1965 Jensen C-V8 - Jay Leno’s Garage

After lusting over this rare English sports car for decades, Jay has finally acquired one and contends that this is what Bond should have driven!
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1965 Jensen C-V8 - Jay Leno’s Garage
• 1965 Jensen C-V8 - Jay...
Jay Leno's Garage
/ jaylenosgarage

[@jpd66]

I've never seen one of those before...just gorgeous. That dashboard is a work of art.

[@banjopete]

Retro power has been working on one for quite some time…check it out.

[@TheBengalsMind]

You have to love it. The C-V8 was a direct rival to the DB-5 in my mind. The C-V8 is much lighter weighing about 3,400 to 3,500 pounds compared to the 3,800 to 3,900 pounds of the DB-5. That was thanks in large part to the fibreglass body and the twin-tube frame. Which is also why there is hardly ever any mechanical or body problems with that car. The C-V8 produced around 330 HP and 425 torque. While the DB-5 produced 282 HP and 288 torque. Both had a factory claimed 140 MPH. However, I've heard that the C-V8 in Manuel form could hit 0-60 in about 5.3 seconds and the DB-5 could hit it in 6.3 seconds. A 5.3 second car might not be as eye popping today, but consider that the now mythical 1969 429 Boss was only able to hit 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. Although the 429 Boss is pure American muscle and deserving of all the praise it gets. This little C-V8 was the much more practical car to drive as an everyday driver and could out perform it in a lot of ways. Thanks for keeping this classic cars alive. I'm currently restoring my BMW E21 (Just wish I had the money to restore it faster) and was recently able to see a Glas-BMW 1600 GT. Both of those cars have understated appeal, just like the C-V8. I like it, definitely a good buy on your part, in my mind.

[@MrRufusRToyota]

This is one of the most beautiful cars. Somehow timeless while still being of a place and time. Extremely sophisticated.

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

Agreed

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

It's embarrassing looking at the modern cars as this goes by. Not one has any style or sophistication. Just a box of electronics on wheels.

[@derekkelley7490]

Such s cool car

[@mebsrea]

I saw one of these in a deep bluish-black or purple parked near St. Paul’s in London as a teenager maybe 25 years ago. The most elegantly sinister car I’ve ever seen!

[@bradleylovej]

I feel the same way. I was kind of surprised when he said the front end was divisive. I think the car is one of the most stunningly beautiful I've seen

[@Sgneale89]

Hey Jay! I'm glad you finally got to get your hands on this car. My grandfather was the chief of design at Jensen and designed this car along with the 541.

[@grahamgentle4014]

check out the TV show The Barron Steve Forrest drove one of these

[@pyrrhus17]

He and you should be proud, such a beautiful car.

[@julianneale6128]

Do I know you?

[@Sgneale89]

@@julianneale6128 yea I think I've met you once or a thousand times. Almost like we were family.

[@Closeoutracer]

Your Grandfather did a superb job on this car. Sleeker lines than a Ferrari 330. A heritage you can be proud of for sure. Wonderful automobile.

[@hefnerwiezen]

So beautiful. Pure class. Happy fathers day everyone.

[@bradysmith3400]

Nate Soroko , happy Father’s Day

[@ttystikkrocks1042]

Happy Fathers Day! Nice car for the day.

[@emmanuel366]

I think it's very nice good looking car and with that engine better.. I had a old c10 Chevy truck and my brother in law was a mechanic down here in San Luis Mexico and was building a race car for an oval track in kind of mud or clay surface and was going to put a Dodge 383 but ended up with a Chevy 383 so I got the Dodge 383 and made it fit in 75 c10 and that thing was fast lots of torque!! Damm that was fast to make it stop was the trouble.. any ways nice Jay.!!!

[@AndrewVanDay]

Restored and bought in California, now owned in California by Jay, and yet still on British registration plates! Very strange.

[@jeffgrey663]

Happy fathers day brother !

[@BZA_]

Best videos are when Jay talks about his own cars, beautiful car

[@CarlDraper]

agreed, it's much more relaxed

[@doublevanoz]

Lol I was thinking the opposite. More entertaining when it's a guest

[@RealNerdyProductions]

I agree, some of the guests can be awkward or standoffish.

[@HondaRue]

I agree, love seeing what interests Jay enough to own one himself. I don't always need to see a huge, in depth car video either. This just touched on the points the owner was drawn to and sometimes that is enough

[@mikevale3620]

@@RealNerdyProductions I'd be VERY awkward and standoffish in the company of one of modern times most famous classic car collector and TV star.

