The CV8 was originally designed to have Plexiglas headlight covers which improved the styling a great deal. They were dropped to save costs, a big mistake I feel. Aftermarket headlight covers are now available from an enthusiast which make the CV8 more attractive as intended.👍
The beltline kind of ruins it. Get one in black. In Jay Leno's black specimen the weak details are rather swallowed up in an awesome overall impression.
One of my favorite Jensons ! I always thought this car looked like something the Green Hornet would have driven if Cato ever surrendered the wheel, lol.
First time in my 66 years seeing one of these. I see a great deal of both Mercedes and BMW influence in the exterior styling. The quad slant headlights were right from Buick and Lincoln but weren’t popular either. Overall though, I find it a very unique design, and a compelling car to own.
Very interesting. Not terribly ugly.. could definitely use some refinement, I'd like to see a restomod version.. and get the perfect color scheme on it. Some cars wear specific colors that make them look their best.
Curtis - not a restomod, but Jay Leno owns a very nice restored CV8 - and he's a big fan (you can check out his video on the car on UA-cam) . Also ironically - far from owning a DB5, as his character James Bond eschewed in Goldfinger, Sean Connery was another celebrity owner of a CV8 - it appeared on a UK classic car sale site within the last couple of years (with provenance) at a not unreasonable price.
@@iwb316 I agree with where your coming from, a purest point of view.. I personally like subtle upgrades from original that are practical and necessary, always mechanical over aesthetics.. like better brakes for example.. or engine internal upgrades.. that's my preference.
@@richardharrold9736 just a small quote - "The new four-wheel-drive CV8 FF looked remarkably similar to the standard two-wheel-drive CV8, but had a longer front to accept the four-wheel-drive system and front differential." The Ferguson Formula was also utilised with some Ford Mustangs, Trump 2500s etc.
@@adammclennan2627 there was never a CV8 FF. At some point in the 90s somebody bodged together a CV8 with FF running gear and falsely claimed it was a factory prototype. No such vehicle was ever built at West Bromwich. The one and only Jensen collaboration with Ferguson was the Interceptor-based FF production car.
I grew up in south-west London. There was a Jensen specialist workshop on the corner of my street. I would often stop to gaze lovingly at the Jensens being worked on, although the soundtrack made by the Interceptors' twin exhausts was even better than looking at them.
You jump through the history quite inadequately! You missed that Brothers Jensen created quite elegantly designed Cabriolet prewar 1939 with flathead V8 from Ford in it famous Customer was Clark gable
Jensen always used aftermarket engines from 1945 to 1949 it was Meadows 4 litre inline 8 cylinder and later from 1949 to 1962 Austin DS5 4 liter inline 6 cylinder for 541 series. The Austin Princess used this engine for funerals. The Jensen brothers were quite persuaded that this was enough power between 90 and finally 137 bhp. The investors had different opinion. The design of the 541 S was evolved for the CV-8 with chinese eyes beams.
Jensen developed also a chassis for trucks with underfloor engine around 1949 it had a skeleton frame which could be coached along individual needs of the customer
I LIKE the head on & 3/4 frnt/side views. I will admit on 1st look I DID say, "poor thing, hood never looks closed". But as seen several times: like it. The ‘frnt/mid engine’ is really tops too. Cant give anything but props for typical Brit interiors. More nice wood would B a plus, no? 500 LHD were not enuff~
I had never heard of this Jensen, but I like it a lot. Those angled headlights are a little strange, but all things considered, it's got a lot going for it. Of course, almost anything would be beautiful compared to the mouse-shaped sedans, and the bloated ugly SUVs of today.
Honestly doesnt look bad. If this looks bad then the callaway c5 looks bad too because they have the same headlight design Also gotta love british approach to sports cars, small light body + big v8 go brr
That CV8, while respectable, is uglier than Ozzy Osbourne. Now… that red interceptor… that’s a sexy beast, and was seen in fast and the furious 6 or maybe 7. The one where they found Letty with no memory. That’s what she was driving when she raced Dom. I never forget the lines of a sexy beast. 11:24
A shame this wasn't as successful a car as the Interceptor, seeing as the latter often rusted away to nothingness. There was a light blue 1965 CV8 just about a quarter of a mile from our home in Burry Port, West Wales, and also an equally rare Interceptor FF in Llanelli, about 5 miles away in the opposite direction.
The 440 engine was 1971 onward and was available as standard with a 4 barrel carb. They also made a versions using the six pack option called the SP and another version using 4 wheel drive called the FF (Ferguson Formula).
