Page 1 of 1 Reviving old names is common practice in the automotive industry. More than 20 years after its disapearance, it was time for Jensen to be reintroduced. The Jensen SV-8 was launched at the 1998 Earl's Court Motorshow in London and reminded both in name and design of past Jensens. At the launch, a production run of 300 cars in the first year and 600 in following cars was predicted.
Like many low-volume producers of the past and present, Jensen picked Ford as the engine supplier. A popular unit for sports cars is the Cobra V8 engine, also found in the comtemporary Mustangs. The quad-cam unit was installed in a steel monocoque type chassis. Double wishbones suspended the SV-8 all around. The striking body was constructed completely from aluminium alloy.
At the end of the Motorshow, 300 solid orders were in, Jensen Motors ltd.'s future look bright. Unfortunately it all went down the hill from then onwards. Teething problems dogged the first cars, making them a reliability nightmare. The economy collapsed and in 2002 the company went bankrupt again, leaving 35 people jobless. In all 20 cars were completed, with spare parts for another 18 cars left in the factory.
The parts were bought by SV Automotive, who assembled another 12 cars, retaining the rest of the parts as spares. Page 1 of 1
Ultimatecarpage.com
> Cars by brand
> Great Britain
> Jensen
SV-8
Reviving old names is common practice in the automotive industry. More than 20 years after its disapearance, it was time for Jensen to be reintroduced. The Jensen SV-8 was launched at the 1998 Earl's Court Motorshow in London and reminded both in name and design of past Jensens. At the launch, a production run of 300 cars in the first year and 600 in following cars was predicted.