The Hensen was born in the very early eighties when the Kit Car boom was taking off big time. Being based on a MK I Granada, with the aim of using as many donor parts as possible, it was meant to be the poor mans luxury sports car. The sales literature boasted "speed with safety", which was quite right as it was designed with a full roll cage and intrusion bars using 2"x2" square section steel, and a double skinned nose-cone which was foam filled to act as a crumple zone in a frontal accident.
At the time of production the donor car was readily available and relatively cheap to acquire. With the original kit prices starting at £4000.00 for a comprehensive kit including everything you need other than the donor, this made the Hensen a viable car for many people, although not at the bottom of the kit car market at the time.Some 17 cars were built, some of which were built by Hugo himself, others being built by the purchasers.
When production stopped in the late eighties the cars became a rarity, existing models being scattered throughout the country. Hugo later purchased one of the Hensens back in the early nineties and, along with his colleague, tried to restart production. However interest at the time was not very forthcoming. The moulds were offered up for sale and several kit manufacturers showed some interest, but couldn't be tempted to part with their hard cash. This tempted Hugo to try the markets abroad and one of the cars was shipped to America along with his colleague. Interest was keen, but unfortunately Hugo's colleague suffered with his health, a terminal condition, and nothing was taken any further.
Around this time the club was started following a recent purchase of a built Hensen by myself. It is aimed to have all 17 cars in the club within the next few years, club membership to date standing at seven vehicles.