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Jensen’s new GT packs a supercharged 6.4-litre V8

21 March, 2015

Jensen Motors were perhaps best known for their Interceptor and FF models, British GT coupes powered by big Chrysler V8s, before the Jensen marque was relegated to the dusty ranks of history in 1976. Though a revival was made near the close of the 20th century, it was short-lived, and the company collapsed in 2002.

The company began automotive manufacture in 1934, and now, nearly 80 years later, their name is making a reappearance, attached to the new Jensen GT. The revival of the Jensen name is the doing of industry stalwart Tim Hearley, saying, “This represents the next chapter of Jensen and, as we look to the future, we want Jensen enthusiasts to help us celebrate as we unveil a completely new car and outline our plans for the future.”

The Jensen Group is currently working to launch the Interceptor 2 in 2016, but until the all-new car is revealed, the Jensen GT will fill that gap quite nicely. Clay-model images for the Jensen GT reveal a modern take on the Interceptor’s lines, though the engine is no longer a Chrysler offering — instead, a GM (presumably LS-based) 6.4-litre supercharged, alloy V8, featuring fuel injection, VVT (variable valve timing), and dry-sump lubrication, through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The substantial powerplant’s output is stated to be 665hp, and 630lb·ft.

The suspension and brakes are said to be derived from the short-lived Jensen SV-8, comprising double wishbone suspension and multi-piston brakes. A spaceframe chassis with composite and aluminium body panels bring Jensen’s structural touches into the modern era, and promise a truly refreshing, modern GT. We look forward to seeing further progress on this modern British icon.

NZ Classic Car magazine, March/April 2025 issue 398, on sale now

23 February, 2025

An HQ to die for
Mention the acronym HQ and most people in the northern hemisphere will assume this is an abbreviation for Head Quarters. However, for those born before the mid-’80s in Australia and New Zealand, the same two letters only mean one thing – HQ Holden!
Christchurch enthusiast Ed Beattie has a beautiful collection of Holden and Chevrolet cars. He loves the bowtie and its Aussie cousin and has a stable of beautiful, powerful cars. His collection includes everything from a modern GTSR W507 HSV through the decades to a 1960s Camaro muscle car and much in between.
In the last two Holden Nationals (run biennially in 2021 and 2023), Ed won trophies for the Best Monaro and Best Decade with his amazing 1972 Holden Monaro GTS 350 with manual transmission.
Ed is a perfectionist and loves his cars to reflect precisely how they were on ‘Day 1,’ meaning when the dealer released them to the first customer, including any extras the dealer may have added or changed.

You’re the one that I want – 1973 Datsun 240K GT

21 February, 2025

In the early 1970s, Clark Caldow was a young sales rep travelling the North Island and doing big miles annually. He loved driving. In 1975 the firm he worked for asked Clark what he wanted for his new car, and Clark chose a brand-new Datsun 240K GT. The two-door car arrived, and Clark was smitten, or in his own words, he was “pole vaulting.”
Clark drove it all over the country, racking up thousands of miles. “It had quite a bit of pep with its SOHC 128 hp (96kW) of power mated to a four-speed manual gearbox,” he says. Weighing in at 1240kg meant the power to weight ratio was good for the time and its length at almost 4.5 metres meant it had good street presence.
Clark has been a car enthusiast all his life, and decided around nine years ago to look for one of these coupes. By sheer luck he very quickly found a mint example refurbished by an aircraft engineer, but it was in Perth.