– George Arthur –
Ever make a comparison between your InterMarque eligible vehicle and a possible domestic equivalent? Certainly possible. I recently had a perfect opportunity. And, as a member of the UK Jensen Owners Club I thought I would share my experience with them. They enthusiastically welcomed and published the following article. Many of our British friends have a certain fascination and respect for the early Corvette V8 models.
Occasionally one may be fortunate enough to drive and experience two fifty plus year old cars together, especially if they are from diverse backgrounds with supposedly little in common. But, the closer you get to these particular two, a 1965 Corvette and a 1965 Jensen C-V8, commonalities become apparent.
First, why me and why now? I’m a long standing American member living in Minnesota and it’s been thirteen years since I last submitted to the newsletter. Time for an update on my C-V8 MKlll. Where did the time go? Scares the socks off me. Almost as bad as realizing I am in my fifth decade of ownership of 112/2399. So, what’s up?
I attended a small gathering last fall with classmates of my partner from her high school. Sitting in the driveway was an extremely attractive 1965 Corvette coupe. Took only a brief look getting past the drive and up to the house to conclude that this was an extremely original, unmolested example. I know a bit about this series, the C2’s, also known as the “Midyear” Vets. I cared for one for a number of years in the ’80’s, a ’63 “split window” coupe.
These models, the C2s from 1963 through 1967 are highly coveted and usually treated to quality, dead accurate restorations. Corvette people are particularly so committed. For many years they have promoted a popular “survivors” category. That said, very few would present as this one. I later learned it had earned 97.4 points at the recent annual Corvette Nationals. I consider my C-V8 a survivor as well, though not to this standard.
I knew immediately whose car this was. There is only one other passionate automobile enthusiast in the group. We had to get the two vehicles together.
What do they have in common?
Both are fiberglass. Both have American V-8s and go like scat. Neither was inexpensive in 1965. Before tax the Jensen, understandably because of the limited production and hand fabrication commanded a premium. Both are from a manufacturers’ series initially available in 1962 and finished in 1966 and 1967. Both models improved during their run, their styling actually refined during their production. Malfunctioning adornments were eliminated, surface protrusions hidden.
The construction of these two particular cars could have started only months apart in 1965, and their performance, as supplied, would have been similar. Both are four-owner, largely documented cars and both are now considered very attractive by any standard. Current value in like condition would also be close.
What is not common? One seats four, one two. One took significantly longer to manufacture than the other. One was heralded as a totally new design. One was initially subject to mixed reviews. The C-V8 raised esthetic doubts among some. Styling was termed “bold”, and occasionally damned with faint praise. However, time has been kind to the C-V8s.
One had a new independent rear suspension, one retained a solid axle. One was offered with over thirty options, including five engine configurations that could satisfy any desire. I am not sure the other had any options. Maybe the radio? One was made by probably the smallest true automobile manufacturer in the world at the time, and the other was from the largest with almost infinite resources and recent racing experience. (Jensen Motors and General Motors). One was marketed as a pure sports car, about the only one offered under its national flag. The other more for grand touring with superb ride and sumptuous interior.
Let’s talk options for a moment. The Vet’s were enough to spin your brain! Thirty-three ways to be unique. Build just the car you want. One interesting option offered actually saved you $64.50! All you had to do was delete the new 4-wheel disc brake equipment and have the tried and true drum system installed. This was the first year for the Chevy disc brakes. So, 316 owners did just that. Dumb? In retrospect maybe no. The new complex calipers and their 16 pistons had reliability problems. Used more oil than your friend’s Jaguar. Chevrolet took years to get it right.
1965 was the last year the excellent fuel injection system was offered on the Vet, a $538 option. Why? Maybe another accountant’s decision. To replace this power, produced through efficient combustion, a larger block 396 cu. in. engine was offered. It was heavy, needed beefed suspension bits and a larger radiator, but offered 425 HP versus the fuelie’s 375 HP. All for $293. Don’t ask about MPGs. Throw that into your decision protocol.
Some of the Corvette’s options were standard on the C-V8. Automatic transmission, leather trim, soft ray glass, power brakes and a wood steering wheel. Others offered were several suspension enhancements for harder driving, a 36 gallon fuel tank (ordered on 41), power windows, air conditioning, power steering (more on that in a bit), a side and a off-road exhaust system, telescopic steering wheel, black, white or red sidewall tires, etc., you get the picture.
Back to today. The Vet owner Bob Cox and I had a lovely chat during lunch at Arnie’s Restaurant at the Royal Golf Club just up the way. (Reminded me of the quaint pub lunches they feature in MotorSport magazine). Afterwards Bob and I swapped cars and went for a good run through the local countryside.
What thoughts?
Both these classics are a delight! My Jensen, however, has never had more than appropriate maintenance and minor repairs. Not surprising it does not feel as solid, tight and athletic as the Corvette. “Athletic”? Without power steering, an independent rear suspension and sporting an automatic…I expected some difference. The fine Chrysler Torqueflite seems to like top gear. Maybe not a fair comparison to a 4-speed? Then there is the sound. My 45 year old Langford and Knight stainless exhaust still has refined dignity. The Vet’s factory side pipes, a $134 option, are an acoustic delight.
We both returned to my drive exiting the cars with broad smiles on our faces. Bob waxed enthusiastically about the Jensen’s quality of materials and construction, performance without drama, and incredible steering feel versus the Vet. The Vet was optioned with an early power assist rendering it overly light and quick in our minds, and certainly by contemporary standards. Really not necessary with the light 327 up front. It was ordered on about 15% of the ’65s, probably and deservedly more popular on the heaver 396 block versions. He also enjoyed the finer visibility and quality of the fittings throughout the Jensen, noting particularly the detail of the chrome window fittings and, of course, that lovely dash.
We termed the Vet brash and excitable and the Jensen smooth and predictable. And we both thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity as any of you certainly would.
So, it’s more a mood call than pure performance between these two. If I had to commit for the duration it would take both these fine, easy to care for classic vehicles to fit all needs.
A bit about the statistics and the options:
Bob’s Corvette Coupe C-V8 MKlll
Weight lbs. 3260 3360
Horse Power 300 330
Cubic Inch Displacement 327 383
Compression Ratio 10.5 10
Final Drive 3.36 3.07
Number built 8,186* 180
Brakes 4-wheel disc 4-wheel disc
* 15,376 convertible versions were also produced
Cost in Dollars $5700 $8080
I believe the Corvettes sold at near list price in 1965. That could have been anywhere between $4321 to over $6000 with options. Not sure how the C-V8 went out the door. Mine was not sold until February ’66 through Charles Follett (with name plaque on the door sill). I remember that the Aston Martin DB6s were discounted one thousand pounds sterling at that time. Potential buyers were anticipating the new V8. I wonder if the same thing was happening at Jensen dealerships because of the Interceptor’s expected arrival.
Only five CV8s were imported early on into North America. The C-V8 was not marketed well in the US, and would only have appealed to a very niche market. In fact one, a Mkll, was offered by Fergus Fine Cars for $9998! All the while there were a number of other British, French, and Italian manufacturers who used American Chrysler and Ford V8 engines in their offerings. Unlike Jensen who at this time assembled vehicles for a number of companies while producing their limited production “house-car”. They probably could not have scaled up easily.
George Arthur JOC#426 Stillwater, Minnesota USA
IN MEMORIUM: Sadly, I must mention that Bob Cox passed away suddenly on June 29. Bob was a dedicated automotive enthusiast and was eager to participate in this comparison. He was much loved in the InterMarque community. Many of you knew him, or knew of him. He will be missed. BOB’S OBITUARY
