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The Jensen S-V8 and C-V8 were designed entirely by Design Q, a British automotive design studio, and both cars made significant waves upon their reveal. The S-V8 was introduced at the 1998 Birmingham Motor Show, while the C-V8 made its debut in 2000. These cars captured the attention of both enthusiasts and media alike, marking the return of the Jensen brand to the performance car scene.
Designed as a pure sports car, the S-V8 was powered by a Ford Mustang Cobra 4.6-liter V8 engine, which delivered an impressive combination of speed and power. The car could reach top speeds exceeding 160 mph and accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, making it a formidable contender in the sports car market. The performance figures alone were enough to make the S-V8 stand out, but its design also helped elevate its appeal.
The Jensen C-V8 Coupe, launched at the 2000 British International Motor Show at the NEC, was equally impressive. This near-production model was displayed alongside the S-V8 and received enthusiastic praise from the press. Styled by Howard Guy and Gary Doy, the design team behind Design Q, the C-V8 Coupe was an elegant and powerful vehicle that paid homage to Jensen’s legacy of building distinctive and high-performance cars. The C-V8 was praised for its stunning beauty, showcasing a design that was both modern and timeless.
Despite the excitement surrounding both cars, no customer cars were delivered by late 2000. Nonetheless, the display of the near-production SV-8 and the unveiling of the CV-8 Coupe at the motor show reaffirmed Jensen’s place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. Both models represented a fresh direction for the brand, blending the classic allure of Jensen’s history with modern design and performance technology.
Here are posts from when it was listed for sale in 2011:
