Since the last issue of Wirral Life, we managed to squeeze in, not one, but two great
meetings. As the car hibernation window is approaching, and the salt spreaders
glisten our roads, a surprising number of older classic cars still came in numbers.
We just love the sound of that distant burble of those classic carburettors cutting
through the cold crisp air of the early mornings. The enthusiasts waiting in
anticipation, guessing the vehicles.
Check out this for a lineup - Cliff ’s vibrant flat blue Lamborghini Espada
(previously featured in Wirral Life) owned by Bono from U2; Simon Rawsthorne’s
first appearance with his Rosso Red Ferrari 348 GTB - beautifully maintained to
Ferrari Concourse Club standards, Lee Weaver’s rare Volkswagen Syncro van full
of accessories any dubber would die for, and Adam Pendlebury’s 1966 freshly built
resto-mod VW Notchback.
The car of the month, chosen by the CNC crowd is the Misano Red one owner BMW
E30 M3 Evo 2. After being a subject for burglars, the car was in a horrible state. The car
has been beautifully restored by a well known restorer in Germany - Schmiedmann
Specialist in BMW (the restoration can be seen on Youtube -Restoring a BMW E30
M3 EVO2 in 9 minutes!)
If you are a frequent reader of our column, you will remember Ryan’s Shelby
Mustang GT (Steve McQueen’s car in the movie Bullitt), that was sold to make way
for a new project which has taken until now to restore - an even more stunning top
trump card, a 1975 Jensen Interceptor Series 3, 7.2 litre engine in a deep metallic
Brienz blue. The interior featured a lavish wood dashboard, only available on the
last run of cars, it is within the last 40 cars produced when production ceased of
the original company. There has been discussions over the years that it was built to
higher than standard specification due to it being commissioned to be exhibited at
the Irish motor show hence the delay in registration to its first owner. This Jensen has
been well documented throughout its life including the original registration, build
sheets and its low and evidenced 68,000 miles.
It has been in Ryan’s ownership since 2014, it was in good condition when he bought
it, however in early 2018 he decided that it could be even better so decided to have
all the mechanicals overhauled including the engine, suspension, brakes, electrical
and fuel systems. The body work has also been subjected to a bare metal respray
including replacing the rare louvred bonnet which is hand made to fit. It also has
blue leather diamond stitched seats. The restoration work took just under 18 months
and its first outing was at Cars and Coffee Liverpool.
Ryan said the plan is to use the car regularly and to attend shows locally, it is an
example of what a ‘GT - Grande tourer’ should be, it will be enjoyed and many miles
are planned, before it is passed down to the next generation!
A bit of motoring trivia, even though the Jensen Motors Limited was a British
manufacturer of sports cars and commercial vehicles in West Bromwich, England.
Brothers Alan and Richard Jensen gave the new name, Jensen Motors Limited, to
the commercial body and sports car body making business of W J Smith & Sons
Limited in 1934. It ceased trading in 1976. In 2001 Jensen commenced production
in Speke Liverpool.
We would like to say a huge big thank you to everyone who came. The first meeting
for the Liverpool Lord Mayor - Cllr Anna Rothery, Charities - Anthony Walker
Foundation, Amadudu Women’s Refuge, Liverpool City Region Pride Foundation
and Merseyside Somali Association (raising £241 on the day). The second meeting
was in aid of Marie Curie Woolton. A big shout out to Jack Shum our charitable CNC
mascot bucket shaker, thank you! Until next time, wishing you a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year.
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