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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, November/December 2026 issue 408, on sale now

18 October, 2026

Star status for classic Porsche
A long search ends: finding the right car
Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963, the Porsche 911 heralded an iconic lineage of sports cars, known for their exceptional performance, remarkable racing reliability, and adaptability, second to none.
New Zealand Classic Car, in conjunction with Star Insure, recently conducted a photo competition to find 13 suitably impressive classics to grace the pages of the magazine’s 2027 calendar. A flood of entries showed that Kiwis recognise eye-catching designs and restorations. Many are handy with a camera, too, and have entered some outstanding results.
The choice was not straightforward, with multiple stunning entries, and Geoff Long’s immaculate 1990 Porsche 911 (964 Factory designation) took top honours. Fortunately, Geoff had Ethan Hanlon handy to take the accompanying photos while working in his office.
“I’ve got a young employee who is doing work experience in my office at the moment, and he’s a very avid photographer. So, I said, I’ll buy you breakfast and then why don’t we go and take some photos. He found the right spot, and he spent over an hour photographing.”
Originally sold new in Japan, hence the right-hand drive, the Porsche was resident there for four years before being exported to New Zealand, as Geoff recalls.
“I bought it two-and-a-half years ago, but I looked for it for over two years, because it’s just the colour scheme, interior and exterior I was after. The service file that came with it is extensive; I mean, it’s been beautifully looked after, which is what I wanted to continue, as it does get driven. It doesn’t sit in the garage.”

Classics on the green

16 October, 2026

Many pretenders vie for the title, but the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance gets my vote as the biggest thing since sliced bread.
The 71st edition of the world’s pre-eminent and best-known concours event featured 28 classes, judged by a 180-strong jury, which also chose the recipients of 26 special awards.
The size of the event, the number of visitors, and, most mind-numbingly, the sheer number of amazing cars, is almost overwhelming. There are so many quality cars to gaze upon, and so many people gazing at those cars, that it is almost impossible to cover everything.
Notable among the many attractions were the centenary celebrations of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an elegant Talbot-Lago Grand Sport, Hermann Graber’s Swiss-bodied cabriolets and coupés, the jewels of Otto Vu Italian V8s, early Alfa Romeos, Lincoln and its centenary, and cars with unorthodox propulsion systems.