[@chrispockney2422]

Fascinated to see this. This was the first car I was ever taken over 100 mph in. I was in the rear seat behind the driver, who was Jensen's chief engineer. We went storming up the Kenilworth road near Coventry and hit 100 going uphill overtaking a bus! Then flew through some S bends at 80. Thrilling stuff for a teenage boy dreaming of being old enough to drive soon. Back at the house was parked the Interceptor FF that was going to be shown at the motor show. He had got up in the middle of the night to drive up and down the motorway to put the hundreds of miles on so the automotive journalists wouldn't break an non run in car. With the all wheel drive, anti lock brakes and that shape it seemed like something from the future. Still love cars. Thanks Jay from bringing back the memory of a wonderful day!

[@waltertomashefsky2682]

Now, that is what I’d call a Gentleman’s GT car. Great color, great interior. And a V-8!

[@dave7096]

Jay Leno: “here’s some car you never knew existed” Me: “I know what I’m doing for the next 20 minutes”

[@kikurass322]

@D B Oh look everybody, a true American,he knows everything, just ask him. I guess anyone who doesn't know this, and every other goddamned car is a lesser human than Mr. D B I Know Everything.

[@Charlesb88]

D B there are a lot of somewhat more casual car/newly car enthusiasts who watch this channel and who have never heard of the CV8, if they Even know Jensen Motors. So take his comment as being directed at those people not devout car enthusiasts who know about rare foreign cars that they could not buy in their home country.

[@luxdaduck6656]

@D B name five Aussie built cars...

[@jahimuddin7380]

@D B, one car does not mean someone is not a car enthusiast.

[@ThePatriot1960]

Nice "distinctive" car Jay.

[@timharper3390]

Gorgeous proper GT saloon. That dash is almost jewelry. Beautiful.

[@snuskeeter]

I agree...the combination of glossy wood grain with shiny chrome instruments...it is jewelry!

[@johnnysechrist6313]

How can you NOT love this masterpiece.

[@matthewdowd4686]

Watching jay is like hanging out w my grandpa for 20mins everyday. I miss him and this gets me pretty close to those times in the garage as a kid. Thanks jay!!

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

Same

[@RankinetotheRescue]

What a beautiful car! I love it! Simple, powerful and elegant!

[@incognito4rico]

Cars today have no character or style. You wonder why is that

[@thegadgetrulez]

I think the Jensen looks very distinguished. The interior is really outstanding. Love the thick bolstered seats. The interior looks modern.

[@sirewokthefirstidonthaveal2902]

It looks realy nice but i wouldnt call it modern

[@Salpeteroxid]

@@sirewokthefirstidonthaveal2902 I would call it timeless.

[@theblubus]

I love when Jay shows his own cars. Don't get me wrong, it's great when Jay shows off other people's cars but there's a sense of pride and respect when Jay shows off his own cars that he and his team built/restored.

[@samyard]

This car looks so beautiful

[@davidfountain6607]

I agree with Jay, this is a gorgeous car. I hope we have a follow up video covering the work done to get it working 100%!

[@macberry4048]

I would really like to hear about the parts he has to make himself.

[@j.s.bridges1189]

Apparently, you weren't paying very close attention - he made a point of it in the video, while he was driving along especially, that this is one of the few cars he has acquired that he and his shop crew did not really have anything to do, aside from normal servicing - fluid checks/changing, put in new plugs maybe, some cleanup and checking for proper conditions, etc. - before he simply was able to begin driving it on a regular basis. So - no "work that had to be done to get it working 100%" was involved, really.

[@davidfountain6607]

@@j.s.bridges1189 , if you were really paying attention, you'd have heard Jay state at 7:20 that the car had been cosmetically restored, but there were still a few things that they needed to do, like address the shocks not functioning properly. While he was driving, and praising the car, he again mentioned the shocks at 10:44 and at 15:50 that the radiator was an issue they were also going to check. "It might be too thick or too thin for California..." So yes, it does require some work to get it up to 100% I'd be interested in seeing how the shocks worked and why they couldn't ever seem to get them right.

