Jensen International Automotive has been restoring and modernising Jensen Interceptors for years. It has just revealed the plans for its latest project – a Jensen Interceptor FF hybrid – on the company's Facebook page. The car would share technology with JIA's restomod Chieftain Range Rover based on a first generation Range Rover Classic.
Hybrid Jensen Interceptor FF with 781PS in the works
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That means you could enjoy the reassuring rumble of an American V8 on the open road and revert to silent electric power when you don't want to draw attention to yourself. Like the rest of JIA's cars, the hybrid Interceptor will be powered by a modern GM V8 motor, but, in this case, it's supported by a 120PS electric motor that turns the front wheels. The 35kWh battery the car is expected to get would allow for short trips on pure-electric or improve fuel economy (that can easily slip into single digits) on longer runs.
Performance hasn't been revealed, but the electric motor's instant torque should allow JIA to improve on its FF's 3.8-second 0-62mph time and 174mph top speed.
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Like any JIA Jensen, the hybrid's restoration goes beyond a new paint job and fresh interior. The company kits the car with independent rear suspension and adds modern refinements like a bonded windscreen, upgraded air-con, electric seats and Jaguar stalks. Even the wipers are modernised with a single arm replacing the flappy originals.
Naturally, a comprehensive re-do like this isn't cheap, and you can expect to pay north of £200,000 for work and doner. On the bright side, JIA is only likely to build ten examples, making this a scarce version of an already scarce car.
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