What is it with the Brits producing cars with quirky designs? The CV8 side profile looked great, but the slanted headlamp treatment in the front and the triple taillamps in the rear are not flattering. Even the Interceptor's handsome body style was compromised by its enormous rear glass at the rear. Aston Martin and Jaguar also had their share of quirks, but I suppose if they are well-liked then so be it.
I think you'll find that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you find it ugly, then don't worry about it, you're not going to convince anyone else it's ugly. I'd probably find your wife ugly. You see fortunately, we all have a different perception of what we find attractive or ugly!
Much better looking than a number of others, 280z for one and everything that had to put on those big ugly 70's bumpers. They even made the Pantera look bad.
Yes. definitely ugly, but, having been prepared by the likes of Daimler's SP250 we are not shocked to badly. The TR3A in turn, had prepared us for the Daimler. Who said "Give an Englishman a piece of sheetmetal and he will make a dissaster"
It looks like one of those cheap kit cars that were featured in the JCWhitney catalog, many, many, moons ago. Butt ugly face and cheap looking round generic tail lights that have no styling relationship to the molded housing they are stuck in; afterthoughts aft.
Clearly, the debut of the Interceptor made the CV8 style just too old fashoned. But with today's eye I find the Interceptor a little bland or even clumsy; on the contrary, CV8 looks quite aggressive and straight mind conceived, without after thoughs or over designed particulars. Maybe I'm going a little beyond, but some zoo-morphic aspects of the body forerun what Japanese designer are doing today.
@David_Wanker 16-3-51 Why do the English complain about EVERYthing. Instead of bitching, why not offer some constructive criticism and offer corrections or whatever?
I actually quite like it.
And thanks for the break from the muscle cars, I'll quit complaining for now.
I love the front end and hood, love the head light arrangement.
The CV8 was unique and very beautiful car. Beautifully made too. Very fast too.
I wish I’d bought one when I was younger.
The CV8 was originally designed to have Plexiglas headlight covers which improved the styling a great deal. They were dropped to save costs, a big mistake I feel. Aftermarket headlight covers are now available from an enthusiast which make the CV8 more attractive as intended.👍
Ugly? It's quite a nice looking car.
I'd agree!
I agree
The headlamps were way ahead of the times. Not ugly at all, but jolie laide is an apt description: attractive yet quite unconventional looking.
The beltline kind of ruins it. Get one in black. In Jay Leno's black specimen the weak details are rather swallowed up in an awesome overall impression.
As a Triumph fan, I appreciate you showing the TR assembly line in a Jensen video.
One of my favorite Jensons !
I always thought this car looked like something the Green Hornet would have driven if Cato ever surrendered the wheel, lol.
I would own one of those in a heartbeat I saw one that was black and it was amazing
First time in my 66 years seeing one of these. I see a great deal of both Mercedes and BMW influence in the exterior styling. The quad slant headlights were right from Buick and Lincoln but weren’t popular either.
Overall though, I find it a very unique design, and a compelling car to own.
Looks awesome in Black...
Looks badass to me
Aston Maaarhen. One can think of numerous US V8 GTs which only a mother could love.
Very interesting. Not terribly ugly.. could definitely use some refinement, I'd like to see a restomod version.. and get the perfect color scheme on it. Some cars wear specific colors that make them look their best.
Curtis - not a restomod, but Jay Leno owns a very nice restored CV8 - and he's a big fan (you can check out his video on the car on UA-cam) . Also ironically - far from owning a DB5, as his character James Bond eschewed in Goldfinger, Sean Connery was another celebrity owner of a CV8 - it appeared on a UK classic car sale site within the last couple of years (with provenance) at a not unreasonable price.
Restomod .... Why destroy a car to turn it into some sort of glorified kit car? It's only original once.
@@iwb316 I agree with where your coming from, a purest point of view.. I personally like subtle upgrades from original that are practical and necessary, always mechanical over aesthetics.. like better brakes for example.. or engine internal upgrades.. that's my preference.
Maybe my definition or understanding of "restomod" isn't normal. If there is a gauge of restomod, my preference is at the minimum.
What a gorgeous looking car.
Styling has hints of the Volvo P1800, for which Jensen originally built the bodies. The front end also has an early Triumph Spitfire vibe.
I had the Interceptor. Great car, I'd love a CV8 especially the FF version (Ferguson Formula) AWD
The Jensen FF was nothing to do with the CV8, which was rear-wheel-drive only.
@@richardharrold9736 just a small quote - "The new four-wheel-drive CV8 FF looked remarkably similar to the standard two-wheel-drive CV8, but had a longer front to accept the four-wheel-drive system and front differential."
