► Jensen set to return with all-new car
► Inspired by Interceptor, but not a ‘restomod’
► V8, old-school feel promised from new luxury GT
The Jensen Interceptor is set to be reborn in 2026 as a V8-powered ‘luxury GT car’ to mark 60 years since the original debuted.
Though not the first time that the Interceptor has been earmarked for a return, Jensen says it is working on a ‘clean-sheet’ design for its new GT car, and with proper backing this time around.
The Interceptor is one of the better-known classic British cars, first introduced in 1950, but best known for its ’60s and ’70s guises, and is known for details such as its long bonnet and wraparound rear glass, as well as its potent V8 engine.
All those details are expected to remain on the new Jensen, which is said to ‘inspired’ by the Interceptor, rather than being named after it. The boss of the project is also adamant it won’t be a ‘restomod’
Only a single disguised image of the new car has been shown so far, showing a car with an extended silhouette, long bonnet and sloping roofline and thin LED lights that wraparound the rear of the car. The teaser image simultaneously reminds us of the new Jaguar Type 00 and also of the rear of a Lucid Air, and doesn’t look like a copy of the Interceptor.
Technical details are currently unknown but Jensen says it will use an aluminium chassis and a ‘bespoke’ V8 engine to offer a ‘fully analogue’ driving experience.
The new model also has provenance behind it as it’s coming from Banbury-based Jensen International Automotive (JIA), which has been restoring and re-engineering the Interceptor for several decades.
David Duerden, Jensen International Automotive managing director, said: ‘Taking the theme of the luxury British GT to fresh, thoroughly modern heights, JIA’s first car is designed and engineered from the ground up to deliver an unmatched, deeply immersive, V8-powered driving experience.
‘While it takes inspiration from the Jensen Interceptor launched 60 years ago, this is certainly no ‘restomod’ or ‘continuation’ and will stand proudly as a completely all-new car in its own right.’
It will be produced in the UK in ‘ultra-low numbers’ and targeted specifically towards its home market, with classic Interceptors having a strong following in the UK, with the finest examples now commanding upwards of £100,000.
Further details are promised to be released ‘very soon’.
New cars editor, car reviewer, news hound, avid car detailer
By Ted Welford
New cars editor for CAR and Parkers. Loves a car auction. Enjoys making things shiny