Richard Arthur Jensen (1909-1977), automotive designer and maker of quality cars
1909 Born in Moseley the son of Frank Arthur Jensen, Provision Merchant, and his wife Annie
c.1926 Teenagers Frank Alan Jensen and his brother Richard Arthur Jensen rebuilt a 3-year old Austin into a fast sports car, called Jensen Special Number One. This was seen by the chief engineer of Standard Motor Co who commissioned them to design the 2-seater Standard Avon, and in 1930 a coupe[1].
1930 Director of Patrick-Jensen Motors, Ltd. Produced the hand-built Patrick-Jensen, on a Wolseley: Hornet chassis
The Jensen brothers formed an association with W. J. Smith and Sons, (West Bromwich Motor and Carriage Works), and formed Jensen Motors as a subsidiary jointly with his brother Frank Alan Jensen.
1934 The business became Jensen Motors
1936 Formed Jensen Motors, Ltd., incorporating The West Bromwich Motor and Carriage Works
Went on to pioneer many novel features in production cars (and now found in modern cars) including disc brakes, overdrive, and fibreglass bodies. Fitting of the Ferguson 4-wheel drive system on a passenger car is said to have given Jensen greatest pleasure.
Joint Managing Director, Jensen Motors, Ltd., since 1936
Retired early due to ill health. Lived in Malta
1977 Died in London
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ The Times, Oct 26, 1964
- The Times, Sep 14, 1977