Lot 114: 1964 Jensen CV8

1964 Jensen CV8 Mk IIRegistration Number: BHE 851B Chassis Number: 104/2245By the early 1960s Jensen's 541 was no longer a competitive proposition in the upper price bracket of the high performance market. More power was needed and the logical step was to use a larger engine. Launched in 1953, the 541 was a sleek and stylish fastback coupé that had also been the first ever production four seater to use a fibreglass body. For its new CV8, Jensen continued with this design, substituting the 541's four litre Austin engine for a Chrysler V8 while restyling the front and rear of the body. Underneath, however, the CV8 sported a new, even more robust, ladder frame chassis but retaining the coil spring/wishbone independent front suspension of the 541 allied to a leaf sprung rear axle located by Panhard rod; as on the last 541 models, there were disc brakes all round. Launched at the 1962 Earls Court Show, the CV8 received much praise. Producing 305bhp at 4,800rpm from the 5,916cc V8, mated to a three speed Chrysler Torqueflite automatic transmission, it was capable of not only over I30mph but also 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds and the standing start quarter mile in 16 seconds dead; allied to near even weight distribution and a well-sorted chassis, together with standard limited slip differential, it was a very fast car. Inside, the all leather interior also featured innovative height adjustable seat belts. In early 1964 the CV8 appeared in Mk II guise with engine capacity increased to 6,276cc. Output rose to 330bhp at 4,600rpm with the 0-60mph time reduced to just 7.8 seconds. Mid-1965 saw the final Mk III appear; mechanically this differed in having dual circuit brakes but it was visually distinguishable by larger windscreen, lower scuttle and less severe headlamp layout, while inside reclining seats and a wooden facia became standard. When production ended in 1966, just 496 CV8s had been built. Delivered new in 1964 to a resident in London's Sloane Square, this CV8 Mk II moved a few years later to New York, after which its whereabouts remained unknown until 2000 when it was located in Australia. The Sheffield garage owner who brought the car back to Great Britain then undertook a comprehensive, body-off restoration over the next two years, the work including stripping and repainting the chassis, completely overhauled braking system and suspension, reconditioned transmission, new tyres, a stainless steel exhaust system and the fitment of a CD player. Finished in Regal Red with tan leather interior, this majestic and rapid four seater coupe comes with a small history file, past MoT test certificates and a current one valid until June 2008.Estimate£11,000-£14,000