The Ferguson Formula was also utilised with some Ford Mustangs, Trump 2500s etc.
@@adammclennan2627 there was never a CV8 FF. At some point in the 90s somebody bodged together a CV8 with FF running gear and falsely claimed it was a factory prototype. No such vehicle was ever built at West Bromwich. The one and only Jensen collaboration with Ferguson was the Interceptor-based FF production car.
@@richardharrold9736Regardless I am not hanging my hat on it. Personally I love the Jensen CV8!
I think they built a FF CV8 prototype, but only put the FF Interceptor in production
I grew up in south-west London. There was a Jensen specialist workshop on the corner of my street. I would often stop to gaze lovingly at the Jensens being worked on, although the soundtrack made by the Interceptors' twin exhausts was even better than looking at them.
Really glad you reviewed a European car. Hope you do more! Well done!
Love it - gets better looking over time.
You jump through the history quite inadequately!
You missed that Brothers Jensen created quite elegantly designed Cabriolet prewar 1939 with flathead V8 from Ford in it famous Customer was Clark gable
Jensen always used aftermarket engines from 1945 to 1949 it was Meadows 4 litre inline 8 cylinder and later from 1949 to 1962 Austin DS5 4 liter inline 6 cylinder for 541 series. The Austin Princess used this engine for funerals.
The Jensen brothers were quite persuaded that this was enough power between 90 and finally 137 bhp.
The investors had different opinion.
The design of the 541 S was evolved for the CV-8 with chinese eyes beams.
Jensen developed also a chassis for trucks with underfloor engine around 1949 it had a skeleton frame which could be coached along individual needs of the customer
Looks like we figured out where McLaren took their inspiration for the 7#0 series headlights. 🧐
Lol you aren't wrong I didn't even think of that
THE CV8 I thing is stunning looking from every angle because its quirkiness and the interior to match ! l d love to a new one made
I LIKE the head on & 3/4 frnt/side views. I will admit on 1st look I DID say, "poor thing, hood never looks closed". But as seen several times: like it. The ‘frnt/mid engine’ is really tops too. Cant give anything but props for typical Brit interiors. More nice wood would B a plus, no? 500 LHD were not enuff~
I actually like the way these things look, aside from the headlights. The headlights really let the design down.
Agreed besides those I like it!
The one racing in the middle of the video with no bumpers looks MUCH better thatta way.
Rolls royce had a modle with this light design as well
@@johnnyboy1586 Right, the "chinese eye" Rolls by Mulliner-Park Ward I think.
I wanted one. Love the crazy lines😊
Can you cover the 1969 Corvette ZL-1?
THE BORE AND STROKE YOU GAVE FOR THE 383 are actually for the 426. The 383 has bore 4.25" and stroke 3.38".
CAPITALS! 🤣
Didn't Chrysler have canted lights in that period, it might be a nod to them
I always think of one of the most beautifull cars ever (with the coolest carname ever-ever) when I hear the name Jensen...
The Interceptor.
The previous model was much prettier
Good video, but very unfair criticism. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder . I’ve got 20/20 and I’ve see one up close and personal ! 👌💖🏴
Can you please bring the anglia or the cortina please
I will add them to the list!
But those are not rare at all.
I had never heard of this Jensen, but I like it a lot. Those angled headlights are a little strange, but all things considered, it's got a lot going for it. Of course, almost anything would be beautiful compared to the mouse-shaped sedans, and the bloated ugly SUVs of today.
Honestly doesnt look bad. If this looks bad then the callaway c5 looks bad too because they have the same headlight design
Also gotta love british approach to sports cars, small light body + big v8 go brr
Big V8 do indeed go brrr
OMG! I am so blown away by cars I can't afford.
That CV8, while respectable, is uglier than Ozzy Osbourne.
Now… that red interceptor… that’s a sexy beast, and was seen in fast and the furious 6 or maybe 7. The one where they found Letty with no memory. That’s what she was driving when she raced Dom.
I never forget the lines of a sexy beast. 11:24
The fast and furious Interceptor was a very well done movie car!
Hilarious! Uglier than Ozzy, but not quite as ugly as Sharon!
No! It's wonderful looking! Unique! :0)
Jensen also build the first 6000 Volvo's P1800
I like it and would just love to find a left hand drive model
A shame this wasn't as successful a car as the Interceptor, seeing as the latter often rusted away to nothingness. There was a light blue 1965 CV8 just about a quarter of a mile from our home in Burry Port, West Wales, and also an equally rare Interceptor FF in Llanelli, about 5 miles away in the opposite direction.
