All-new Jensen Interceptor

A modern interpretation of the Jensen Interceptor is set to be launched in 2014.



Healey Sports Cars Switzerland Limited - which owns the assets, designs, intellectual property and rights for the Jensen and Interceptor brands - has appointed Coventry-based CPP to develop and manufacture the new model.



The design process has already begun and, as the renderings show, the 21st century Interceptor should retain the looks of the original, albeit in a sleeker form. A four-seat grand tourer, it will have a hand-made aluminium body that sits atop an aluminium chassis. The first public unveiling of the finished car is scheduled for late 2012.

There’s no word on engines yet but, seeing as the Interceptor traditionally had a Chrysler V8, perhaps the 6.4 litre Hemi V8 from the current Chrysler 300 SRT8 would be a suitable choice?



CPP co-owner and founder Brendan O'Toole said: “The Jensen design team has respected and honoured the great heritage and attributes of the original Interceptor, while injecting a contemporary edge and advanced technologies that will ensure it appeals to the passionate, discerning motoring enthusiast of today.



“This work is at an advanced stage, and married to CPP’s expert coachbuilding, craftsmanship and engineering skills, the new Interceptor will be an exceptional example of British automotive excellence.”



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‘New’ Jensen Interceptor

‘New’ Jensen Interceptor

There’s something very retro-chic about using a classic car as a daily driver, but it’s an activity that comes with the permanent risk that aged mechanicals might expire at any time.



Hence the concept of regeneration by substituting ancient components with fresh replacements. Handling, brakes and reliability are all dramatically improved, while the outward appearance remains unmolested. Various models have received this treatment in recent years, including numerous Jaguars and even the Shelby G.T.500CR.



Now it’s the turn of the Jensen Interceptor, a car originally built during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Jensen International Automotive, based in Thame, Oxfordshire, has just delivered the first of its Interceptor R models. And, with an annual production figure of 18 cars, it’s a product that will be very exclusive.

In a process lasting around five months, each Interceptor R is totally rebuilt from a suitable donor car. The body shell is stripped back to bare metal before it’s rust-proofed and painted in whatever colour the customer chooses. Then the improvements to the original specification can begin, including the installation of independent rear suspension, modern disc brakes all-round and bespoke 17” alloy wheels.



Meanwhile, the original Chrysler V8 is chucked in favour of a brand new General Motors LS3 engine, as used in cars such as the Chevrolet Corvette LT and Vauxhall VXR8. Displacing 6.2 litres (378 cu. in.), its 430 bhp (320 kW / 435 PS) and 575 Nm (424 lb/ft) of torque is good enough to get the Jensen from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in under 4.5 seconds, before propelling it onto a top speed of over 160 mph (257 km/h).



To finish everything off, the interior is comprehensively reworked. New leather trim and carpets are fitted, as is a modern in-car entertainment system.



The big question is how much does this all cost? Prices for the Interceptor R start at £105,000 which, no doubt about it, is a lot. There are contemporary V8-powered coupés available for less money - such as the £77,900 Jaguar XKR or £92,280 Mercedes-Benz CL 500 - but to make a direct comparison with the Jensen would be missing the point.