Vendor supplied images
Highlights
- Partially restored MkII for completion
- Lots of work completed to chassis, gearbox and engine
- One of less than 250 6.3L 330bhp factory cars
- Only five registered keepers
The Appeal
The Jensen brothers almost built cars as a sideline. The high quality and low volume contributed to the idea that those who had arrived, bought a Jensen. Those who were still on their way got an Aston Martin.
A clever centre tube chassis and American brawn made the CV-8 one of the fastest production cars in the world. Fibreglass bodywork and aluminium doors kept weight down while siting the engine far back in the chassis - the CV-8 was one of the first mid front engined cars - delivered tidy handling.
Just 250 MkII cars like this one were built, 200 of them with the bigger 330bhp 6.3litre 381CI Chrysler motor.
It reaches market with a comprehensively restoration partly completed and ready to be finished. The work to date has focussed on the chassis - there are new sills and floors - and the mechanicals, including a recently reconditioned gearbox. Inside the originality etends to a very rare Jensen-designed three-spoke steering wheel.
The vendor reports that it runs and drives, so after a check over it could perhaps be used as is and improved as it is enjoyed. Or complete it now and benefit from all the hard work already done. Whichever you choose, this is one of the rarest, most potent and distinctive British GTs ever built.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 9th December 1964
- Chassis number 1042252
- Sold as a restoration project for completion
- Restoration work to date includes sills and floors as shown in photographs
- Gearbox reconditioned in May 2024 at cost of close to £1,500
- Brake system overhauled in June 2024 with invoices shown in photographs
- Oil pump replaced in June 2024
- Includes period first aid kit, tool kit and jack
- Jensen factory workshop manual
- Lots of history as shown in photographs
- Previously painted grey which was changed in October 2011 to red
- Only five registered keepers
- Originally supplied by Jensen dealer Charles Follett of London
- Only 250 MkII cars reported built of which only 200 were 6.3s like this one
- Historic Vehicle that is MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
- Last MOT expired September 2012 with one minor advisory for a tyre
- 65,824 miles showing on last MOT test and now showing 68,836 miles
The Condition
- Partially restored car with red paintwork which was applied in 2011
- Chassis in good order with recent floors and sills as shown in photographs
- Underside presents well with clear evidence of recent work
- Fibreglass bodywork appears in good order with no obvious crazing or damage
- Aluminium doors similarly well kept with no obvious damage
- Paintwork shows obvious signs of deterioration, including microblistering and chips to bonnet
- The car would benefit from bodywork and paintwork restoration
- Chromework is complete and generally undamaged but with some tarnish
- Sits on factory steel wheels with chrome hub caps showing good condition and shine
- Complete lights and glasswork which appear to be well kept
- Red leather interior in patinated condition but appears to be complete
- Seats and carpets show age but remain serviceable
- Interior retains its veneer dashboard, Smiths dials and bespoke Jensen steering wheel
- Other features include Britax lap belts and a period Motorola steering wheel
The CV-8 was a fully in-house design that incorporate some clever design features. The chassis is of a centre tube design, which kept the car light, with the engine positioned well back for good weight distribution. The styling was certainly ‘distinctive’ and renders the CV-8 one of the stand-out cars of its era.
The car comes to market part way through a very comprehensive restoration process. That work has included new sills and floors - obvious in the photographs - which lifts the structure to a high level.
This car was repainted in red in 2011. The bodywork and paintwork show obvious signs of age, but are not damage and the fibreglass does not appear to be crazed. There are chips and microblistering to the bonnet.
Inside the cabin looks very original, trimmed as it is in red leather. The period details abound, including the wood-rimmed Jensen three spoke wheel - an innovation at the time and which the firm specially designed - at considerable expense - for the car. The interior is serviceable but would obvious respond to investment.
The Mechanics
- 6,276cc 381CI 330bhp Chrysler V8 engine
- Freshly reconditioned 3spd automatic gearbox
- Electrically adjustable rear dampers
- New exhaust system
- Recently overhauled brakes
- Oil pump replaced in June 2024
- Recent engine-out work as shown in photographs
- No reported running or driving issues
- Due to very limited recent use, some mechanical recommissioning or running in should be anticipated
Dropping Chrysler’s V8 under the clamshell bonnet created one of the world’s fastest production cars. MkII CV-8s got even faster, power up to 330bhp and 60mph arriving in a supercar-standard 6.7secs.
These big cars handled surprisingly well because the engine was positioned far back in the chassis. They went as well as they did thanks to that lightweight structure and fibreglass bodywork. This car is one of the 200 6.3s and reported to run and drive well. Very recent mechanical investment includes a reconditioned gearbox - just fitted - and attention to the brakes. There is also a new oil pump.
With very little use since the last MOT in 2011, the buyer will likely need to let that work bed in. They should also anticipate a check over and likely other recommissioning.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
