Jensen Interceptor set to return

The new Jensen Interceptor lightens up the design of the original produced from 1966-76. Photo / Supplied

Retro revival to satisfy legions of well-heeled fans of the 'golden era of British motoring'

The striking Jensen Interceptor is set to make a comeback.

It was said that the biggest challenge with the original Interceptor was fitting a towbar in order to cart a fuel tanker around you. It had a legendary thirst and managed to keep many a British garage owner in meat pies and teabags for a decade from 1966-76.

In the spirit of a retro revival that has seen a number of vehicles come back from the grave - including Lamborghini's stunning Miura - Coventry-based coachbuilder CPP is rejigging the classy GT for release.

CPP, which owns Spyker sports cars, has been awarded the contract to build the car from the Swiss owners of the great, formerly British Healy Sports Cars. It will be based on a brand-spanking aluminium platform and will use aluminium bodywork, aiming for a lightweight vehicle that's likely to provide some competition in the fast four-seater GT segment for marques like Lotus and Aston Martin.

The design has been worked up by CPP - co-owned by Russian bazillionaire Vladimir Antonov - and will be revealed late next year, with a view to rolling off the production line in 2014.

CPP says it will retain the four-seat layout as per the original and will keep its key design features - the wraparound rear screen, quad headlights and vents behind the front wheel archers.

What the powerplant plan is officially remains a mystery, but the first-generation Interceptor had a 6.4-litre Chrysler V8 - and later a 7.2-litre engine with three two-barrel carbs that put out 290kW. There is talk of a modern Corvette V8 engine being used, which should maintain the car's taste for fuel and offer enough wick to foot it with the competition.

CPP co-owner Brendan O'Toole said: "The Jensen design team has respected and honoured the great heritage and attributes of the original Interceptor, while injecting a contemporary edge and advanced technologies that will ensure it appeals to the passionate, discerning motoring enthusiast of today."

This does point to an exclusive machine with a corresponding pricetag, and while some companies are offering beautiful, modernised and expensive restorations, a lighter ground-up design that draws on the design cues set by the original would surely be embraced by the UK's legions of well-heeled "golden era of British motoring" tragics.