Guise-Mist
Founded by Philip Mist. An ‘old school’ family who had an excellent reputation within the motor trade.
When Mist became a Jensen distributor isn’t known (late 1960s ?), and certainly in the earlier 1960s, they were primarily Alfa Romeo distributors. Philip Mist remained a Jensen Motors distributor through to 1976.
Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold 12 Jensen FF cars
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NEWBURY MOTORS LTD
General Manager George Newbury
(An H.C.McKinley is also shown as General Manager on a 1967 document)
Managing Director Don Penny (originally from Philip Mist in Birmingham)
Sales Director Paul Newbury
Service Manager Duncan White
The Company were based in Halesowen. They were Jensen distributors from at least 1964. They were no longer Jensen distributors by 1974.
Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold19 Jensen FF cars
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S.H.NEWSCOME & CO LTD
S.H.Newscome & Co Ltd were motor agents based in Coventry.
Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold one Jensen FF car
Jensen distributors from at least 1972
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NORMAND (BRADFORD) LTD
Managing Director Mr.Ingleby
Normand Garages showrooms circa 1970s.
The Bradford-based company, also had a headquarters in London. They were no longer Jensen Motors distributors by 1973, possibly earlier (?)
Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold 24 Jensen FF cars
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NORTH LINKS GARAGE LTD
North Links Garage were no longer Jensen Motors distributors by the late 1960s / early 1970s
Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold one Jensen FF cars
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NORTHWOOD MOTORS LTD
Northwood Motors were no longer Jensen Motors distributors by the early 1970s
Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold one Jensen FF cars
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NORWICH MOTOR CO LTD
Norwich, Norfolk
Directors: J.F & P.H. Olorenshaw
Service Manager: D.Abbott
Jensen distributors from at least 1972
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PENNINE (BRADFORD) LTD
Harrogate, Yorks
General Manager: M.Armistead
Jensen distributors from at least 1973
Advert from Penine Ltd dating from 1974.
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ROSSLEIGH (EDINBURGH)LTD
Managing Director Charles Sleigh
Director on the Jensen side of operations, Tom Sleigh, the son of Charles Sleigh
The company was founded in Glasgow in 1890 by Ross and Sleigh, and became a public company in 1898, at which time the two men changed the company name to The New Rossleigh Cycle & Motor Co. In 1907 the company name was changed again to Rossleigh Ltd. By 1914 the company stated they were ‘automobile engineers and agents, with specialities in garages, hiring, repairs. By 1961, the company had various sites in Scotland with 800 employees. During the 1960s, Rossleigh became Jensen distributors.
By the early 1970s, Tom Sleigh opened a new Edinburgh-based Jensen distributors, Jenscot, and apparently left Rossleigh to be run by another family member. A second Jenscot was opened in Glasgow during 1974. The Glasgow-based Jenscot was managed by Robert Todd.
Although the firm, Rossleigh no longer had a distributorship by 1974. Jenscot took over as distributors, and remained so until 1976. Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold 15 Jensen FF cars
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ROWLEY (BRADFORD) LTD
Bradford, Yorkshire
Managing Director: A.Rowley
General Manager: N.S.Jones
Jensen distributors from at least 1972
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GUY SALMON (SURREY) LTD
Chairman G.F.Salmon
Managing Director Ian Page Radcliff
Service Manager (Teddington) P.Smith
John Boileau was in charge on the Jensen side of operations
Guy Salmon remained a Jensen Motors distributor until at least 1974. Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold ten Jensen FF cars
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R.F.SEWARD LTD
Southampton, Hampshire
General Manager: M.Davis
Service Manager: N.Gale
Jensen distributors from at least 1973
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SWIFT’S GARAGE (LONGTON) LTD
Longton, Stoke-on-Trent
Managing Director: A.J.Swift
Service Manager: L.Morrey
Jensen distributors from at least 1972
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MALCOLM TEMPLETON (BELFAST)LTD
Malcolm Templeton was the Managing Director of Malcolm Templeton Ltd, based in Belfast. In later life he became the President of the Classic Vehicle Club. He died in January 2002.
