'A Rare and Truly Outstanding Example'  1966  Jensen CV8 Mk III

Awards 


2003 
Jensen Owners Club International, Ettington Chase, Warwick 
Winner - Tony Clarke Novice Cup 

2004 
Jensen Owners Club International , Beaumont House, Windsor 
Winner - Concours d' Elegance, CV8 Class 
Winner - CV8 Class (Silver) 

2005 
Jensen Owners Club International, Eastwood Hall, Nottingham 
Winner - Concours d' Elegance, CV8 Class 
Winner - CV8 Class (Gold) 


CV8 History 

Jensen hand built 499 CV8’s between 1962 and 1966 of which only 181 were Mark III’s. 

I have owned this CV8 since 15th May 1973, and it was the the 4th last model to be produced before the introduction of the Interceptor in 1966.



CV8 Description

The CV8 is an individual and distinctive but classical design. Its structure is a GRP body on a steel chassis, the longitudinal members of which are strong 125mm steel tubes protected by engine oil. 
The character of the car is dominated by its design and the Chrysler 6.3 litre V8 engine which, by developing 330 bhp, allowed published performance figures in 1966, of 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds, (faster than both the Aston Martin DB6 and Jaguar E-Type) and a top speed in excess of 140mph (220kph). 
Although the CV8 offers sports performance, it also offers comfortable seating for 4 adults in all leather upholstery with boot space to match. 
It is one of the most impressive motor cars of its generation, incorporating the benefits of coachbuilding design and handbuilding skills. 

Car History 

Details 

 
 



Change of Ownership 

10th July 1967 
4th December 1971 
15th May 1973 


Mileage 

Since restoration   3,500 
Total   90,000 

Details of Complete Restoration 
2001 - 2003 

Chassis/Body 

After all mechanical parts had been removed, the body and chassis were separated to allow work to be completed to both. 
After all restoration work, the fibreglass body was then resprayed with primer, 3 undercoats and 2 topcoats. 

Engine/Electrics

Rather than rebuild the engine in the UK , a replacement unit was bought in the USA . The valve seats were modified for the use of unleaded fuel and a new carburetor was fitted. The engine ignition system was modified with electronic ignition. 
To improve engine cooling (historically, always a potential problem for the CV8), 2 Kenlowe fans were fitted. Furthermore, a modification was included to allow the gearbox oil to be cooled separately – see below. 
An uprated alternator and new electrical loom were fitted to accommodate the electrical modifications above, and to ensure improved earthing bonds. 


Gearbox 

The original gearbox was a Chrysler 727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic box. However, unique to this CV8 and to improve cruising performance, a replacement Chrysler A518 automatic gearbox with overdrive was fitted. 

(Performance guide: 2500 rpm at 85 mph/140kph , returning a cruising consumption of 21 mpg/7.5kpl) 

Originally, the gearbox oil was cooled through the radiator. To improve cooling, for the gear box and the engine, a separate gearbox oil cooler was installed 

Suspension 
“Selectaride” 

The system has been refurbished by Stevenson Motors in Birmingham 

Brakes 

All brakes were upgraded with calipers through Coopercraft 

Chrome 

All parts are original but have obviously been rechromed 

Interior

Upholstery and Trim 

The seats are trimmed in black leather and are original but have been treated. The carpeting and additional trim (eg leather vynide above dashboard) have been replaced. The original dashboard, in walnut veneer, and steering wheel have both been restored and french polished. 

History of restoration costs and invoices are fully documented, 
details of which are available upon request