Born-again Jensen Interceptor

Remember Jensen? Yes, that most British of specialty carmakers who gave us offerings such as the innovative FF (Ferguson Formula) – the first all-wheel-drive sports car – and the Interceptor, with styling penned by Italy’s Carrozzeria Touring and motive power provided by a thumping Chrysler V8, firstly in the guise of a 383-cubic inch (6.3-litre) powerplant and then 440 CID (7.2-litre).

Unfortunately, the company went the way of countless other niche Brit marques and ceased trading in 1976. Ownership of the Jensen name has been handballed around in the interim, and it’s now in the possession of Healey Sports Cars Switzerland Ltd (HSCS), which has announced plans to create a modern-day Interceptor.

HSCS says the car will be designed, engineered and built by CPP Global Holdings, and it will allegedly be built at new plant in Browns Lane (the spiritual home of Jaguar) from 2014.

According to the PR blurb, a team of Coventry-based design consultants has completed the design of the new Interceptor, and the company claims the car “has already gained significant customer interest”.

The public unveiling of the Interceptor is planned for late 2012, and HSCS has for now issued the accompanying design sketches of the proposed car. They reveal a coupe that retains the four-seat grand tourer layout of the original built between 1966 and 1976, with a long snout, fastback rear window and rounded tail.

According to HSCS, the modern-day Interceptor is based on an all-new aluminium chassis and handcrafted aluminium body, but no other tech details have been announced.

Annual production numbers and pricing are also yet to be confirmed, but the company says they “will be fixed to ensure ultra-exclusivity”.  For now, would-be buyers can express their interest by visiting their website – www.jensensportscars.com.

“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,” says CPP founder and co-owner Brendan O’Toole.

“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,” he added.

CPP’s assets include all-terrain supercar manufacturer Bowler, and earlier this year the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding to acquire Holland’s Spyker from its holding company, a deal that is reportedly on the verge of completion.

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