The 1963 Jensen CV8, famous for its controversial slant eyed styling, was one of the fastest accelerating four seater cars of the 1960s. Using Chrysler’s 5916 cc 305 bhp V8 (with Torqueflite three speed automatic transmission), it easily under cut all of the big gun opposition on price, and could reach 120 mph (192 km/h) from rest in less than half a minute. Although flowing established Jensen concepts steel pressings and a box section to carry the suspension, the CV8s chassis was new and, like many high class British manufactures, Jensen went about plundering the parts bins of lowly mass market firms for brakes and suspension. Still, the interior struck the right gentleman’s club tone, with leather, wood and Wilton carpet everywhere. The model was progressively improved over just four years of production. The MK II came along in 1964 with its bigger 330 bhp 6.3 liter engine, but the last and best looking of the line was the Mk III of 1965, with its lower scuttle, equal size lights and lack of chrome around the headlights apertures. By this time the interceptor was well on the way, its beautiful touring style steel body bestowing some much needed glamour on the ageing CV8 chassis, which was used virtually unchanged.
It was heavier, though by about 220 bhp (100 kg), and no interceptor ever quite matched the ferocity of the earlier, fiberglass bodied car though the gears, although better aerodynamics meant a higher top speed. The CV8 is a much rear car then its successors. Only 461 examples were built compared with almost 6000 interceptors.
