Jensen CV8 Restoration Project

The brothers Richard and Alan Jensen started building special bodies on Standard and other chassis makes in the thirties of the twentieth century. From the year 1935 they started fabricating their own cars fitted with Nash and Ford engines. In the year 1950 the first Interceptor was presented, powered by a big six cylinder Austin engine. Jensen Motor Company had found her way building fast and stylish GT's. In 1953 the beautiful Jensen 541 was presented on the London motor show. The 2+2 coupe was given strong and purposeful lines and the bodywork was made of GRP (Glass fiber reinforced plastic). The car was powered by a four Litre Austin six cylinder in-line engine. In the year 1962 the first Jensen with American V8 engine was presented; the Jensen C-V8. Inspired by the French make Facel Vega Jensen decided to fit her sports cars with the powerful and reliable Chrysler engines. The rear wheels were powered thru a Chrysler Torqueflite automatic gearbox and a Powr-Lock limited slip differential. The C-V8 featured GRP bodywork again. The automobiles are scarce. Of the Mk I model 68 units were build in 1962 and 1963. The C-V8 Mk II was build in a batch of 250 cars between 1963 and 1965. The Mk III model was built 181 times between the years 1965 and 1966.

Technical data

V8 engine (Chrysler)
cylinder capacity: 6276 cc. (383 cui)
capacity: 335 bhp. at 4600 rpm.
top-speed: 225 km/h.
gearbox: 3-speed, automatic
weight: 1525 kg.