Tuesday 10th August 2010

Jensen Interceptor Comes Back - With Telecoms Help

Carphone Warehouse founder backs Jensen recreations

---

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...

 

 

[turbouberman]

the original interceptor was a bit before my time, but i think it looks cool, and i bet it sounds awesome. 105k tho? some of the older pistonhead guys can answer if thats worth the money, i have no idea how desirible they were back in the day

[surrey7er]

Beautiful.

One of the most timeless, classy car designs ever in my view...

lovely

[djt100]

Always loved these, I'm sure with the work that goes into creating this "new" one that £105K is not to much, not that I have the money to even comment on the price

[sootyrumble]

bet that will give a few carrera 4 s drivers a nasty surprise at the lights :-)looks yummy

[MogulBoy]

The thinking man's Panamera Coupé.

[Riggers]

turbouberman said:

the original interceptor was a bit before my time, but i think it looks cool, and i bet it sounds awesome. 105k tho? some of the older pistonhead guys can answer if thats worth the money, i have no idea how desirible they were back in the day

Before my time too - but I might just have added another car to my lottery list...

[Plotloss]

My mother had a SIII in 76, I've wanted one ever since. Put a letter of intent in on a CV8 which would have been far cheaper than this but this does have a massive allure it has to be said.

[rhinochopig]

Sorry but that price does not justify this VVVV



If Morgan can do this VVV , the the likes of Bristol and Jenson can design a contemporary - or classic I don't care - interior that does not look like a 1970s essie.



OK you might want to spec a different colour leather and opt for moto lita. but at least the dash is beautiful.

[Motown Junk]

Blimey! gone up by about £30k at least since Octane tested it 2 years ago....

[Garlick]

MogulBoy said:

The thinking man's Panamera Coupé.

Nice comment

[Mermaid]

AFAIK, they were about £7k in the early 70's (same money would have bought a semi-detached house in the south east). Awesome sound, awesome presence.

I recall that in the 72/73 prices had crashed to 20% or so for nearly new cars - major recession, fuel crisis...

[turbouberman]

the original was fitted with a 7 litre chrysler unit wasnt it? im assumin the weight savin comes mostly from the engine?!

[Stuart]

rhinochopig said:

Sorry but that price does not justify this VVVV

Quite agree. You would at least want a Becker Mexico reproduction for the money.

[SmartVenom]

I always feel that there is something slightly wrong with rebuilding classics as modern cars, the problem is every time someone does it (e-types, 911s, etc) I think they look absolutely amazing and I want one!

This does look great and I guess if it helps preserve a classic its a good thing (that's me justifying it to myself)!

[The real Apache]

If I could I'd have one in a flash, always desired one and this is perfect

[hairykrishna]

Christ - that's a lot of cash. The interceptor's a beautiful machine but, given a lottery win, I think I'd rather pay some independent to do it. Crate engine+the rear end of an XJS+tidy interceptor+slightly naff interior+labour shouldn't cost 109k.

[pantalooons]

What chance of an FF version?

[mgv8]

This is an old story and Jensen have been doing this for some time...
Why has just come up again?

As its has...nice car as long as cash is not a problem in your life.

[Gizmo!]

Love the Panamera comment

Wouldn't fancy crashing one of these though... and I drive an MX5...

[cathalm]

Wonderful fantastic gorgeous and lovely.