Finding an unusual or rare Jensen steam engine is something that everyone hopes for. Finding a truly unique Jensen engine is the ultimate experience for a Jensen collector. Such is the case of the engine shown above. The owner contacted us asking if we'd ever heard of a "vinyl base"  Jensen engine. Needless to say we were dubious until he supplied photos of this model 75.  The base is steel with a grained blue vinyl coating. Not only did the owner have the engine, he had the dated Jensen shipping carton marked "Model 75 Sample Vinyl Base". After a few inquiries  we determined this to be an authentic example of Tom Sr.'s constant efforts to find new ways to improve his beloved Jensen engines. The vinyl idea obviously never made the grade, but we know one collector who isn't complaining.