Jensen International Automotive (JIA), a small outfit whose business involves reproducing the classic Jensen Interceptor, has been given a boost by the financial backing of Carphone Warehouse founder Charles Dunstone.
The cars themselves are called the Jensen Interceptor S (using the time-honoured tradition of adding an 'S' to revive an old name). They are created from dead or dying original Interceptor donor cars, but sufficiently modified to make them a much more modern proposition.
"It's what we think the Interceptor would have become had its development continued beyond the 1970s when the company folded," JIA's managing director, Tony Banham, told PH.
What this means in metal terms is that JIA fits an independent rear suspension set-up - using parts drawn largely from 70s and 80s Jags - installs an all-new 429bhp LS3 GM V8 and four-speed auto, fits big ventilated discs from AP Racing, and entirely retrims the interior. Amongst much else.
The result is a car that weighs around 400kg less than the original, is possessed of a much less nose-heavy weight distribution, and can hit 60mph in a claimed 4.5secs while heading for a top speed on the far side of 160mph.
There is, of course, a pretty steep price for the exclusive car. Jensens were always pricey motors and the company only made around 6500 Interceptors the first time around, and many of those have crumbled to dust. Add to that the fact that JIA only plans to create 18 Interceptor Ss per year, and you can see what's coming: JIA says prices 'start' at £105k...