‘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 1906s 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.