[@j.s.bridges1189]

O.k., I went back and reviewed the video, and while he did say that, as the car had been "cosmetically" restored, it had not been "mechanically" restored, and that he has not had it for more than a month or two - therefore, there are a few "little things" that they feel they want to take a look at, with an eye towards making some improvements mechanically - he then mentions a (apparently-minor) issue concerning the adjustable shock-absorber system that does not appear to be functioning as it supposedly should do - but he further remarks that, in fact, it appears that said adjustment system "never did" work just right. It's rather clear that this possible problem has not yet been addressed - yet, he's driving the car, and it appears to be working pretty-much o.k., so that doesn't seem to be much of a problem at all. The radiator does not seem to be a problem, really, either, as (again) the car's functioning quite well - it's just "a feeling" that he has that it might be running a bit warmer than would be ideal, given the location where they are in S. California. Like most "car guys", Jay wants to make things even better (if possible) than they already are - there are always improvements possible (marginal though they may be), especially given a car that is over 50 years old and has NOT been mechanically restored. Not to put too sharp a point on it - I wouldn't depend upon there being any sort of "follow-up" video featuring work on the shock system and/or the cooling system/radiator...that kind of "small stuff" will likely get addressed sometime in future - maybe - who knows? Even if it is - such relatively-minor stuff does not appear to be much - if any - of a problem at this point - would be, as you say, interesting to see such marginal-issues being addressed...but Jay's got a whole bunch of cars there, and there's always work to be done on old cars, y'know?...

[@Brady.John87]

LMAO at these comments

[@CalvinHikes]

Show Business may have given Jay the recources to afford a garage like this... But he is so much better at this! Thanks Mr Leno.

[@dookiebooger9967]

True, but i still miss his late nite show too. He was good at that too

[@screamin4402]

@@dookiebooger9967 yeah he is a very talented comedian too, he sometimes cracks a good joke in his videos

[@jime386]

methinks Jay worked pretty darn hard for his garage. He was able to do it via show biz

[@AkioWasRight]

@@dookiebooger9967 Jay was the only reason I stayed up to watch TV after 11:35 pm. Now, they have Jimmy what's his face hosting, so now I just tune out.

[@stevemic]

He doesn't spend his late show money

[@kennethmcmillan5120]

Regular viewer but never commented before, but I had to chime in on this video, that is one of the most beautiful cars I've ever seen. The style is truly timeless, I love the side view, and the v8 sounds amazing in this context. Beautiful car, perfect for a Sunday drive. Thanks for sharing.

[@ogregriffiths6069]

Snap Ken if I can call you that . The side view with the mind blowing good looks of the horizontal slash line above each wheel make it look like it’s doing a million miles an hour. I never knew this car existed until This video of Jays was suggested to me by another excellent KZbin channel that you may enjoy called retropowercars who are just about to do a full resto mod on a rather sorry ‘barnfind’ example of the CV8.

[@moonshine3333]

@@ogregriffiths6069 Retropower! Mind-blowing channel 👍

[@mrmerlin6287]

I love how Jay seems to appreciate British and European styling more and more in these later episodes. I love American engines, especially the V8 sound, but covering these rare British car companies is a real treat.

[@mrfunatparties6763]

I'm not a fan of many foreign cars unless they are classics. Classics from any where catch my attention a lot.

[@mrmerlin6287]

@@mrfunatparties6763 It's Škoda or walk for me. 😂

[@mescko]

@@mrmerlin6287 The last time I was in the UK I rented an Octavia saloon. I thought it was a very nice car. Of course, VW helped...😊

[@michaelcrump1288]

I was a Technical Motor student in 1965 in the West Midlands and had the opportunity to visit the Jensen Factory in West Brom. They were making the CV8 then and also the body for the Austin Healey and modifying the alphine to fit the v8 tiger

[@jefflj]

My college roommate had a Jensen Healey. I remember being shocked when he popped the hood and it had a Lotus engine in it. A very fun car but parts were out of this world expensive. Jay’s 1965 Jensen C-V8 is beautiful!

[@standardeight]

As a kid, 40 odd years ago, I can remember one of these sat rotting away in a car port in the middle of Gloucester, UK, knew what it was because of those distinctive headlights. Dreamt of saving and restoring it when I grew up but it had long gone by then. Thank Mr. Leno I really enjoy watching your channel, your passion and knowledge does you proud.

[@johngault7329]

I just found one of my new favorite cars. The dash is perfect, and the styling just stunning.

[@zuesmondo1]

The front end is definitely unique but very appealing to the eye for me. The interior of those old English cars are so beautiful compared to modern day cars.

[@rickyhildebrand114]

I wonder how it would look with a lens covering both lights?

