2003 Jensen SV8

Lot details
Registration No: KJ03ARX
Chassis No: SJE1104LA2LSV0020
Mot Expiry: July 2009

In 1998 the Redditch-based Creative Group Ltd announced its intention to revive Jensen. Debuting at that year's British Motor Show with a projected sub-£40,000 price tag, the prototype S-V8 attracted 300 deposits. Styled by Howard Guy and Gary Doy, its lines echoed several past Jensens but without being too self-consciously 'retro'. Based around a steel monocoque chassis equipped with four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and ventilated disc brakes, the two-seater was powered by a Ford 4.6litre 32-valve V8 engine allied to five-speed manual transmission. With a quoted 325bhp and 330lbft on tap, the sportscar was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds and 155mph. Unfortunately, the Creative Group soon discovered that £9,000,000 was not enough to design, develop and produce a new car. After numerous 'debugging' delays, the first customer S-V8 did not roll off the production line until August 2001 and when the receivers were called in the following year just twenty cars had been completed. Another eighteen partially assembled cars were acquired up by SV Automotive of Carterton, Oxfordshire. Though, only twelve of these were finished off (the others being retained for spares).

Finished in silver with black leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent overall" condition. Reportedly "a one owner from new car", the Jensen sports an upgraded hood that was "revised and retrimmed to new dimensions by McCruddons Bodyshop of Oxford (invoice for £5,478 included)". While, further efforts to counter known S-V8 faults are said to have seen 'KJ03 ARX' treated to the following newly fitted components: "steering column, anti-roll bar, steering stops, front / rear dampers, grilles, seat mounts, rear wings, brakes, bumpers and heat shields etc". Riding on six-spoke alloys, this modern British classic is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until July 2009.