Jensen CV8 Mk2

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"The impression that emerged was of a car superbly suited to Grand Touring in the true sense. A very smooth silent 6-litre engine and transmission gave it a performance so effortless as to be entirely deceptive. It comes as a shock to find that the figures (136mph and 0-100mph in 20.9 sec) make it one of the fastest cars we have ever tested and certainly the fastest four seater." As this Motor review attests, the Jensen C-V8, introduced at the October 1962 Earls Court Motor Show, was truly a startlingly rapid machine.

Penned by Eric Neale in consultation with the Jensen brothers, its dramatic glassfibre bodywork clothed an advanced tubular chassis designed by Kevin Beattie. Equipped with independent coil-sprung front suspension, a 'live' rear axle, four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes, a limited slip differential and rack and pinion steering, the new Jensen was powered by a Chrysler ‘Golden Commando’ 5.9-litre V8 engine allied to Torqueflite automatic transmission. Boasting some 305bhp and 395lbft of torque in MkI guise, it was capable of over 132mph.

Not content to sit on their laurels, the Bromwich concern released an updated MkII version in October 1963. Distinguished by various minor body modifications, it remained in production until July 1965 and featured an even larger 6.3-litre powerplant with a four barrel Carter carb that gave 330bhp and 425lbft.

The owner of this ‘peach’ clearly decided that even that wasn’t enough, and during its restoration around five years ago, the engine was given a full make-over. A ‘440 stroker kit’ was fitted, increasing capacity to a mere 8.2-litres and new Edelbrock cylinder heads were fitted with roller-rocker gear, a hot camshaft and a ‘double-pumper’ Holley carburettor sitting on an RPM intake manifold. The headers are also by RPM and join to a 2 ½” stainless system which sounds superb – obviously!. To make it all lovely and reliable, an MSD electronic ignition was added, along with a five core radiator and twin Pacet fans…

The transmission consists of a heavy-duty Torqueflite box with a roller-bearing torque converter and a new oil cooler and lines. Hauser Racing rebuilt the rear axle, upgrading it in the process and the brakes got an uprated servo and Coopercraft calipers – necessary additions we feel!

During this process, the chassis was fitted with replacement sill, floors and rear chassis section and the wonderfully straight bodywork finished in a most attractive metallic burgundy. We are advised by the vendor that the panel gaps are good and that all doors open and close as one would hope.

On the inside, the seats and door cards were retrimmed in the finest Connolly leather, new high-quality carpets fitted and the West of England head lining is in excellent order. Given the mellifluous tones from the exhaust, we think the modern CD hiding in the glovebox is rather redundant.

It currently sits on 15”x7” Minilite-style alloys which have been painted anthracite and wear excellent modern Pirellis. The original steel wheels and caps are however included in the sale and it has just flown through an MOT which expires at the end of February 2020.

This 55 year old CV8 delivers effortless ‘scalded cat’ performance, drop-dead gorgeous looks and has been the subject of a quality restoration. Yummy…