[@MADKIWI]

@@rickyhildebrand114 sort of looks like a Super Snipe and the Mk2 Jag curve on the back window. I like it a lot...

[@Davidx387]

The front end is what really catches my eye. I love the headlights. The whole car is just amazing. Now to do some more research on this beast.👌

[@jensencarclub3089]

Ricky Hildebrand It was the original intention to have a glas. They decided against it in the last minute. Detailing of the front headlights in the Mk1 and 2 is different.

[@TomAce122]

Jay, your enthusiasm for these cars is what makes your videos the best. The fact that you maintain them so they run and drive is what makes it extraordinary. Especially like the solo presentations.

[@jamesstepp9982]

Also the fact that you know the history of the builder of every car,truck and motorcycle you own and operate impresses me. That alone sets you above most collectors of great motor vehicles.

[@djfreez1523]

What a beautifully styled car. It has so much character. I just LOVE this car!!!

[@insideoutoxfordltd.4047]

My father had one of these for a couple of years in the 60s and I can still remember sitting in the back as a little boy with my brother, no seat belts, going everywhere fast. Everybody who saw it stared at it in wonder. We had an "I Spy..." book of cars to keep us amused on long car journeys and our CV8 was the highest scoring model of car in the book, on the final page. He traded his 541R to buy the CV8, it was a silvery metallic blue, and we loved it to bits. The speedo was optimistic, I remember. The CV8 was for a while the fastest genuine 4-seater in the world, but the top end was around 135mph. I can remember seeing the needle touch 150 which impressed the hell out of me, until years later when I read what they could really do. He traded the Jenny for a Renault 4 (plus a very big pile of cash), which was a huge shock!

[@fitnesswithsteve]

The side profile shot at 8:09 is perfection 👌

[@111midman]

Stunning

[@sudzkng7]

I'm with Jay, this is way better looking than an Interceptor.

[@johnoconnor4111]

Have always loved the CV8. When I was a teenager in the 60's my friends dad had access to one. On the way back from the seaside two young guys in a Healey Sprite were itching to race so he obliged. He took it to 130 mph with four on board and us two kids waving bye bye to the Healey guys.It's still my main dream car.

[@stewartdouglass7436]

50 yrs ago I served my apprenticeship at a Jensen dealership in Bucknghamshire England. always thought the CV8 was a good looking car. Hopefully I will see one or two at the Silverstone classic this year.

[@tuberNunya]

please, tell us where you got the wood for the dash.

[@perfectlylonely]

So wonderfully '60's British. Hint of Triumph (Spitfire/Vitesse), TVR, '40's & '50's Jaguar. Lovely car. Thanks.

[@stevecieri2755]

Beautiful from every angle. Color combination is terrific. The interior is classic. Thanks for sharing Jay.

[@Hugofreddie]

I went down the M1 as a young man in one of these amazingly fast and comfortable . The fuel guage went down at a rapid rate . Gorgeous car

[@michaelkenny8574]

The C-V8 is one of the most beautiful cars ever built. The external lines including the air scoop, the rear end, 2 door coupe styling and then the sumptuousness of the interior; the wooden dash littered with dial, wooden wheel and glorious leather seats. A car that begs to be seen on the road.

[@chrissybee18]

Stunning car! I love the way it looks sinister and elegant both at the same time.

[@andyZ3500s]

Total class ----- a true gentalmans sport touring car.

[@RoaroftheTiger]

Beautiful car Jay. I'd say, "money well spent" ! Cheers.

[@pyrrhus17]

This a great car from a time when the style was pure beauty.

[@stevefzr9184]

Having owned a CV8 and Interceptor at the same time for 7 years, I can say that the CV8 is a lot faster than the interceptor. It's the lighter weight that does it. I also have a fibreglass Marcos GT and the build quality of the CV8 is in a different class altogether. Jay, if you pull out any of the rear seats or trim panels from your CV8 you'll find the chassis number chalked into every trim panel as they were all custom cut for each car. A true hand built car.

[@fishhead90]

Still my favorite show on KZbin. Thank you Jay

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

Same

[@bannjaxx]

DB5s have gotten expensive, and if Jay thinks a car is expensive then jesus.......

[@Hiluxtaco]

DB5's in minty condition are now fetching $850K++ ..... which is nuts.

[@VolkerHett]

The Jensen is the. car James Bond couldn’t afford 😁

[@ScottElliottBeard]

Jesus?

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Scott Elliott it must be expensive.

