Jensen SP

Information

Jensen SP chassis number 131/4254 was the first production SP. Built up with a specification of tangerine paint, vinyl roof, and black leather trim, the car was completed in September 1971 in time for the October Motor Show. Jensen Motors registered the car on 8th September 1971 at which time the car was assigned the registration number GEA 77K.

Directly after the Motor Show, GEA 77K was used as a demonstration car, and was the subject of articles with both Autocar and Motor magazines. Apparently the ‘G’ series engine had blown up during testing, so Jensen Motors fitted an ‘H’ series engine in its place.

In April 1972 the car was sold to its first private owner, Mr. Richard G. Rawlings, company director of Rawlings & Sons Wine Shippers and Merchants. At the point of purchase, Rawlings wanted a ‘towing attachment’ fitted to the car, in order to tow his boat on weekend coastal trips.

A letter from Rawlings seems to indicate that Jensen Motors were reluctant to install such an attachment to the car, this was due to implications with warranty. However, Rawlings insisted, and his insistence paid off. Jensen Motors fitted the towing attachment.