Miniatures :
Jensen Interceptor par Corgi Rocket, ref3396
Jensen Interceptor FF 1968 par Playart, ref. 7112
"Not far from Birmingham, in West Bromwich, the small Jensen firm had been coach building its own sporting cars for many years using domestically-source engines from Austin. However a change in fortune brought about by contracts to dress out Big Healeys and build Volvo P1800s, led to Jensen more seriously considering its position as a manufacturer of sports cars. The first of the "new line" of Chrysler V8-engined Jensens was the oddly-styled and fiberglass-bodied CV8 of 1962 that was largely a continuation of the earlier Austin-powered 541. Selling moderately well, the CV8 provided Jensen with a valuable test bed from which it would draw many of its later sports car ideas that eventually culminated in the striking, steel-bodied Interceptor of 1966. Styled by Vignale, the big Interceptor with its Chrysler 383 V8 was both handsome and practical as well as immediately successful. Growing ever more refined through two series, prior to the introduction of the 440-engined Series III in 1971, the rather exclusive Interceptor finally acquired an American distributor and became one of the most popular hybrids sold in the United States. In spite of the car's distinctive lines and high level of performance, only one diecast maker ever offered a model of the Interceptor: Corgi sold two versions of their Interceptor miniature with first appearing in the Rockets lineup with a removable chassis and the second bowing in the standard Corgi Juniors range. Rare today, these models do the mighty Interceptor a great justice.Yet Jensen, readily attempting to establish itself as a manufacturer of super cars, was not happy to merely build the "basic" Interceptor. Although a prototype CV8 was built that included Harry Ferguson's "Ferguson Formula" four-wheel-drive system and Dunlop's Maxaret Anti-skid braking system, it was only used as an experimental tested and was never intended to see production. However, the lessons it taught Jensen's engineers would go into developing what has frequently been called the world's first super car: the incredible Jensen FF. Distinguished from its companion model Interceptor by its slightly stretched wheelbase and twin cooling vents in the front wings, the FF was the first production car to incorporate both the Ferguson Formula as well as the aircraft-derived Maxaret system that was an early, fully mechanical anti-lock braking system. Due to its high price, few FFs were built; however, its highly significant place in automotive history is assured. Curiously, only a few models of this widely publicized super car were produced and of them, only one was scale to 1:64. That miniature was made by Hong Kong's Playart and it featured an opening bonnet in addition to a very well-proportioned body."
SOURCE: Chris Rees, et al. "Bay View Books 98-99 Classic Car Buyer's Guide." Bay View Books, Bideford
http://publications.kaleden.com/articles/235/toycar24.htm
Voir aussi :
http://toycars.whaticollect.com/
http://toycars.whaticollect.com/index-articles-subtab_14-ArticleID_2137
The Jensen Interceptor FF is one of Playart's most interesting models. It represents a rare British grand touring car of ther 1960's. The Jensen Interceptor was built in Great Britian and powered by a Chrysler V8. The FF model, identified by the double side-vents on the front fenders, was one of the first production cars to feature four-wheel drive.
In 1:64 scale, Corgi also produced the Jensen Interceptor but only Playart did the Interceptor FF. Playart also provided an opening hood with engine detail. The Jensen represents many of the features that make Playart diecast a delight for collectors. The exterior and interior colors are period correct. This is rare in small-scale diecast of any vintage. The casting includes detail like the wing-window pillar, a very delicate looking but surprisingly sturdy feature. The tires with their chrome wheels are not ideal but compare well to other diecast of this scale. The body and base are both made of diecast metal, adding weight and strenght to the model. The base has reasonable detail and includes the manufacturer name, country, car make and model. A model number would be helpful but was seldom included by Playart. The painting of the base in white is curious as it would have looked better to leave it in bare metal. This however, is another common Playart feature.
Overall, the Jenson looks very correct in small-scale. This is not a cheap diecast product. In comparison to the Matchbox, Corgi and Majorette products of the same vintage, Playart vehicles are equal or superior to any of the diecast offered by the larger manufacturers. With the quality and rarity of this model, it is surprising that the value is not higher. If you can find one, the price should not exceed $8-10 in the collector market.
Source : http://publications.kaleden.com/articles/235/toycar28.htm
Encore CORGI Rockets
Playart
Et LE site sur les miniatures JENSEN :
http://www.british-steel.org/brochure/models.html
Message édité par pedro51biso le 04-10-2002 à 12:21:04