MAJOR changes have been announced at the Cropredy Bridge home of the Jensen car marque which include a new management team, a new name and a new car.

For more than 35 years the business has led the way in maintaining the Jensen name, having completed more than 3000 restorations and repairs.

Four years ago the business was bought out by managing director Steve Bannister and with subsequent further backing from technical director David Duerden, they have trebled that specialist business.

Now they have been joined by chairman Tim Hearley and marketing director Alan Garnett and together created V Eight Ltd, a company which has its sights firmly fixed on expanding the traditional Jensen-focused business at their Oxfordshire base.

The new team are going ahead with the first of their new developments - a refurbished Jensen which combines all of the spirit and class of the original car but with the performance and reliability of a modern car. The firm is building just 50 of the cars priced at £74,960.

The car was unveiled at the Classic Car Show at the Birmingham NEC.

The Jensen Interceptor S, the first serious development of the Interceptor for more than 30 years, is powered by the General Motors 6.0-litre V8 LS2 engine boasting 414 horsepower and mated to a GM five-speed automatic gearbox. It has independent rear suspension, AP six-pot racing brakes, and 17-inch wheels with low-profile tyres.

Mr Garnett said: "We believe that the Interceptor S is the best Jensen Interceptor ever built. It is what our customers have been asking for - a fusion of state-of-the-art modern technology with a classic design icon and offers the best of both worlds."