The Jensen Interceptor SX - an Interceptor for the 21st Century
Update September 2011: This story is getting a lot of traffic for the new Jensen Interceptor being built by CPP, and due in 2014. You can read about the new Interceptor by CPP here, as well as seeing what the Jensen SX – based on an original donor Interceptor – is all about below.
The guys at V Eight Ltd have had a great deal of success with their Jensen Interceptor S, a rebuilt classic offering modern components and reliability, with all the cool and kudos of the classic Jensen Interceptor. But they’re going one better, and Cars UK has received exclusive details of the Interceptor to beat all Interceptors – the Jensen Interceptor SX.
The Interceptor SX is the Jensen brought in to the 21st century. Still based on a donor Interceptor, V Eight Ltd (based at Cropredy Bridge) transform the 60/70s supercar in to a true supercar of today.
A transformation in performance and handling, thanks to GM 6.2 litre supercharged V8 LS9 engine delivering 620bhp, carbon ceramic brakes and fully adjustable suspension, makes the Interceptor SX capable of taking on any GT on the market today, but with all the style and panache the original Interceptor had.
V Eight have managed to bring the Interceptors shape completely up to date, whilst still retaining the original style. Not only that, but they’ve managed to make the 2+2 accommodation of the original more spacious, whilst retaining all the charm and character.
And we can exclusively reveal that the first 5 customers to place their £30k deposit (the Jensen Interceptor SX costs £151,000) will join an exclusive club, offering a unique SX Club ‘Graham’ Watch, free servicing for life, an individual build book and a bespoke briefcase or travel bag in leather to match their car’s trim. But that list of 5 is going fast!
Full details of the Jensen Interceptor SX below, and look out for our test drive once the first car is ready!
Jensen Interceptor SX Details
Jensen Sales Ltd in conjunction with V Eight Ltd at Cropredy Bridge is delighted to announce the next generation Jensen Interceptor.
The Interceptor SX offers classic cool with modern dynamics
Following the success of the Interceptor S, V Eight has taken the proven platform of the S and applied an altogether more radical approach to the design of this vehicle (known as project SX). With a lightened and restyled bodyshell and powered by the General Motors 6.2 litre supercharged V8 LS9 engine, the SX boasts 620 bhp, driving through a manual 6 speed transmission to a fully independent rear axle. Carbon ceramic 6/4 piston brakes are enclosed in 19 inch carbon fibre & magnesium wheels and sit on fully adjustable suspension.
With a 35 year history in the marque at Cropredy Bridge, V Eight has led the way in Jensen maintenance, restoration and repair. That experience has all been brought to bear in designing the SX which, although unmistakably ‘Interceptor Retro’ in origin, is extensively modernised in outward appearance, interior accommodation (now a more usable 2+2) and driving dynamics, with the performance and reliability of a modern vehicle.
The Interceptor SX offers a more aggresive, modern style
“We believe that the SX [project] is the ultimate Jensen Interceptor” says Alan Garnett, Managing Director. “It provides a rare and ultra exclusive opportunity to own a genuine Gran Tourismo with stunning looks and performance.” Technical Director David Duerden adds “…that it embodies the best of British design and engineering heritage and delivers it with a hammer blow to the senses is an added bonus.”
The Interceptor SX is hand built from a classic 1970s Mk III Interceptor that is stripped to bare metal prior to being fully renovated and modified. Before new composite and aluminium panels are fitted and the body painted to the customer’s chosen colour, the steel shell is EPD dipped to modern industry standard for corrosion protection.
The interior is designed to reflect the overall effect of the car; stunning but purposeful and is a combination of leather, wood and aluminium, providing all the sophistication one would expect for a vehicle designed for serious GT motoring whilst providing a generous 2+2 seating layout.
Engine, transmission, suspension and brakes are all brand new including many original equipment supplier parts to 2009 specification, in addition to the many bespoke components unique to the SX. All engine management functions are ECU controlled and the wiring harness and ancillaries are assembled to modern standards.
The Jenson SX is still a real Interceptor
The carbon fibre & magnesium wheels are UK produced and represent the state of the art; they also symbolise the level of technology and style embodied in the SX that elevate the threshold of exclusivity.
The Interceptor SX will be built in limited numbers, exclusively only to order and whilst there will be a common outline specification, it is anticipated that each SX will be a bespoke build reflecting each customers particular tastes and requirements.