Malcolm Templeton were no longer Jensen Motors distributors by the late 1960s / early 1970s. By 1972 at least, Neville Johnston (Garages) Ltd were the distributors for Northern Ireland. Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold one Jensen FF car
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TORQUAY MOTORS
Scala garage, Torquay
General Manager: D.J.Ashford
Service Manager: N.Pollard
Jensen distributors from 1973
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G.S.TWIGG LTD
Leagrave, Luton, Beds
Managing Director: G.S.Twigg
Service Manager: W.E.Blanchain
Jensen distributors from 1st October 1971
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WEST MALLING MOTORS LTD
West Malling, Kent
Joint Managing Directors: Peter Chilton & J.G.Pelly
Service Manager: G.Beckett
Pelton Motors Ltd were appointed Jensen distributors from early 1971, but later in 1971 purchased West Malling Motors Ltd. They decided to trade under the name West Malling Motors Ltd, rather than Pelton Motors Ltd.
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WHITECROFT GARAGE LTD
Nailsworth, Gloucestershire
Sales Manager: J.R.Ebbon
Service Manager: R.White
Jensen distributors from at least 1972
Advert from Whitecroft Garage Ltd dating from 1974.
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CYRIL WILLIAMS MOTORS LTD
Cyril Williams were no longer Jensen Motors distributors by the late 1960s / early 1970s
Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold three Jensen FF cars
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WILMSLOW GARAGE (CHESHIRE) LTD
Owner Peter Brewer
Sales Manager and then Managing Director Chris Kendall,
Service Manager David Hardy
Peter Brewer drastically overspent and Wilmslow Garage went into receivership during 1972. Jensen Motors, Aston Martin and Lancia were owed a significant amount of money. Brewer arranged to come to Jensen Motors Ltd to outline the situation. He dropped in by helicopter, explained the situation and then left. The receiver was left to sort out who was paid.
Chris Kendall hands over the keys and paperwork to new Jensen FF owner, Wilfred Hipkins.
Original Wilmslow Garages road-tax disc holder from a 1968 Jensen Interceptor.
Tony Marshall
Chris Kendall, assumed the position of Managing Director under the new owners, Bankbridge Securities. Outside of his position as MD of Wilmslow Garage, Kendall was also Stockport Rugby Club’s representative for Cheshire County Rugby Union.
He was killed in the ill fated DC 10 rugby special returning from the England-France match of 1974, aged just 33.
Kendall was replaced by Tony Marshall (former Sales Manager at Jensen Motors Ltd) during June 1974.
Marshall remained as MD at Wilmslow Garage until late 1975.
Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold 39 Jensen FF cars
Wilmslow Garage remained a Jensen Motors distributor through to 1976
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JENSEN MOTORS DISTRIBUTORS | EUROPE & SOUTHERN IRELAND
N.V.BEHERMAN-DEMOEN S.A. (BELGIUM)
Head Office in Antwerp, Sales & Service centres in Brussels & Gent.
Joseph (Jo) Beherman
Jacques Beherman
Jacques Beherman with his wife Nanda circa 2015.
Joseph (Jo) Beherman’s family emigrated to Belgium during the period of the Russian revolution. He set up a Chrysler agency in Brussels in the 1950s.
When Dusio set up Sincar, and wanted distributors for the new Sincar Interceptor, he contacted amongst others, both Beherman in Brussels, and France Motors in Paris. Both were already Chrysler agents, so were prime candidates to take on the Chrysler-engined Jensen. Both agreed, and became Sincar agents.
For Beherman, this was a ‘trophy’ type dealership, as he already had other considerably larger interests. For example, he owned the vehicle assembly plant at Seneffe, south of Brussels, which he leased to BMC for the assembly of Land Rovers, he also had the contract to supply Land Rovers to the Belgian Army.