[@octoman_games]

The ORIGINAL DB5 from the 007 movies is going for 5 Million in August

[@ogri214]

Jensen's C series cars were one of the most elegant and desirable of all in their time and still are very beautiful .

[@davidkosach3095]

Wow how cool of a car ! Can you imagine this unknown car driving around with a blower sticking out of the hood !! Not until your show did I know how many cars are mixed. Like this Jensen, British car with a Chrysler engine, a Crossfire with a Chrysler body and a Mercedes engine, Pantera a Italian car with a Ford engine ! How cool is all this ! Never seen or heard of any of these until I watched this awesome show of yours, thank you for introducing all this wonderful knowledge to me as well as the rest of the world Mr. Jay !

[@awildman69]

It was lovely to see the badge in the engine bay, made in "West Bromwich" my hometown.

[@Clarkecars]

I am a MOPAR, and Jaguar lover so Jensen and Facel are naturals for me. English coachwork and big block Chrysler engineering how can that be anything but great?. Great color too, I have two 6.0 V12s in Sapphire blue. I really enjoyed the video.

[@gregorymeyer84]

I thought it was a boot not a trunk, it is truly a beautiful automobile.

[@oldenweery7510]

It's a beautiful car, if a bit---quirky(?) One year, in the early '60s, I drove from my home west of Milwaukee, WI, up to Elkhart Lake for the June Sprints. In those days, the route I drove took me through a rather rich little community north of Milwaukee (Mequon? Thiensville?), where I passed a used car lot with lots of foreign cars. A sleek-looking 2-seater fastback coupe caught my eye so I parked my MGB and walked over to look at it. It was beautifully proportioned, with a fiberglass body with the usual crazing of the paint and the interior looked a little worse for wear, but I really liked it. Someone told me it was a Jensen, with a Triumph TR-3 engine and drive line and running gear. It was still there when I drove up to the Road America 500 and I looked it over again, finding it a little dingier, specially inside. I've never seen another and I can't seem to find anything on it on the internet, so maybe I was misinformed, so can anyone enlighten me?

[@cm7862]

Lovely car. It has that quintessentially English blend of fine coachwork and elegant style -- nothing overstated -- with a rock solid American V8. Great find, thanks for sharing it with us.

[@richiec7700]

English woodworking is always top notch! Interior is very nice. Cool car

[@robertgibbons7494]

Hi Jay, I just love all your videos !!! Whether they're American, English, French or Japanese. You are a truly magnificent ambassador for the automobile. Watching all those big capacity American motors, here in England, where anything over 1.4 litres is big, makes me envious of the American way. Then watching one of your videos for a German "large" 7 litre nineteen thirties racing car, i thought, hey, wait a minute, we have the Napier Railton (24Litre) race car in the brooklands museum just down the road from where i live !!!! What a car that was !!! Maybe some of the cars we have here are fantastic as well. Keep up the good work, "Jay Leno's Garage" is a fantastic channel.

[@nickedmett1]

Hi there Jay - Love your programs. My Jensen story… I was crashing at an old farmhouse in Old Windsor about 1960 when the I spotted this silver jensen locked up in the driveway. The owner was away so I used a spyglass to look through the rear window and took down the ignition key number. A local garage provided me with a ‘Replacement’ key (no questions asked) and it fitted the drivers door as well…BINGO. along with three friends I gunned the three litre Chrysler engine to near on a hundred mile an hour up the two lane highway alongside Virginia Water on the A20 and even the screams of my ‘passengers’ couldn’t spoil my enthusiasm for dodging the oncoming traffic. Later that night I parked up this wonder car in the driveway and no one was any the wiser - up til now!

[@iainmackenzie3704]

A match made in heaven. British style and grace and Yank firepower!

[@unstablebobgable]

Great looking car. Wasn't familiar with this particular Jensen

[@eggbirdtherooster]

Never seen this model of Jensen.. Wow..Such a handsome and pretty car!

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

Agreed!

[@darrellsimpson6966]

"A handsome and pretty car". You're not wrong.

[@moneyandtimefreedom3352]

This car is stunningly beautiful. The dash is a work of art and the interior and exterior color are perfect. The styling is beautiful. Thank you for showcasing this.

[@rikb6930]

Always had a big soft spot for CV8 and the earlier 541 and 541S models. A CV8 was the car driven by the hero in a 1960's British tv series called "The Baron"

[@user-jn1tr8mo3g]

I well remember the Baron. An antiques expert and private detective at the same time.

