Jensen International Automotive (JIA) is poised to reintroduce the renowned Interceptor, not as a mere restoration but as an entirely reimagined vehicle for the modern era. This exciting development marks a new chapter for the classic British grand tourer, promising a fusion of its distinctive heritage with cutting-edge engineering and performance. The new Interceptor will boast a unique body design, an advanced aluminum chassis, and a potent V-8 powerplant, aiming to deliver a luxurious and high-performance driving experience while preserving the spirit of its iconic predecessor.
Originating as a coachbuilder in the 1920s, Jensen Motors evolved to produce sports cars, including those with experimental fiberglass bodies, before achieving significant recognition in the mid-1960s with the introduction of the original Interceptor. This grand tourer captivated enthusiasts with its Italian-designed hatchback coupe body and robust American big-block Chrysler engine. The Interceptor quickly became a symbol of luxury and power, attracting a discerning clientele that included royalty, with Princess Anne notably owning one. Jensen Motors was also at the forefront of automotive innovation, incorporating features like power accessories, brake warning lights, and even an advanced four-wheel-drive system with anti-lock brakes in its FF model, long before these technologies became widespread. However, the economic challenges of the 1970s proved difficult for niche manufacturers of fuel-intensive vehicles, ultimately leading to Jensen's cessation of production by the 2000s.
In 2010, JIA embarked on a mission to revitalize classic Interceptors through meticulous restoration and modern performance upgrades, frequently integrating contemporary LS3 V-8 engines. Their latest announcement, however, signals a departure from these restomod projects, focusing instead on an all-new vehicle that honors the Interceptor's legacy. A recently released teaser image reveals a silhouette reminiscent of the classic Interceptor's long hood and distinctive bubble-back, yet infused with contemporary design elements in its front and rear fascias, alongside a more raked front windscreen. Observers have noted subtle design influences from revered marques such as Mustang and Aston Martin, all while clearly retaining the original Jensen's distinctive profile. JIA has confirmed that this new model will be a high-performance luxury GT, meticulously crafted in a UK factory utilizing an aluminum chassis and a completely novel body structure.
Specific details regarding the powertrain remain limited, with JIA describing it simply as a "bespoke" V-8 engine, leaving room for speculation about its origins, which could range from a specially tuned crate engine to a sophisticated Cosworth-engineered unit. While most of the original Interceptors were equipped with automatic transmissions, there is considerable anticipation, fueled by JIA's promise of a "fully analog driving experience," that a manual transmission option might be available for this new iteration. Pricing and availability information are yet to be disclosed, with JIA indicating that the new Interceptor will be offered in the UK in "ultra-limited numbers," suggesting exclusivity for this revived automotive legend.