1963 Jensen CV8

• One of only 499 CV8s built of which just 250 were MkIIs
• Forty-Five years of caring ownership in the hands of a Rolls-Royce engineer
• Body off chassis restoration completed with superb attention to detail
• An older restoration but remains in superb condition throughout to this very day
• Accompanied by extensive history files containing a photographic record of the rebuild, invoices, engineers drawings, several handwritten diaries and freshly issued MOT Certificate.

NB; Please note that registration number shown, 911 HWR, does not form part of the sale

"The impression that emerged was of a car superbly suited to Grand Touring in the true sense. A very smooth silent 6-litre engine and transmission gave it a performance so effortless as to be entirely deceptive. It comes as a shock to find that the figures (136mph and 0-100mph in 20.9 sec) make it one of the fastest cars we have ever tested and certainly the fastest four seater." As this Motor magazine review attests, the Jensen C-V8, introduced at the October 1962 Earls Court Motor Show, was a genuinely rapid machine.

Penned by Eric Neale in consultation with the Jensen brothers, its dramatic glassfibre bodywork clothed an advanced tubular chassis designed by Kevin Beattie. Equipped with independent coil-sprung front suspension, a 'live' rear axle, four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes, a limited-slip differential and rack and pinion steering, the new Jensen was powered by a Chrysler ‘Golden Commando’ 5.9-litre V8 engine allied to Torqueflite automatic transmission. Boasting some 305bhp and 395lbft of torque in MkI guise, it was capable of over 132mph.

Not content to sit on their laurels, the Bromwich concern released an updated MkII version in October 1963. Distinguished by various minor body modifications, it remained in production until July 1965 and featured an even larger 6.3-litre powerplant with a four barrel Carter carb that gave 330bhp and 425lbft.

Finished in Burgundy with Magnolia Hide, this particular magazine featured Jensen CV8, on offer from long-term ownership, has been lovingly and fastidiously restored by its previous Rolls-Royce Engineer owner, Philip Widdowson, and although the body-off chassis rebuild was completed in excess of thirty-five years ago, the condition remains the same. The car is accompanied by comprehensive history files which include a photographic record of the rebuild alongside engineers' drawings, handwritten restoration diaries, original handbook, radio operating instructions and associated paperwork, all of which are fascinating and a compelling read in their own right indicating that this reincarnation is far more than just a rebuild, more a labour of love completed with passion, mechanical excellence and sound engineering practice.  Various mechanical enhancements include Electronic Ignition, Evans Waterless Coolant, a manual choke conversion and upgraded Rostyle Wheels. With regular detailed care throughout its life this Jensen comes highly recommended with many more miles of classic motoring left under its belt. Your personal inspection is welcomed and encouraged and half an hour reading the history files is almost compulsory.

Please note that the registration number shown, 911 HWR, will not remain with the car and will be removed prior to sale.