Some car stories don’t arrive with loud teasers or flashy events. They slowly appear, and when you notice them, you feel like you discovered a secret. That’s what’s happening right now with a classic British name from the 1960s. A company in the UK is planning a brand-new coupe inspired by the legendary Interceptor. It won’t be electric. It won’t be full of screens. And it won’t try to please everyone. That’s exactly why car lovers are paying attention.
This is not just about a new car. It’s about bringing back a feeling many people think is disappearing.
What Is This New British Interceptor-Inspired Coupe?
The project is coming from Jensen International Automotive (JIA), a British firm that has been quietly restoring and upgrading classic Jensen Interceptors for years. Instead of continuing only with restorations, JIA is now working on an all-new coupe, inspired by the original Interceptor but built completely from scratch.
This means no old donor cars and no reused vintage frames. The upcoming model—often referred to as the JIA Coupe due to the Jensen trademark being held by a separate entity—will sit on a bespoke aluminium chassis designed and engineered in the UK. That’s a big deal, because it allows modern safety, better rigidity, and improved driving dynamics, while still keeping the soul of a classic grand tourer.
JIA has clearly said this will be an analog car, focused on driving feel, sound, and connection. In today’s world of touchscreens and driver assists, that idea feels almost rebellious.
How the Original Interceptor Earned Its Legend Status
To understand why this news is special, you need to know what the Interceptor meant. Back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Jensen Interceptor was a proper British grand tourer. It had bold styling, a powerful V8, and was built for long, fast journeys in comfort.
It was also a real rival to cars like Aston Martin at the time. The Interceptor wasn’t trying to be delicate or sporty in a modern way. It was confident, heavy, and full of character. Many people still remember its huge glass rear window and deep engine sound.
JIA has spent over a decade rebuilding these classics with modern brakes, suspension, and engines. That experience is now shaping this new car. It’s not nostalgia for marketing reasons. It’s nostalgia from people who actually work on these cars every day.
An “Analog” V8 Coupe in a Digital World
One word keeps coming up with this project: analog. That means no fake engine sounds, no complicated drive modes, and no software trying to guess what the driver wants. The new coupe will use a V8 engine, staying true to the Interceptor tradition.
Exact engine specs are still not public, but JIA has hinted that performance will be strong, smooth, and focused on torque rather than chasing extreme horsepower numbers. The goal is not lap records. The goal is enjoyment.
Expect rear-wheel drive, a traditional driving layout, and a car that feels mechanical in a good way. In a time when even sports cars are becoming silent and heavy, this approach feels rare and very intentional.
Bespoke Aluminium Chassis Built in the UK
One of the most important technical details is the bespoke aluminium chassis. This is not a modified old platform. It’s a newly developed structure designed to balance strength, weight, and comfort.
Aluminium helps reduce weight compared to steel, which is important for handling and braking. It also allows engineers to tune the suspension properly, instead of working around old limitations. Because the car is engineered and hand-built at JIA’s facility in Oxfordshire, the development stays in the heart of the UK’s "Motorsport Valley." This location allows them to work with elite specialist suppliers who typically serve Formula 1 teams, ensuring the build quality is world-class.
This chassis also makes the car future-proof in a way. It gives JIA freedom to adjust powertrains, suspension setups, and body design without being locked into the past.
Design Philosophy – Classic Shape, Modern Execution
Visually, the upcoming coupe will clearly take inspiration from the original Interceptor, but don’t expect a copy. The design will likely feature a long hood, wide stance, and clean surfaces, staying away from aggressive vents and sharp lines.
The idea is elegance, not drama. JIA wants the car to look timeless, not trendy. Expect subtle modern lighting, proper proportions, and details that reward people who look closely.
Inside, while official images are not out yet, it’s expected to follow the same philosophy. Real materials, physical controls, and a cabin designed for driving, not scrolling through menus. Luxury will come from craftsmanship, not screens.
Limited Production and Who This Car Is Really For
This new British coupe will not be mass-produced. To ensure its success, the project is backed by Sir Charles Dunstone, the billionaire founder of Carphone Warehouse and a passionate car collector. His financial backing and seat on the board of directors give this revival a level of stability and credibility that most small-scale car projects lack.
Because it is hand-built in Oxfordshire in strictly limited numbers, it is aimed at the world’s most discerning collectors. Pricing has not been announced, but given the bespoke aluminium chassis and hand-crafted nature, it is expected to sit in the £150,000 to £250,000 bracket.
This car is not for someone who wants the latest tech features or daily convenience. It’s for people who want something personal, something mechanical, and something rare. Buyers will likely already own a garage full of modern supercars and want this as an emotional, "soulful" alternative for Sunday drives.
Jensen Interceptor-Inspired Coupe Key Specifications
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Why This Comeback Is a Big Deal for Car Lovers
This project shows that there is still space in the car world for passion-led engineering. While big manufacturers focus on electrification and regulations, small companies like JIA are keeping the emotional side alive.
It also reminds us that British car culture is not just about big brands. Sometimes the most exciting stories come from small workshops with strong ideas.
If JIA succeeds, this Interceptor-inspired coupe won’t just be a car. It will be proof that analog driving still has value.
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Source(Image / Thumbnail): www.carscoops.com
