1965 Jensen CV8 MKII

Lot details
Registration No: JMC 71C
Chassis No: 104/2294
Mot Expiry: March 2013

The 'slant-eyed' CV8 was launched in October 1962 in place of the visually similar 541. Penned by Eric Neale in consultation with the Jensen brothers, it sported a fibreglass body equipped with a pair of aluminium doors. This was affixed to an advanced, twin-tube chassis designed by Kevin Beattie and powered by a 5.9-litre Chrysler V8 engine mated to a three-speed, column-operated Torqueflite automatic transmission. It sported coil-sprung independent front suspension, a limited slip differential for its live axle, four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes and rack and pinion steering. The MKII CV8 introduced just a year later boasted still more performance, courtesy of Chrysler's legendary 330bhp 6.3-litre V8. It also featured a range of changes to the bodywork and the addition of Selectaride four-way adjustable rear dampers. The 30cwt CV8 was one of the fastest four-seaters of its era, and could reputedly waft its occupants to 60mph in 6.7 seconds and on to a top speed of over 135mph.

The CV8 on offer is a right-hand drive MKII model from 1965. It sports Blue bodywork complemented by Burgundy leather upholstery and was apparently first registered 'CLL 291C'. It then wore a private plate - '1 ELW' - before acquiring the current number, 'JMC 71C'. It has reportedly benefited from a degree of restoration, during which we understand the Selectaride rear dampers were replaced with conventional units. The vendor informs us that the interior trim, V8 engine and automatic transmission are all original and currently classed by him as "good", while he views the fibreglass bodywork and paintwork as "very good". Using the various old MOT certificates that date back to 1978 as a guide, he believes the indicated mileage of 87,000 could well be correct, but cannot warrant it as such. The Jensen is taxed until the end of February 2013 and its MOT is valid until March 2013.