Jensen CV8 MK2 History and Specification

Jensen CV8 MKII History and Specification

The 1962-1966 Jensen CV-8, a low-production Anglo-American hybrid, was built by the small, West Bromwich coachworks run by Richard and Alan Jensen, successful purveyors of custom bodies for various British chassis in the 1930s. The CV8 was the last -- and regrettably the ugliest -- of Jensen's own fiberglass-body production models descended from the original 541 design first seen in 1953.

The four-seat, close-coupled coupe body rested on a very strong tubular chassis, with the tubes sealed to act as vacuum reservoirs for the brakes. The styling, which had evolved through several previous models, was marked by a controversial front end with slant-eye quad headlamps flanking a jutting, eggcrate grille. Wheel openings were accented with sharp horizontal creases above, and the gently curved tail had three small circular lights.
Power was supplied by contemporary Chrysler wedgehead V-8s, initially 361 cid, then 383. The Mark I became the Mark II in 1963, followed by the Mark III in 1965. More aerodynamic than it looked, the CV8 could reach 130 mph, and was fairly quick from standstill. Almost all examples had right-hand drive, and few were sold in the U.S.

The CV8 was expensive when new, mostly a function of Jensen's small production capacity and semi-handbuilt construction methods.
Pluses of the 1962-1966 Jensen CV8:

Torquey, reliable Chrysler power

Rot-free fiberglass body

Very low production

Mechanical parts plentiful yet

Low cost high performance

Minuses of the 1962-1966 Jensen CV8:

Love-it-or-leave-it styling

Burly handling

Fuel thirst

Modest rear-seat accommodation

Body parts becoming scarce

Prices have bombed since early 1990s

Production of the 1962-1966 Jensen CV8:

Mark I/II: 314

Mark III: 182

General information
Model:	Jensen CV-8 Mk II
Year:	1964
Main features, safety and ecconomy
Engine size:	6286 ccm (383.57 cubic inches)
Seats:	4
Drive:	Rear wheels
Transmission:	Automatic, 3-speed
Engine and transmission
Engine location:	Front, longitudinal
Displacement:	6286 ccm (383.57 cubic inches)
Engine type:	V8
Max power:	334.60 PS (246 kW or 330 HP) at 4600 Rev. per min.
Max torque:	576.00 Nm (58.7 kgf-m or 424.9 ft.lbs) at 2800 Rev. per min.
Compression:	10.0:1
Bore x stroke:	108.1 x 86.0 mm (4.3 x 3.4 inches)
Fuel system:	Carburettor
Valves per cylinder:	2
Cooling system:	Liquid
Gearbox:	Automatic, 3-speed
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio:	0.2099 PS/kg
Exterior and interior
Chassis type:	Coupe
Max no. of doors:	2
Passenger space:	4250 litres (1,123 gallons)
Steering, brakes and tires
Turn circle:	12 m (456.7 inches)
Front brakes:	Disks
Rear brakes:	Disks
Dimensions and weight
Weight:	1594 kg (3,514.2 pounds)
Overall length:	4690 mm (184.6 inches)
Overall width:	1720 mm (67.7 inches)
Overall height:	1400 mm (55.1 inches)
Ground clearance:	200 mm (7.9 inches)
Wheelbase:	2670 mm (105.1 inches)
Fuel capacity:	72.0 litres (19.02 gallons)

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Jaguar XJ6 S1 History and Specification

Jaguar XJ6 History and Specification

The 1987-1994 Jaguar XJ6, the oft-postponed successor to the original XJ sedan line, was developed as Project XJ40. It was introduced to Europe in 1986, as a 1988 U.S. model in early 1987.

Basically the same successful concept with squarer styling; simplified design for more consistent, higher-quality assembly; standard antilock brakes; and a wholly new drivetrain. The last combined the "AJ6" 3.6-liter 24-valve inline six (first test-marketed in the European XJ-S) and a new four-speed ZF automatic transmission with a unique "J-gate" selector providing manual-override capability.

As quiet and smooth-riding as any previous XJ6, but lackluster performance prompted higher compression for 1988, producing small gains in horsepower and torque. Performance further improved via a stroked 4.0-liter replacement for 1990, when a revamped instrument panel appeared with analog minor gauges instead of vacuum-fluorescent bar-graphs.

Always sold in America in base and ritzy Vanden Plas forms, joined for 1990 by an in-between Sovereign model with Euro-style square headlamps (also applied to the V-P) and a new top-line Majestic with Daimler-style fluted grille. European offerings included 2.9- and later 3.4-liter entry-level models (with available with manual transmission) as well as derivative Daimlers, but there would be no new-generation XJ12 until 1993. Reason: the XJ40 was deliberately designed not to accept the Jaguar V-12, one result of a political dispute during the waning days of Leyland ownership.

Pluses of the 1987-1994 Jaguar XJ6:

· Smooth and quiet

· Few peers for ride comfort

· All the expected modern amenities

· Wood-and-leather opulence

· ABS brakes

· Best-built Jag sedan ever

· Still current

Minuses of the 1987-1994 Jaguar XJ6:

· 3.6-liter relatively torqueless at low rpm

· 4.0-liter not as refined as it might be

· Handling not that sporty

· Not that roomy for size

· Quirky details

· Iffy collector's investment now

Production of the 1987-1994 Jaguar XJ6 :

· 1987: 17,539

· 1988: 15,944

· 1989: 14,509

· 1990: 14,013

Specifications of the 1987-1994 Jaguar XJ6 :
Length, inches: 196.4
Wheelbase, inches: 113.0
Weight, pounds: 3,905-4,015
Price, new: $43,500-59,400

Harrington Group

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trade@groupharrington.com

Tel: +44 121 288 1250

Fax: +44 122 543 0271