The base price is £151,000 and variations will be priced individually.
All vehicles will be built at the company’s site at Cropredy Bridge, just outside Banbury with local subcontractors and suppliers where possible from UK. Individual build programmes and timescales will be discussed with each client but it must be assumed that from its start, an SX will take about four months to build.
Gary says
The Poms need reminding they can’t build cars.
Keith says
Pls advise if the Jensen SX is proceeding and if so when available? Where can it be viewed in thenUK
Thomas says
Check it out here if you’re interested – http://www.jensenviperceptorse.com
James M says
OOooohhh a unique ‘Graham’ watch. Gotta get me one of those
martinjensen club denmark says
The so called new jensen sx look like a cheap kit kar made by unprofessionals.
Take a look at what is going on in the world of exotic cars like the new Maserati
rob channa says
bloody good i want one and i want it yesterday!!
lawrence salloum says
please advise when the sx will be available in canada?
larry salloum
Dave says
Well it’s been coming up on 2 years since this was announced – any further news on the project? Has anyone bought one? Did the GFC annihilate this project?
BladesBoyForLife says
Well as a kid I dreamed that one day I would be able to afford one of the original Interceptors, however long term plans rarely deliver as views and needs change. I do like the look of the new model, however have found a more practical and similarly satisfying way to get around. If you haven’t already, why not try the M3 Conv like I did and you’ll never look back……….except to see cars disappearing into the distance in your rear view mirror.
Brook A Anderson says
Love the look of the Jensen SX, and I think it will be on the road by the end of 2010
Clive says
My dad owned two FFs back in the 70s,and i swear to god that if I close my eyes ,I can still hear that glorious engine /exhaust note as he came home from work.
Nothing he ever had compared to the Jensens (even the E-types,lotus’s,Alpinas etc pale into insignificence).
Being dropped at school,8 track playing …bliss.
By the way,the Lotto in mine this week,and I’d like a convertible please !
Tim says
Could of had a HEMI
Lee440 says
Hello all i just found this site im surpised to see the remaking of the Jensen interceptor…my only problem i see is why not keep it chrysler powered?? Hemi 6.1 7.2 5.7? viper V-10 etc. some of us on the other side of the pond get tired of seeing Chevy engines shoved in everything just because they think its cheaper…
lawrence salloum says
will the sx be available in canada II i have a mk111 which i love
CarsUK says
Pretty sure that they’d be happy to sell you one wherever in then world you are.
Elaine Usletten says
i dont really like this car it looks like a morris mariana
Ian Roberts says
Morris Marina???? Erm……nope can’t see that one. I have a MkIII in restoration at the mo and am just wondering whether to hand it over and ask for it back as an SX..
Sdaly dream on as I need to buy a house first. I would certainly get it if the Lottery came my way.
Elaine Usletten says
i think a house is more important that a jensen car
Graham says
I want one……moreso than when I was a kid in the 60’s and early seventies and our neighbour who was in show biz on the Northern Club circuit had a SS4 model. I saw it was outside the chip shop the day they bought it and his wife was picking up a fish supper and it was the first time I saw a car with electric windows as she handed a wrapped parcel of chips into the cabin to the son sat in the back seat. Even though there was a spare seat in the back I had to walk the mile back up through the village. Hey ho tonight theres a £38 million Euro Lottery jackpot.
david bull says
I think it looks like a miami drug dealers car. The original Interceptor is gorgeous and infinitely better looking than this brash interloper
CarsUK says
Oh that they had the taste to invest their ill-gotten gains in such a fine way!
Bernie says
And just what do you drive???Miami drugs dealer my ass!! get a life moron
david bull says
No need to get quite so personal.
I drive a Maserati Quatroporte Sport GTS 2009 and so for your info I guess I do have a life even if a moron !
Bernie says
I’m sorry if my comment offended you David. It was meant to grab your attention. With so many of the UK’s cars bought by bloody foreigners, I would expect real enthusiasts to be behind such a brave and glorious attempt to put new life into a car that started the 4×4 and ABS trend….in the 1960’s!!! Stolen later by Audi!!! Jensen was and STILL are a car to be reckoned with and, to all true enthusiasts, will ALWAYS remain so. The fact that it had a yank engine ( like the Cobra ) does NOT detract from it’s excellence. That there is an up to date version is absolute Heaven and I for one, if I won the Lotto, would buy one immediately.
