COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

A new version of the legendary Jensen Interceptor sports car will bring manufacturing back to a former motor plant in Coventry.



UK automotive company CPP Global Holdings will engineer, develop and build the vehicle at Jaguar's former Browns Lane site.

CPP had already announced it was bringing manufacturing back to the plant.

Jensen's much-admired Interceptor was originally built between 1966 and 1976.

The news is a further boost to the UK motor industry following Monday's confirmation that Jaguar Land Rover was investing £355m to build low-emission engines at a business park near Wolverhampton, potentially creating thousands of new jobs.

CPP said it hoped to start delivering the new car to customers in 2014.

'Iconic brand'

A team of Coventry-based design consultants employed by the Jensen brand's owners, Healey Sports Cars Switzerland Ltd, has completed the design of the new Interceptor, which has already gained "significant customer interest".

The public unveiling of the Interceptor is planned for late 2012. Annual production numbers and pricing are yet to be confirmed.

Brendan O'Toole, founder and co-owner of CPP, said: "I started my career by restoring bodies and components for classic British sports cars, so for CPP to take the lead role in reviving this iconic brand is very exciting for the business, and for me personally.

"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."

CPP, which already has five existing facilities in Coventry, owns the Bowler off-road vehicle company and is negotiating to acquire sports car company Spyker.

It is purchasing 23 acres at Browns Lane from regional development agency Advantage West Midlands.

Coventry designed Jensen Interceptor causing excitement

A new Jensen Interceptor car to be made in Coventry has been welcomed as "a very exciting design" by car enthusiasts.

The design builds on the original, built between 1966 and 1976.

David Newby, chairman of the Jenson Owners Club, said: "I've seen the new pictures and it's a very exciting design and I really do look forward to seeing more details of the car.

"I'm pleased with how it looks. They've carried forward the huge wrap around rear screen with great success."

'Wonderful to drive'

Mr Newby owns two of the original models. He said: "The Interceptor just has presence. It's a wonderful car to drive, very light and airy, and even way back in 1966 Jensen were well ahead of their time.

"It was just a wonderful car to drive."

Quentin Wilson, motoring journalist and former presenter of Top Gear, said: "This is great news. There is a market for these cars. There is so much money up at the top that sales of Ferraris, Bentleys, Lamborghinis and Aston Martins are doing well."

He added: "We do make the best cars in this country. It's so encouraging to see firms like this putting their flag in the ground and saying we're going to build cars where cars started, in the West Midlands."

Handcrafted body

Coventry firm CPP Global Holdings will engineer, develop and build the all new Jensen Interceptor at its planned new Browns Lane headquarters from 2014.

The new Jensen Interceptor will have an all-new aluminium chassis and handcrafted aluminium body.

The public unveiling of the Interceptor is planned for late 2012, with deliveries to customers beginning in 2014.

Annual production numbers and pricing are yet to be confirmed.