Istorie
Before the word “supercar” had even been coined, the C-V8 was one. Powered by the 305 bhp Chrysler 361 ci V8 at first, and later by a 330 bhp version of this engine, it was one of the most potent automobiles of its era — with handling, comfort, luxury and safety to match.
Full description
The C-V8 was a low production GT car produced in England by Jensen Motors between 1962 and 1966. Only 500 were ever made. Out of those, 182 were Mk IIIs
The C-V8 represented the pinnacle of the Jensen brothers’ thirty-year involvement in the motor industry. Arguably, it was the last of the true Jensens because it was the final model in a long line designed and built under the personal direction of Mr. Richard and Mr. Alan. Both washed their hands of the C-V8’s successor before leaving Jensen Motors in 1966.
Before the word “supercar” had even been coined, the C-V8 was one. Powered by the 305 bhp Chrysler 361 ci V8 at first, and later by a 330 bhp version of this engine, it was one of the most potent automobiles of its era — with handling, comfort, luxury and safety to match.
The shape which clothed Jensens’s first V8 chassis in thirty years was designed by the Jensen brothers and their Chief Body Engineer, Eric Neale. Originally it was to have been called the 541 CT, or 541 Mk II, apparently to build on the lineage of the Jensen 541 models made since 1955. But somewhere along the line the term “C-V8” was invented, apparently for “Centre-Tube chassis, V8”.
The fortunate few who came into contact with the four-seat coupe were literally amazed by its performance, although opinion was somewhat divided on its styling.
Introduced in October 1962, the C-V8 was a smash hit. Yet, even as the first production examples were reaching buyers in early 1963, the factory was working on an improved version. In October that year, the Mk II made its debut, featuring some minor body modifications and the promise of more to come. During the Mk II model run, which ended in July 1965, a LHD version was introduced, as was a manual gearbox option. Significantly too, the engine was uprated to the excellent 383 ci unit, used in all subsequent Jensen models until 1972. In mid 1965 came the last version of the C-V8 — the Mk III — featuring a redesigned front end, a slightly shorter body, a beautiful veneered dashboard and split braking circuits.
This example of Mk III has been resident in France for many years and has been recently restored.
The car has travelled 93,448 miles (approx. 150,000 km).