[@ArmandoLoni]

Also used by The Baron in the late 1960s ITC series of the same name, starring Steve Forrest.... Good product placement by Jensen.

[@manfromsnowy]

This reminds me of a story set in a land far away when I was 25. This was the one that got away. Of all the cars I have owned and there have been many classics, this one is the one that I should have kept. I was a young Australian trying my luck on the world stage. I wanted to be a color TV director in Australia - they were still in black and white in those days (1973) so I had made my way to London to join the BBC, using my experience as a TV cameraman in Perth, Western Australia. As it happened I couldn't get into the Union or the BBC but I stayed anyway and became a property negotiator for Chestertons, Chartered Surveyors, the CEO of the firm was Mr. Murray Fox the mayor of London at the time, it was amazing to see my boss, in a gold coach going down the street in a parade with my work associates dressed as soldiers in period armor riding on the back of the coach as his "bodyguard" pikemen. So me and my ego were set to start my as an international businessman with a career in real estate. London was a wonderfully wild place for me, riding around on a Honda 250 cc wearing my Kangaroo fur coat from the Portobello Road to protect my suit and me from the drizzle and my RMWilliams high heeled riding boots instead of the English Beatle Boots, I used to call myself "the fastest negotiator in the West End", and did deals with the "boys" at the newly opened Hard Rock Cafe at the bottom of Park Lane, across the road from Buckingham Palace and a couple of times at the Playboy Club. In those days I was earning twelve pounds a week while doing my apprenticeship, so I was on a very skinny budget. One of my housemates Jame Jolly, who worked in the Bank of England area of London, came up with the story about a Jensen CV8 MkII that was going for 300 pounds, which was pretty much all I had in the bank at the time. I was up for an adventure so I took my Hawaii girlfriend, at the time, who eventually became my wife, up to the Midlands by train and we walked to the town "castle", (Manor house) from the station about 3 miles and entered the long driveway and grounds of a structure built in 1466 it had a bronze statue of a she-wolf suckling her pups which had been purchased from a worlds fare in Paris back in the 1800s, standing glaring at anybody approaching the front door. We entered a building the likes I couldn't have imagined and now these days, is probably in the historic tours of England's grand past. The country at the time was reeling from the reality of a lost empire and the old ways were dying, Margaret Thatcher was leading the changes, the owners of the manor were a younger couple and had just torn down the west wing which was about 30 bedrooms, so they could keep up appearances (I am guessing) and maintain the family home. The car was in a garage that had a small tree growing up in front of the door and it had to be cut down to get the car out. What a find. As you mentioned the cost of owning something like this was way beyond my 12 pounds a week, but I bought it anyway. I parked it at my friend's place, 20 miles out of London, in Edgeware, because I could not afford the parking- in London - Vince Menloney one of the old BJ's. There were the three brothers, plus two Aussies, Vince the lead guitar and Colin Peterson the drummer married to Brian Epstein's secretary (the Beatles manager). I was determined to keep this magnificent completely impractical car at the time but had no resources at all to do that, very few people did, so I advertised it and an older man came and bought it, he told me that he had talked to the previous owners, and I let it go for what I paid, although I could have managed a way to get it back to Australia, I did not want to besmirch the previous owners or the history of this car which was the vehicle that had been their pride and joy and reluctant to sell to this young upstart who was posibly going to just flip it as a way to make money. I never got to drive it much and even had to ask my girlfriend to help me pay for the gas on the trip back to London. I do remember at one stage I pulled over terrified that something was broken, it was just the Pirrellis when they went off the concrete onto the tarmacadam the noise was a shock, also during the drive, we picked up a hitchhiker, who was blown away by somebody in a Jensen stopping to help him down the road, that was what it was like in those days for my generation. It was just a great night's drive on the freeway when the world was a different place. Thanks, Jay for letting me get this story out, to share a sweet memory about what a timeless car you have, perfect for taking a couple of friends to the polo. It was just like yours and maybe had a sunroof.

[@ogregriffiths6069]

Stunning car J, I’ve always had a soft spot for the Jensen Interceptor since a neighbour had one from new in 1975 in Bristol U.K. which I had a ride in when I was 11 but this CV8 is something else and with that gorgeous classic V8 American burble, one of my favourites in yer little collection. Hi from the U.K.🇬🇧

[@SavedbyHim]

Never knew this existed. Beautiful car and I love the interior!

[@denniswhite9721]

Jay, it's beautiful and classically British. And the livery is gorgeous. Thanks!

