AUCTION WATCH
JENSEN C-V8 DROPHEAD COUPE
Jensen’s C-V8 convertible never reached production, but its design makes us wish it had. The coupé was the next step on from the 541 and used a new chassis that could carry larger engines to rival Jaguar’s powerful 3.8. This one-off convertible prototype was brought to life in 1964 by chief designer Eric Neale and packed a 330bhp Chrysler 6.3-litre V8. Its experimental chassis, called the EXP/108, was 9in longer than the coupé’s to house a stowed hood while preserving rear leg room. Despite the model’s elegance, the chassis required more development. This plus internal squabbles and the arrival of the P66 spelled the end. The prototype was sold recently for £130,000 complete with a V5C, an MOT certificate and original restoration documents.