SV8

[johnw]

Thanks Rocky. Yes fabulous engine. Almost too powerful. Lovely deep throated sound and a very unstressed engine. The gearbox is one of the best I’ve ever used.

It is really fantastic to see you car pictures, especially given the above SMarley. I went to the British Motor Show in 1998 and saw the Strontium Red (ha ha Keith now I know) car. I spoke to the person the stand. The deposit was a few thousand. I did wonder at the time if any cars would get delivered. I have never bought a new car, or had finance for a vehicle. I wonder if I had put down the sizeable deposit for a British Racing Green car with black leather on that day, would I have got one? What was the order book like at that point I wonder? Could I have bought on finance which would have removed the risk of non delivery? I suspect not from the conversation. Worst thought is, given how good the cars turned out, is it my indecision in part that caused Jensen to go under?

[Keith]

is it my indecision in part that caused Jensen to go under?

Relax John, it was not you that caused Jensen to "go under"...

[SMaley]

Please correct me if I’m wrong but I’ve always understood that Jensen producing the SV8 went bust for a paltry £500k ! With a very healthy order book. ( They took 32 orders and deposits at the first motor show it was previewed) I was lead to believe the production issues were the real cause of the demise.
Interestingly in the hefty two box files of history connected with my car reg OX53 DHJ there are letters showing that the first owner had the car seized by the administrators and held as an asset against the insolvency, although the full amount had been paid for the completed car ! Needless to say it was returned to the purchaser in quick fashion. FYI OX53 DHJ. will soon sport registration H14 YUM as the car will be given to my partner Heather with the original number held on retention.

[SMaley]

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Hi, I mentioned I might have some more news regarding my SV8 - well I think I have solved the huge problem of parts. I have bought a very sad category B written off SV8 for parts. As you can see it has suffered a catastrophic front near side accident which pretty much obliterated most of the front corner. I am very sorry to see it in such a state but had two thoughts - first was parts for mine, hopefully allowing parts for years to come. Second and this is the devil in me wanting to restore the damage ( I do also have other parts) was to ask DVLA whether there is ever a possibility of restoring a car such as this ( Cat B parts only) with computer precision repairs and engineers reports as back up. Their answer was an absolute no because the original paperwork says so. The car was written off as ‘parts only’ by the insurance Company because of the problems of lack of parts and the cost of obtaining such or bespoke made . They therefore classed it as Cat, B. Useless to most unless you already own an SV8. Anyway herewith the very very upsetting photos. Don’t look if you love SV8’s like I do

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[Keith]

Photos but no explanation? Don't be shy, tell us!

[SMaley]

Oh, sorry, I’ve written a long spiel. It shows just before last photo when I log in. I don’t understand. ???

[SMaley]

Hi, I mentioned I might have some more news regarding my SV8 - well I think I have solved the huge problem of parts. I have bought a very sad category B written off SV8 for parts. As you can see it has suffered a catastrophic front near side accident which pretty much obliterated most of the front corner. I am very sorry to see it in such a state but had two thoughts - first was parts for mine, hopefully allowing parts for years to come. Second and this is the devil in me wanting to restore the damage ( I do also have other parts) was to ask DVLA whether there is ever a possibility of restoring a car such as this ( Cat B parts only) with computer precision repairs and engineers reports as back up. Their answer was an absolute no because the original paperwork says so. The car was written off as ‘parts only’ by the insurance Company because of the problems of lack of parts and the cost of obtaining such or bespoke made . They therefore classed it as Cat, B. Useless to most unless you already own an SV8. Anyway herewith the very very upsetting photos. Don’t look if you love SV8’s like I do

[SMaley]

I’ve just cut and paste it and sent it again as a separate spiel. Hope that helps. Cheers

[Keith]

All clear now, and it's now showing up in the original post!

Glad, if that's the right word, that the car has ended up in the hands of a sympathetic enthusiast.

[SMaley]

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[Kevin Birch]

Saw that SV8 about a year ago, when going to look at a MK1 Escort for a friend near Evesham. Chap had loads of old Fords, he does them up, strips them etc, amongst them was this, and other makes. Some rare cars there, and was convinced he was the one who bought my ex wife's Capri 2L S.
This SV8 is well and truly crunched, not a pretty sight in the flesh.

[Series3Jensen]

Hi Sean

Can you confirm the Chassis No for the write off car so that i can record it for my records - PM me if you prefer
Perhaps in another 30 years the DVLA will acknowledge this cars rarity and treat it as a Classic and allow it to be properly restored - although as you say, parts will always be an issue

Regards

Jim Smith
JOC Mem No 1639
136/8791 RJF 17 Owned since September 1978

[johnw]

Hi Sean

Can you confirm the Chassis No for the write off car so that i can record it for my records - PM me if you prefer
Perhaps in another 30 years the DVLA will acknowledge this cars rarity and treat it as a Classic and allow it to be properly restored - although as you say, parts will always be an issue

Regards

Jim Smith
JOC Mem No 1639
136/8791 RJF 17 Owned since September 1978

I am sure that the car could be properly repaired and registered in many countries, pretty sure the majority of the world. For example, Switzerland has strict periodic inspections for cars, and it is driven more by technical inspection than the UK.

[SMaley]

I’ve had a quote to fully restore the silver SV8 to a fabulous standard- probably better than factory as they were hurried and not particularly good. The quote was eye watering as the chassis will effectively have to be rebuilt. I think the quote is probably not good value as use for parts is more important to me. It is a huge shame not to restore it as I probably have enough other spares apart from chassis to do this but DVLA’s obstructive decision prevents this. It is curious that waiting a few years for it to become a classic will make it more repairable than now in their eyes Therefore as I say - parts it is .
I’ll get a chassis number etc in due course for your records.
However If anyone feels brave enough to restore it then please contact me as I have lots of other parts. Who knows ??