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Jensen C-V8 MkIII

Jensen C-V8 MkIIIJensen C-V8 MkIIIJensen C-V8 MkIIIJensen C-V8 MkIIIJensen C-V8 MkIII
Jensen C-V8 MkIIIJensen C-V8 MkIIIJensen C-V8 MkIIIJensen C-V8 MkIIIJensen C-V8 MkIII
Lot number 77
Hammer value N/S (est. £13,000 - £15,000)
Description Jensen C-V8 MkIII
Registration FKH 568C
Year 1965
Colour Dark Blue
Engine size 6,276 cc
Chassis No. 112/2317
Engine No. 264/4V

“It is that wonderful sense of gliding in silence, with almost unlimited power in reserve, which makes this such a delightful car for long journeys. For those poor mortals who are forced to motor in this purgatory which is England, there is still great charm in handling so much power, even below 70mph. It is that sudden surge of shattering acceleration which can then be such a wonderful safety feature. Other drivers, bored and sleepy, may suddenly put you in jeopardy, but a jab of the accelerator flings the Jensen clear of trouble and an impending accident becomes a trivial incident because you just aren’t there any more. The Jensen is a luxury car that handles like a sportscar.”

At least two things are clear from John Bolster’s road test of a C-V8 MkIII in the April 1966 issue of Autosport: one, he was mightily impressed by the performance; and two, attempting to drive fast in England 44 years ago was every bit as frustrating then as it still is today.

Launched in July 1965, the dragster-like MkIII C-V8 was substantially the same as the MkII but is distinguished by its bigger windscreen thanks to a lower bonnet and scuttle line; cleaner front end styling with no chrome around the headlamps; improved cabin ventilation and dashboard layout and an electrically demisted rear window. It is also rarer than the MkII with just 181 examples made before it was replaced by the Interceptor in September 1966.

First registered in November 1965 with the number FKH 568C, this particular MkIII was acquired by a Dutch enthusiast several years ago and has since been steadily upgraded for fast Continental touring and rallies. Work carried out to date includes: full gearbox overhaul; partial engine rebuild; full carburettor overhaul; uprated radiator core and twin electric fans; additional oil cooler; uprated 75 amp dynamo; electronic ignition; Coopercraft racing calipers with braided hoses; custom-made stainless steel exhausts with ceramic coated racing manifolds; racing safety harnesses and new tyres all round.

All the paperwork to recover the original UK plates comes with the car, as do the plates themselves and a UK V5 registration document. There is a Dutch MOT certificate valid until March 2011. Also included are photographs and invoices to substantiate all the works carried out; photographs of the car in production at the factory; an original 6-page colour promotional booklet; a refurbished original C-V8 wood-rim steering wheel; a spare ignition box and two spare rebuilt carburettors.

Needless to say the car is now said to drive exceptionally well and has recently completed a 3,000 mile European tour with no problems whatsoever. These big British bruisers really are fabulously eccentric and thrilling machines and this one looks excellent value at the guide price suggested today.
 

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