Wow, you weren't lying
Hahha yeah the styling is very BLAH
Myopic ! Yes, he was .
Who says it s ugly ...it's a very cool looking car ..the Jensen ..is very nice as far as I'm concerned....it's a women's eye ...Melanie ..34...🌈♥️
Illuminating
Saw a Jensen Interceptor at a used car lot, mid seventies in California. It was said to have a 440 in it. I kind of wish I had bought it now. 😞
The 440 engine was 1971 onward and was available as standard with a 4 barrel carb. They also made a versions using the six pack option called the SP and another version using 4 wheel drive called the FF (Ferguson Formula).
They emulate American styling,,doesn't always fit right, it would be more attractive if the high beam was located under the bumper like driving light
I owned 104 2001CV8 Mk1 1st one
I think that's a really good looking car.
It’s very good looking.
What is it with the Brits producing cars with quirky designs? The CV8 side profile looked great, but the slanted headlamp treatment in the front and the triple taillamps in the rear are not flattering. Even the Interceptor's handsome body style was compromised by its enormous rear glass at the rear. Aston Martin and Jaguar also had their share of quirks, but I suppose if they are well-liked then so be it.
For being early 60s I think it's a good looking car am sure it had performance
Where does the "ugly" bit come in?
Not ugly, unique
He says Aston Mar- enn... Use the T, man. It's Aston Martin, with a t, as in Mar-tin.
Ass-tonne... Not ass-tin
That is the " bo-al o wau-a" syndrome. Dropping the "t" and a non-rhotic "r". Even North Americans regard this as a low class manner of speaking.
Were you wearing shorts when you made this video?
I think you'll find that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you find it ugly, then don't worry about it, you're not going to convince anyone else it's ugly. I'd probably find your wife ugly. You see fortunately, we all have a different perception of what we find attractive or ugly!
I think it is beautiful in an entirely European way.
It is growing on me...still not my favorite though
Précisément!!!
Not the prettiest, but given a chance I would like one
I mean, have you seen everything (everything) being sold now? This is miles and miles away from being the ugliest.
What do you think is the ugliest on sale now?
Much better looking than a number of others, 280z for one and everything that had to put on those big ugly 70's bumpers. They even made the Pantera look bad.
I think it's a beautiful car
Whoever said it's ugly needs their head read.
No ! it was superb [ in my "humble"opinion].
Looks like Michael Caine.
I owned one not ugly and not lightweight but fast
Yes. definitely ugly, but, having been prepared by the likes of Daimler's SP250 we are not shocked to badly. The TR3A in turn, had prepared us for the Daimler. Who said "Give an Englishman a piece of sheetmetal and he will make a dissaster"
I like how it looks, its a big burly British muscle car.
It looks like one of those cheap kit cars that were featured in the JCWhitney catalog, many, many, moons ago. Butt ugly face and cheap looking round generic tail lights that have no styling relationship to the molded housing they are stuck in; afterthoughts aft.
Clearly, the debut of the Interceptor made the CV8 style just too old fashoned.
But with today's eye I find the Interceptor a little bland or even clumsy; on the contrary, CV8 looks quite aggressive and straight mind conceived, without after thoughs or over designed particulars.
Maybe I'm going a little beyond, but some zoo-morphic aspects of the body forerun what Japanese designer are doing today.
No! The 541 is much worse.
the daimler dart/sp250 is the ugliest car. This isn't that bad.
Undeniably...that is an ugly car LOL
Certainly NOT the ugliest V8 GT car ...
IMHO...an "ugly" car is a bland and forgettable looking car.
Gordon Keeble was even rarer
Yet again, not a sports car
Not at all ugly.
Ugliest? Have you seen their Interceptor?
I like the Interceptor!
@@rarecars3336 I try never to look directly at mine.
I think you're gonna be on your own with that comment kiddo !!!
@@julianp4787 Have you seen one? I see mine every day and try to hold back the vomit. The 440 six pack it's only saving grace,
@@nucleargrizzly1776 Try changing your diet weirdo ........
Not the prettiest, but far from ugliest.
I lasted about 2 minutes, this is absolute rubbish. Maybe it got better later. I will never know.
Why would this be rubbish? The format is the same as all of the other videos...
@David_Wanker 16-3-51 Why do the English complain about EVERYthing.
Instead of bitching, why not offer some constructive criticism and offer corrections or whatever?
Cry about it , Davey boy. No one cares
I've never seen these '50's Jensens. This vid. is worth it for this alone.
@UberLummox, like what you did with the name there, not very original but hey ho.
Promo_SM