Jensen CV8 - A Brief History

In October 1962 Jensen launched the 2 door 4 seater fibre glass bodied CV8 saloon. It was powered by an American Chrysler V8 engine and came with automatic transmission and all round disc brakes as standard. It was also the first British car to feature an alternator rather than a dynamo. As with previous Jensen models the interior was very well appointed, being fitted with leather seats, high quality carpet, and its comprehensive instrumentation was set into a  wood veneer fascia. In January 1964 the Mk II model was introduced and apart from some minor changes to external brightwork, had a larger version on the Chrysler V8 engine, headlamp flasher, 2 speed wipers and a reversing lamp as standard equipment. Later in the same year a manual gearbox model became available but this car was fitted with the smaller engine of the earlier car. The Mk III model followed in 1965, and this featured dual circuit braking, more minor trim changes and this time the manual gearbox version kept the same engine, although it has to be said that very few manual gearbox cars were sold. production of the CV8 ended in October 1966.

Specifications

Model

CV8 Mk I

CV8 Mk II

CV8 Mk III

Years Produced

1962 -1964

1964 -1965

1965 -1966

Body Type (all)

2 door, fibre glass body on steel chassis

Length

15ft 5in

15ft 5in

15ft 5in

Width

5ft 8in

5ft 8in

5ft 8in

Weight

3514lb

3332lb

3332lb

Engine

V8 5916cc

V8 6276cc

V8 6276cc

Power

305 bhp @  4800 rpm

330 bhp @  4600 rpm

330 bhp @  4600 rpm

Torque

395lb ft @  3000 rpm  

425lb ft @  2800 rpm  

425lb ft @  2800 rpm  

Gearbox

3 speed automatic (optional manual from 1964)

Driven Wheels

Rear

Rear

Rear

Brakes

Discs all round

Discs all round

Discs all round

Front Suspension

Independent coils spring and wishbone

Rear Suspension

Leaf Spring, live axle

Leaf Spring, live axle

Leaf Spring, live axle

CV8 MkII (left) and MkIII

[Home]   [Makes]   [Directory]   [Gallery]   [Contact]   [Forum]   [Chat]   [Shop]   [Fun]