When Duerr took over as Managing Director of Jensen Motors, one of his first tasks was to get out of the Sincar contract. According to the then Export Manager, Tony Marshall, Duerr had already taken part in meetings with Beherman and France Motors to discuss the continuation of Jensen distribution post-Sincar.
Marshall remember’s a later meeting with Beherman which took place around 1970/71,
“Jo was complaining that for all he had spent on Jacques’ education he was not getting any benefit, Jacques had been given the job of running the BL dealership in Antwerp.
I suggested that the Jensen dealership should be removed from Brussels, where nobody took much interest in it, and that it be given to Jacques to look after in Antwerp. Well, it was a light bulb moment for Jo, and it was a great success.
Couple of years later I met up with Jo in London at a pre-Motor Show party, he looked across at me and said ‘I owe you!’. Praise indeed from the great man.”
Additional chassis plate fitted by Beherman to imported cars. This plate dates from after Jensen were moved to Antwerp.
Due to Marshall’s suggestion, the Jensen agency was moved from Brussels to Antwerp around 1970/71.
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CARWAYS LTD (MALTA)
Pieta, Malta
Jensen distributors from at least 1972.
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CORVER S.A. (SPAIN)
Barcelona, Spain
Jensen distributors from at least 1972.
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EVER READY GARAGE LTD (IRELAND)
Dublin, Eire.
Directors: James Barton and Oswald Barton
Sales Director: Noel Wallace
Ever-Ready Garage Ltd in Dublin. Photograph taken in 1969, and with a line up of Jesnen cars outside. Second car in is Jensen FF 119/098.
Original Ever-Ready garage sticker to the rear glass of Jensen FF 119/146, a car originally sold by the company. Photograph taken in 2018.
Ever Ready Garage were no longer Jensen Motors distributors by 1974. Outside of other Jensen cars, the Company sold no less than six Jensen FF cars
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HALLMARK CARS (HENRY LINTON) LTD (JERSEY)
St.Lawrence, Jersey
Managing Director: Henry Linton
Service Director: Richard Linton
Hallmark Cars (Henry Linton) Ltd were Jensen Motors distributors from the late 1960s (?) but were no longer distributors by 1974. Melbourne Garage Ltd had taken over as Jensen Distributors. They were based in St.John, Jersey. Outside of other Jensens, the Hallmark Cars sold six Jensen FF cars
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GHS MOTORS GmbH (GERMANY)
Lokstedter Weg 11, Hamburg
Owner: Gerd Schaeffer
Tony Marshall, Sales Manager at Jensen Motors, with Gerd Schaeffer. The photograph was taken at the Nürburgring in 1970.
GHS Motors GmbH was based in Hamburg (Lokstedter Weg 11). The company was owned and run by Gerd Schaeffer. They held the Jensen dealership for Germany. Outside of other Jensen cars, the Company sold one Jensen FF.
GHS remained the Jensen Motors distributor for Germany until 1974, and possibly through to 1976.
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MONTEVERDI AUTOMOBILES SWITZERLAND
Peter Monteverdi had showrooms and workshops in Basle, and managed to acquire the Swiss distribution of Ferrari in 1959. By 1963, a disagreement between Monteverdi and Enzo Ferrari led to the end of that agency. Looking for other distribution possibilities, Monteverdi gained Jensen in 1963. However, sales were dismal, and when he became involved in producing his own car, he had no interest in carrying on his distribution of Jensens. Between 1965 and 1969 there was no agency for Jensen in Switzerland. Edgar Schynn would take over the distribution of Jensens in Switzerland during 1969.
Peter Monteverdi
Monteverdi’s garage (circa 1960)
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PALMA, MORGADO & CA, LDA (PORTUGAL)
Lisbon, Portugal
Jensen distributors from at least 1973.
