A Legend Reimagined for the 21st Century
The original Jensen Interceptor, built between 1966 and 1976, was a perfect blend of Anglo-American muscle and Italian design. It paired a muscular Chrysler V8 engine with a sleek body styled by Carrozzeria Touring, creating a fast and luxurious gentleman's
express. Now, a new company, Jensen International Automotive (JIA), is resurrecting the name with the Interceptor GTX. This isn't a simple restomod or a continuation of an old car; it's a completely new vehicle designed from a clean sheet. The project is being developed by a team that includes Jeff Qvale, the son of former Jensen Motors owner Kjell Qvale, bringing a personal, historical connection to this ambitious revival.
The Soul of a Grand Tourer
The original Interceptor was the definitive Grand Tourer (GT) of its time, designed for crossing continents in comfort and at great speed. It was a fixture of the swinging sixties, a symbol of sophisticated performance. The new Interceptor GTX aims to capture this spirit but with a modern twist. JIA has promised a car that delivers a purely “analogue” driving experience, a deliberate move away from the heavily digitized supercars of today. This suggests a focus on driver engagement, with physical controls and a direct mechanical feel. The new car will be built on a lightweight aluminum chassis with a hand-built aluminum body, ensuring it honours the bespoke craftsmanship of its predecessor.
A 'Circuit-First' Philosophy
Where the new car forges its own path is in its 'Circuit-First' approach. JIA has announced that the initial version of the Interceptor GTX will be a track-only special. This pre-production prototype is designed to be an ultra-high-performance machine, laying the groundwork for future road-legal variants. This strategy allows the company to push the engineering to its limits without the immediate constraints of road regulations, focusing entirely on performance dynamics. While a track focus may seem at odds with the comfortable GT image of the original, it signals a clear intent to compete at the highest levels of modern performance, blending the Interceptor's heritage with cutting-edge track capability.
Modern Power, Classic Proportions
Under the bonnet, the GTX will once again feature a mighty V8 engine, continuing the transatlantic tradition of the original. While Jensen has called the new engine 'bespoke', reports suggest it will be a supercharged V8, possibly a GM-sourced 6.2-litre unit similar to those used in high-performance Corvettes. This powerhouse will be mounted in a long-bonnet, fastback coupe that clearly pays homage to the iconic silhouette of the 1960s original, including its distinctive 'bubble-back' rear window profile. Recent teaser images have revealed modern touches like a prominent carbon-fibre rear diffuser, hinting at advanced aerodynamics that complement its raw power. The goal is a thoroughly modern supercar that is still instantly recognizable as an Interceptor.