[@jostheuns7862]

I own a Jensen CV-8 for >43 years now. It been on- and off the road for different reasons but mostly because of no time to drive it. Every time I bring it out, I get comments on the looks, the history etc. I see the comment of Spenser Neal down here, I met his grandfather at one of the Jensen Owner's Club meetings in the UK and enjoyed his comments on some smaller modifications I had made to the car. Not a man of many words, but still I like to think he approved of what I did. I enjoyed your video and hope you will be able to enjoy the car for a long period of time. By the way, I believe Neil Young owns a Jensen 541, maybe the two of you can get together one day and compare the two vehicles.

[@packhams4]

Dear Jost, I have to say that not using your CV8 may be a heinous crime - but you can fix that easily, if you haven't already? - what about making one day every week your 'take the Jensen to work day' ?- its what my neighbour does with his lovely Mk2 Jag. They only go better if they are used more......I make a point of taking my 65 Mustang out once a week to 'stop the seals going hard, and to get the condensation out of the bodywork', any reason will do. Hope you find the time to enjoy it more.......

[@rossrobinson7420]

I'll never forget riding down the highway in a CV8 , the driver, a fighter pilot in the RAAF, hunting down Aussie muscle cars! Brilliant.

[@Qyngali]

This is one of the cars I dreamed about owning back in the day, I think it's beautiful. :)

[@MrJustLes]

It has a Citroen front end, Jag roof-line, BMW rear deck lid, Mercedes fender flairs and it all seems to work together... Nice car...

[@BubbaSmurft]

Guessin' you're in a weed legal state 'cause y'all gotta be high to see all that.

[@hecticerectic9588]

Nah, when your passion truely is cars, it just jumps out at you. I saw. Mercedes fender flares, but also see the Panhard style tail lights. 3 configuration. Most car stylist of the day borrowed cues from one Another. They still do today.

[@MrJustLes]

@@BubbaSmurft LOL... I'm in a weed legal country known as Canada... But considering I've been clean and sober since July 20, 1980, I wasn't stoned when I saw that. I just love cars and can see styling cues that get "borrowed" from one manufacturer to another.

[@JohnSchoolingJr]

I had never heard of this car Jay. But this is now one of my all time favorite vehicles.

[@jim9661]

I've been bindging on Jay Leno's Garage a lot. I just love looking at all the cars and learning about them.

[@glennwhitehead6484]

Beautiful! The UK (until quite recently) taxed cars at the same rate weather you had a mini or a Cadillac! The biggest tax bill was ( and still is) at this gas station!

[@brudenell27]

Glenn Whitehead And this would now be tax and mot free ( do not agree with the 40 year mot system) Anyone could potentially take an unroadworthy car out, I maybe way off on the legality side. But it doesn’t seem right to my understanding

[@GaitaPonto]

What a gorgeous car. The interior is also beautiful, the back seats design is great, the colors...a true jewel.

[@martadavies6435]

This is the most beautiful car I've ever seen... Takes the cake over American classics in my opinion (and I'm a lifelong Mustang owner and love all sorts of muscle cars). :)

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

Lovely

[@ogregriffiths6069]

Glop glop

[@recnepsgnitnarb6530]

I like this car. Looks really classic and stylish. Thanks for sharing, Jay!

[@richardhill6125]

freakin LOVE IT!!! Perfect combination of English eccentricism and MOPAR!!!

[@Jelsick]

It's Mopar, or no.... wait. Ummmm.

[@YensR]

The successor to the C-V8 was the Interceptor. You could say Jensen did D-V8 from their naming scheme!

[@frwystr]

YensR : • )

[@PhotoTubeUK]

I love this car! I'm a 55 year old Englishman and I've never seen one before! The Interceptor is much more famous and a car I lusted after as a kid.

[@44lrc]

Thanks for this, Jay, and for your KZbin channel, which is a great blend of informed comment and raw enthusiasm. The C-V8 has always been one of my guilty pleasures, the epitome of the French expression "jolie-laide." Whilst most European countries imposed punitive levels of tax on cars over 2.7 litres, here in UK we had a flat annual rate regardless of engine size. Our petrol, whilst considerably more expensive than yours, was still quite a bit less expensive than that in many other European countries. Perhaps that's why we have the tradition of Anglo-American hybrids, such as Jensen, who had used Ford and Nash engines before turning to Chrysler, along with Allard, TVR, Atalanta, Railton, Gordon-Keeble and others

[@ldodom]

One of the best examples of a Jensen C-V8 Mk III that I've ever seen. So glad it wound up in your stable, Jay.