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SOCIETE FRANCE MOTORS
Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
Owner: Monsieur Charles Ladouch
Charles Ladouch (with glasses) greets the French premier at the Paris Motor Show. Photograph taken late 1950s / early 1960s
During the 1950s, Societe France Motors were the Paris distributors for Volkswagens, they also imported Chrysler cars. They became Jensen distributors from at least 1967, and continued as Jensen distributors until 1972. J.P Richard S.A. possibly taking over as distributor in 1972.
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J.P.RICHARD S.A. (FRANCE)
Paris, France.
Jensen distributors from at least 1972. They were no longer Jensen distributors by 1974.
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EDGAR SCHWYN (SWITZERLAND)
Edgar Schwyn.
Edgar Schwyn had taken on the Jensen dealership in Switzerland after meeting with Tony Marshall and Carl Duerr at the March 1969 Geneva Motor Show. Before then Peter Monteverdi had held the Swiss Jensen distributorship from 1963, but sales had been dismal, and when he became involved in producing his own car, he had no interest in carrying on his distrubtion of Jensens.
Schynn’s company was based in Zurich. Schwyn also had an agent in Geneva, Frankie Zanoletti. As well as Jensen, Schynn also was the Swiss distrubtor for Lotus, and he also had various automobile accessory franchises, such as Abarth Accessories. Outside of other Jensens, the Company sold three Jensen FF cars
Schwyn’s Zurich-based showrooms, photographed in the 1970s.
Schwyn remained the Jensen Motors distributor for Switzerland until 1976. He died in 2014.
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REGINALD CARS SA (GENEVA)
Jensen dealership 1970s (precise dates not known)
Reginald Cars Geneva showroom, photographed circa 1973.
According to Tony Marshall, former Sales Manager at Jensen Motors, Reginald Cars SA were classed as a dealership, not a distributor. Therefore they operated under Edgar Schwyn, the Jensen Motors distributor for Switzerland. Marshall states, ” Reginald Cars SA was a very short lived operation, folding within a year, I think, due to the young lad [owning the Company] having more money than sense.” The Company is stated in The Jensen-Healey Stories as being a distributor, but Marshall states that was an error that wasn’t picked up at the proofing stage. The large and prestigious showrooms of Reginald Cars SA certainly gave an impression of being a distributor.
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N.V.SMELT (NETHERLANDS)
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Jensen distributors from at least 1972 through to 1976.
Managing Director: Hubertus Smelt.
Hubertus Smelt photographed to the centre, standing in front of his showrooms.
An advertisement for the Dutch Jensen distributors, N.V.Smelt.
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F.M.TARBUK & CO (AUSTRIA)
Vienna, Austria
Jensen distributors from approximately 1968 to 1972.
Partners: Fritz Tarbuk & Peter Pflaum
Director: Dr Mario Seiller-Tarbuk
Sales Manager: Franz Marsch
Fritz Tarbuk photographed in 1915 as an Imperial Navy Officer.
The company was founded in Vienna in 1920 by the former Imperial Navy officer, Fritz Tarbuk. He initially began importing automobiles as part of the Prowodnik Österreichisch-Ungarische Import-Gesellschaft mbH, which had been founded in 1910 by his father-in-law A. Librowicz. In 1928 Tarbuk took over the general agency for Horch, Zwickau.
During the Second World War, the Tarbuk large workshops in Vienna and Bratislava worked for the German Wehrmacht.
During the gasoline shortage in World War II, FM Tarbuk & Co. was a leader in converting vehicles to wood gasifiers based on the patent of the Alsatian inventor Georges Imbert .
In 1938, the company AUTEG Automobilhandels- und Reparatursgesellschaft mbH , founded by Peter Pflaum in 1932, was taken over by the government, due to his Jewish ancestry. After the end of the war, in 1946, Peter Pflaum joined FM Tarbuk & Co. as a partner.
