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

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✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

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