Your Maserati, a glorified Fiat, may be one of the better Italian cars but is STILL inferior, by light years, to a Jensen Interceptor, old or new.
Just to put you straight, I drive a Jaguar XJR SC, which has the same engine you will find in an Aston Martin and All V8 Range Rovers.
Out of interest, WHY a Maserati, of all things????
No offense was, or is intended. I just feel, strongly, that we SHOULD support what is left of OUR car industry!!
David says
Bernie, I admire your commitment to the UK car industry, however you seem a little blindly biased. I accept that the original Jensen was ground breaking in regards to brakes, 4wd etc and as I mentioned agree the original was a gorgeous (and still is)car. I stand by my evalution of the new version – I do think it looks like a bad taste pimped up americanisation of a great English car. As I was born and live in NZ, where no car industry of our own exists (although many ex pats have been successful eg. McLaren etc ) I am not clouded by bias. I chose to own a Maserati Quatroporte GTS because it is the most gorgeous 4 seater performance car in the world (Acknowledged by all worldwide & even your own British motor industry experts.The only challenge for is now your Aston Rapide – a marque which is certainly one of my favourites)and it is incredible to drive – true Italian in nature-a real race car for 4 people. You should open your eyes and drive one for a day – hard to not love it – and it turns heads more than your jag and the sound, from outside and in is sex!.
However I am proud to say that I have never owned a Jap or German car and never will, and your British car marques Aston, Jag, Lotus, Morgan etc are certainly ones I keep an eye on after the italians – especially Maserati and Alfa (that 8C is stunning – now that would be a nice little run about if you could get your hands on one)
So Bernie I guess we’ll agree to disagree re the new Jensen. Cheers from NZ.
David
Callum says
I live in NZ, and wish you would get one ! That machine on the Mackenzie country roads would rival Aoraki, Mt Cook, in beauty, form and eliteism! Apart from the SP on Trade me.co.nz at the mo, My lotto win will see, The Capri Injection, on a plinthe, and an SX touring the south!
honest george says
i want one. I have a 1973 interceptor. But this one looks better to me.
roger says
After the fourth child I was forced to sell my lovely silver Interceptor…6 into 4 just doesn’t go.
I weep nearly ever day…now my body is racked with sobs!
I should have jacked it up and glad-wrapped it.
Like a spoiled child, I want the SX and I want it now!
paris says
has it got all british engine and gearbox
CarsUK says
No. But nor did the original!
paris says
i only hope the gas pedal does not stick under the carpet when giving full gas,because you will not have mr toyota to bail you out with a 600bhp car crash…
paris says
i hope it goes over 100mph without light steering,
Jarrod Nash says
Great looking car, I’ve always loved Jensen’s since I was a kid, looks like real competition for the likes of Porsche and Aston.
I wouldn’t compare it to a Corvette though, as we have things called corners in the UK, which the Corvette has a little bit of trouble with, as shown in the latest episode of Top Gear!
jsmith says
The Jensen Interceptor SX?
Um, good looking car, but the Chevy Corvette will beat most Ferraris and Porsches, do almost 200 mph, provide more luxuries, more style, and offer more options than any of the aforementioned cars for about $60,000.
Keep trying, Jensen.
charles says
Yes, but two a penny and American!!!!
Bernie says
Corvette???? are you serious??? What fool would want one of them???
CLINTON KILBY says
So when is this going to be available,also i would like to see some interior shots,and will there be a 4×4 version until then i shall continue to dribble and dream. very nice
Morgan says
Back in the 1970s I owned a Series 111 J.
If ever I can put together a couple of hundred grand, I’ll have one of these too. Unlikely shy of a lottery win, these days.
Sigh…
samantha mclean says
my dad use to own one when i was younger and i loved it then,i would love to own a new one and its good to c that its not been to modernised in looks to as this is the character of the car. . . i think its amazing and only in my dreams could i possibly own one 🙁 and envy everyone that does buy one
christopher dunbar says
I lke the new interceptor. The first time i saw the car was the new saint series starring simon dutton. i heard that back in the early 1970’s jensen was brinning this car to the american market. But this other car out sell the interceptor,it was the jaguar xj-6.
Since the engine from crysler, they should team and put the interceptor full speed.
michelle griffin says
Jensen Interceptor SX … want!!