This month we have quite a scoop - a previously unreleased photo of the famous "missing link" CV8 created in 1962, that never went into production. Look closely at the above photo, recently found as a black & white negative in the files of a publicity company, and you will see that the prototype V8 replacement for the 541 closely mirrored the looks of the Jensens currently in production, with just single headlamps.

As Richard Calver (noted Jensen historian) discovered, the original specification was for a "Jensen 541 Mk2" or even a "Jensen 541CT" which referred to the Central Tube chassis of the V8 model. Would the less dramatic looks of the car pictured above have helped or hindered its sales and long term reputation? Please let me know your opinion at   Jensen541.COM email link

As for the history of the above model, chassis # EXP/AF/01/0412, the photograph shows it returning from high speed testing on the Isle of Wight motorway system, following which it was parked at the back of the factory and used as a "mule" for projects like the Jensen V8 invalid carriage proposal and the high-speed crop sprayer experiment. Eventually it was parked up behind the factory and seems to have disappeared. A sad end to such a landmark car - perhaps you know where it is now?

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