It may look as though it’s fresh from a 1960s fantasy film and be wholly unusual, but Jensen’s fibreglass bodied road rocket is not only outstanding - it also holds a truly remarkable speed record.
Jensen CV8
The CV8 feels quick, being lighter than any of the heavy-set Jensen models before it. Cornering fast and flat with a comfortably firm ride and an overall sporty feel, the CV8 also sounds wonderfully gutsy. However, it’s the styling that catches your attention most - the nose and headlamp arrangement screaming out for your attention in the subtlest way possible.
The interior is a fascinating place to sit, engulfed in period-detailing and enveloped by stitched leather that feels exclusive - from the sculpted steering wheel right through to the bucket feel of the rear seats, this car feels expensive and ultimately special.
It also holds a rather special land-speed record; on the Duxford airfield during a shoot for Classic Cars magazine, a rather brave individual towed a Sprite Musketeer along at a rather frightening 101.9mph - topping the previous record by an entire five miles an hour.
A further record was set by the MKIII CV8 during its launch in 1965, lapping Snetterton with F1 ace Riy Salvadori - setting a new British 24-hour distance record of 1866 miles - an average speed of 77.75 mph.
This was perfect publicity for the vehicle, but the MKIII only reigned for a short time; as the monstrous Interceptor was soon to prowl the scene.