[@somebloke13]

The headlights were meant to have glass covers like the early E Type Jags, but Richard Jensen dropped them as they reduced the lighting output. A couple of owners in the UK have had them made and they look great. Get your sparky to check the wiring to the ammeter, it can get hot and burn out. There is a great Jensen Owners Club in California, so worth joining.

[@neilgibbons2532]

Yeah head light covers would look nice on that design now that you mention it 🤔

[@simply_psi]

I'm a Brit and I love the Jensen CV8, made in an era before all cars were designed in a wind tunnel and therefore all look the same, a beauty from when cars had souls as well as motors.

[@chrisroach9459]

Absolutely stunning car. Every inch of it. I'm with Jay, mid 60's cars are wonderful, and I think this one is right up there with any of them. And I think the headlights are very cool.

[@petergrove5132]

Beautiful car. Love the episodes where you show your personal cars.

[@ATomRileyA]

Super cool, have to agree much nicer looking than the interceptor imo. Always love these kinds of videos with a intresting car you dont see much of.

[@jody024]

Yes! she is a beauty!

[@cheapcargarage]

Love this car! I tried to find one myself a few years ago but had no luck. You have a beautiful example.

[@bentleynut1648]

I absolutely love this car. Wish I had one. The color scheme really suits the car

[@rickfulton2353]

very impressive. Thank for reminding me of yet another great BR-US hybrid, thank you for the work you do

[@nzdatsports9659]

well i love the concept , the color , the shape the chrome , the interior . and the thumping great V8 ! beautiful car Jay. i think we should be allowed to buy non safety standard cars if we wish to die in style .

[@hughjardon5869]

An English Roadrunner! What's not to like? Beautiful car, Jay.

[@prevostliberty]

I live in Canada and have owned a Mark II since 2002 and love the car. I'm in the process of a full restoration and hope it looks as good as yours when i'm done. There was a Mark 1 not far from my house but I lost track of it some time ago when the owner passed. OBTW the doors are steel framed and aluminum skin.

[@J-DUB-F1]

While I'm a life long Interceptor fan, I never knew Jensen made this thing??. Maybe not beautiful in an Italian way, but very handsome in that classic British way. I dig the front end , very unique. I'm going to read up more on it now.

[@J-DUB-F1]

I'm not familiar with the show.... I look forward to digging into it. Thanks

[@darryldee467]

American power with British style is an interesting, beautiful mix and look at that interior, wow!

[@philipm06]

It also worked the other way too - P51 Mustang, British (Merlin) power with American style.

[@jpassion222]

Never knew about Jensen's till I saw your video, thanks Jay. Now I want one, it has that beautiful English 60's styling and lots of horsepower, and it is roomy. The one's I see for sale are a little out of my price range but I will keep looking...never know maybe I will find a fixer-upper.

[@MrBlaser51]

What an absolutely beautiful automobile. Art in metal with speed. Hard to believe from 1965 when I was 12 years old.

[@doylehurt2014]

I don’t think this car is quirky at all, I think it’s beautiful! Thanks again Jay!

[@fishhead90]

Might be my new dream car. That car is incredible.

[@carsgunsandguitars]

One of my all-time favorite classic British cars!

[@TheHomeExpert5]

Love the car, Jay. It looks a lot like a Jaguar in the greenhouse, and is gorgeous inside. I think the dark color works well with the overall design of the car. It tones down the busy-ness of the front, and makes it look great. As Vanilla would say, "Nice, Nice, Baby."

[@Miata822]

That long hood, so sexy. I do like the front. As a long time fan of the Interceptor I didn't expect to enjoy this video as much as I did. Photos I've seen before simply didn't do it justice. With that powertrain you can be guilt free piling on the miles. Enjoy. And thanks for sharing.

[@ldavidrecker4018]

You may not like this, but the C-V8 exterior styling always reminded me of the early 50s Studebaker Commander Starliner. Always wanted one of those. But the Jensen is a beauty in its own right.

[@AnotherWayFilms]

This car is a gem Jay! Sexy lines, great motor-train. Its a win all around!

[@williamfawkes8379]

This is just great. Probably one of my favorite British cars, certainly for its original time period, but it stands up to any of the other quintessential English cars. I want it.

[@EliteGuard01]

That is a very stylish car. I've never seen one before, but the 6 tail lights and those diagonal front head lights are really cool.