With Peter Pflaum on board, FM Tarbuk & Co. took over the general agency for 23 automobile and vehicle manufacturers in Austria, including Škoda , Chrysler , Plymouth , Datsun / Nissan , Rover , Land Rover and Jaguar . After the Austro-Tatra company lost the general agency for Tatra vehicles from Czechoslovakia, Tarbuk took over this agency in 1948.
Starting in 1950, the company built up its market leadership as a dealer and workshop for 48 brands in the automotive, commercial vehicle, two-wheeler, construction machinery and agricultural machinery industries in Austria and neighbouring countries with a number of branches and trading companies, for example Fiat , Lancia , Alfa Romeo , Ford , Volvo , Subaru , Skoda, Mazda , Suzuki , Opel , Chevrolet , Messerschmitt – Fendt , Harley-Davidson.
F.M.Tarbuk, Vienna. The photograph taken in the early 1960s shows the main entrance.
In 1968, Tarbuk took on the Austrian dealership for Jensen Motors. This is believed to have taken place through Tarbuk’s association with Carl Duerr in the immediate post-war years (Duerr was heavily involved in the Marshall Plan that took place in Austria & Germany).
They purchased two Jensen Interceptors outright, but failed to find an audience for the West Bromwich made cars. By 1972, Tarbuk, and Jensen Motors had gone their separate ways.
Fritz Tarbuk continued to have an involvement in the Company until his death in 1976. From the 1960s, Mario Seiller-Tarbuk had largely taken over with the day to day running, as the Company Director. In 1978 the Company received the state award, and as such has been allowed to use the Federal coat of arms in business transactions.
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AB WENDELS BIL & MOTOR (SWEDEN)
Malmo, Sweden
Managing Director: Henning Wendel
Director: Lars Wendel
Jensen distributors 1974 – 1976 (?)
Henning Wendel founded the company in 1962, specialising in sports/luxury cars. They sold cars from makers like Morgan, Lotus, Aston Martin, Maserati and Ferrari, as well as Jensen
It is believed the first Jensen purchased into stock by Wendel took place in 1974, and was a Jensen-Healey. The car was registered by AB Wendels Bil & Motor in April 1974 and was probably used as a demonstration car. The car was loaned to the Swedish technical magazine, Teknikens Värld, and a feature appeared in the June 1974 edition.
Service book from Jensen Motors signed by the selling distributor, in this case, AB Wendels Bil & Motor. This is the service book for Jensen Healey chassis number 15036.
The tangerine Jensen-Healey ( chassis number 15036) loaned by AB Wendels to the Swedish technical magazine, Teknikens Värld. The completed feature appeared in the June 1974 edition. This car survives (2018) and is owned by the chairman of the Danish Jensen Club, Niels-Erik Mannische.
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CANARY ISLANDS
HERNANDEZ – HERMANOS
Tenerife
Jensen distributors from 1974
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JENSEN MOTORS DISTRIBUTORS | AFRICA
INTER-CONTINENTAL MOTORS PTY LTD
Johannesburg, South Africa
Jensen distributors from at least 1972
JENSEN MOTORS DISTRIBUTORS | MIDDLE EAST
GREECE & CYPRUS
MICHAIL A.KARAGEORGIS S.A.
Piraeus, Greece
Jensen distributors from at least 1972
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CYPRUS
ELAN ENTERPRISES LTD
Farmagusta
Jensen distributors from 1974
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LEBANON
INTERCREDIT S.A.L.
Beriut, Lebanon
Jensen distributors from at least 1972
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A A ZAYANI & SONS
Arabian Gulf
Jensen distributors from 1974
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JENSEN MOTORS DISTRIBUTORS | FAR EAST
HONG KONG
NATHALIA INVESTMENT CO
Clear water Bay Road
Jensen distributors from at least 1972. By 1974, Nathalia Investment Co was designated as the importers, and THE HONG KONG GARAGE, as the distributor
Kevin Beattie, Managing Director of Jensen Motors, photographed during a tour of distributors in 1974. He is photographed in showrooms of Hong Kong Garage. Mr M.K.Kwok (left) General Manager, and Me E.J.McGannon, Managing Director (right).
