There's a quote somewhere - you can probably find it by doing a Google search - that basically says that the gap between madness and genius is measured only by success. Well, if we look at the Jensen S-V8 now, knowing what we do, we'd say that the people involved were mad thinking that they could bring back a classic sportscar name. But, if you read what was said back then, you might think a little differently.
At the time, there was plenty of interest in sportscars. With the rise of fun open-top vehicles like the Porsche Boxster and even, to some extent, the BMW Z3, it wasn't unreasonable for a business case to be found for starting a car company that produced just such a product. TVR had also been ticking along rather well during the 90's doing that very thing. So the idea of reviving a British sportscar brand with a car that's got a powerful V8 engine, provides fine handling, and is open to the elements wasn't a completely barmy one.
The recipe was quite simple: one, use a large Ford V8 that is easily tunable and blessed with great parts availability. Two, clothe the car in an aluminium body to keep the weight down. Three, pick a brand that will strike a chord with a demographic old enough to remember the heyday of the British sportscar and now has the disposable income to splash on a weekend toy. After considering Healey, they finally settled on Jensen. And initially, things seemed to be going very well. After it's launch at the London Motor Show, demand was so high that the first year's production was sold out and there were discussions of a price hike.
Trouble is, building a car takes time. But money is a fast moving business, and while there were buyers interested in the car, investment in the company was slower to materialise. And you can't survive without capital behind you. Time was called after just 20 cars, of which this example is said to be the 12th. It's had two owners in its time and has covered a remarkable 64,000 miles. Probably a testament to using an existing Ford engine with available spares rather than designing your own from one-off bits.
And if you're worried about parts availability then there are always companies such as Regen, who have a stockpile of spares and the original technical drawings should you need anything not presently in stock. So, while spending £29,995 is a lot, when the car is this rare (20 from the original production, with another 10-12 finished off by SV Automotive), you can't help thinking it might go up from there. Maybe it's not such a mad idea after all.
SPECIFICATION: 2002 JENSEN S-V8
Engine: 4601cc, eight-cylinder, N/A
Transmission: five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 325 @ 6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 322 @ 4,750rpm
MPG: 24 mpg on a cruise
CO2: 408 g/km CO2
First registered: 2002
Recorded mileage: 64,000 miles
Price new: £34,650
Yours for: £29,995
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