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CORNES & CO
Tokyo, Japan
Owner: Mike Knott (?)
Jensen distributors from at least 1972
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JENSEN MOTORS DISTRIBUTORS | AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
JENSEN MOTORS LTD (NEW ZEALAND)
Auckland, New Zealand.
Owner: Stuart MacDonald
Managing Director: Ross Jensen
Jensen distributors from at least 1972
Richard Graves, Marketing Director at Jensen Motors with Jensen Motors, New Zealand, owner, Stuart MacDonald. They stand in front of the showroom in Auckland. Photograph taken in 1972.
According to Tony Marshall, former Sales Manager at Jensen Motors, Jensen Motors NZ had represented Jensen Motors GB since 1955.
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TAYLORSPEED WHOLESALE PTY LTD (AUSTRALIA)
Taylorspeed, Adelaide, Australia
Taylorspeed Wholesale PTY LTD held the main Jensen dealership in Australia from 1969. Taylorspeed both imported and distributed Jensen cars.
Peter Taylor (light coloured suit), of Taylorspeed Wholesale Pty.Ltd, together with Richard Graves, Alfred Vickers and Tony Marshall, at the Jensen factory in September 1971. Taylor dropped into Jensen Motors to see around the factory and to discuss marketing in Australia.
Taylorspeed were appointed to handle sales in Australia in 1969. Owned by John Taylor and run by him and his two sons, John and Peter. It was Peter Taylor who managed to convince Jensen Motors to agree to give them a chance. He was responsible for the franchise. Taylorspeed were already BMC agents and may have handled Jaguar.
Initially they did well, despite Jensen Motors’ reservations about their being in South Australia instead of Sydney. However, after the collapse of the Australian stock market at the beginning of the 1970s, sales were hit hard and they took time to recover.
Taylorspeed remained the Jensen Motors distributor for Australia until 1974, when Jensen Motors had to force them into liquidation due to none payment of cars they had sold.
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JENSEN MOTORS DISTRIBUTORS | AMERICA & CANADA
JENSEN MOTORS INC (USA)
San Francisco, California
President: Kjell Qvale
Jensen Motors Inc showrooms on Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco. The building was the headquarters of Kjell Qvale.
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JENSEN / HEALEY MOTORS EASTERN DISTRIBUTORS INC (USA)
Philadelphia, USA.
Jensen distributors from at least 1972 and finished by 1974. JENSEN MOTORS INC (EAST), based in Baltimore had taken over.
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CLASSIC & THOROUGHBRED MOTORS LTD (CANADA)
North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Classic & Thoroughbred Cars photographed in February 1974 from the highway. The showroom can be seen to the right of the image with the Jensen sign taking pride of place. The Company were also Peugeot and Saab dealers.
D. Blair Hamilton was the owner of Classic and Thoroughbred Motor Cars in Vancouver, BC, during the 1960s-1970s. He was Scottish and trained in ship building. It is thought Hamilton became a Jensen distributor at some point in the early 1970s. The Company were definately Jensen distributors by 1973
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MARKS MOTOR COMPANY
AGANA, GUAM
USA
Jensen distributors from 1974
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S.C.U.DISTRIBUTORS LTD (CANADA)
Ontario, Canada
Jensen distributors from at least 1972
Jensen Motors Distributors A-Z
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Martin Colvill, Bell & Colvill | Andrew Edwards, former MD Cropredy Bridge Garage | Han Kamp, Jensen historian |Tony Marshall, former MD Wilmslow Motors | Niels-Erik Mannische | Adrian Miller, Bell & Colvill | Jeff Murry
COPYRIGHTS: All images and text copyright of The Jensen Museum
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: If you have any additional information about this article, please contact us at archive@jensenmuseum.org or telephone on: +1694-781354
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