Jensen Nova: Vignale’s Vision of Italian Style on British Wheels

Iron Charisma - In the mid-1960s, the world of automotive design was filled with bold ideas, international collaborations, and a thirst for innovation. As European and American carmakers experimented with cross-continental partnerships, one fascinating creation emerged from this exciting era—a vehicle that perfectly captured the ambition of blending British engineering with Italian style: the Jensen Nova by Vignale.

The Jensen Nova made its debut at the 1967 Geneva Motor Show, presented by Vignale in a striking green-and-black finish. (Picture from: TheJensenMuseum)

The story began when British carmaker Jensen Motors sought a successor to its C-V8 model. Unsure of the right direction, the company turned to Italy’s top design houses for inspiration. Kevin Beattie, Jensen’s head of design and development, approached several firms—including Ghia, Touring, and Vignale—with a proposal. Each was invited to submit concepts for Jensen’s next big model. Touring delivered a dramatic design, which caught Jensen’s eye, but the Milan-based firm’s financial instability made them a risky choice for production.

The first iteration Jensen Nova was photographed for the Italian magazine Style Auto in early 1966, capturing its unique design and showcasing Vignale’s craftsmanship to a wider audience. (Picture from: TheJensenMuseum)

To move forward, Jensen purchased Touring’s design, removed any trace of its origin, and presented it to Vignale as a general idea of what they were after. Alfredo Vignale didn’t question the source. Keen to take on the challenge, he agreed to build the prototype and refine the bodywork. Within just a few months, Vignale combined Jensen’s sturdy C-V8 underpinnings with a sleek new Italian suit. The result was the first iteration of the Jensen Interceptor, an international project that turned heads in record time.

The first iteration Jensen Nova is seen here with its early rear-end styling, highlighted by a wide rear window and Campagnolo wheels—an expression of Vignale’s clean, confident lines. (Picture from: TheJensenMuseum)

However, Vignale's partnership with Jensen was short-lived. Concerns about cost, logistics, and production quality led Jensen to bring manufacturing back to Britain. Still, Vignale wasn't finished with the project just yet. Though no longer producing cars for Jensen, he continued to explore his own design interpretations of the Interceptor. This passion led to the creation of something truly special—the Jensen Nova.

The Jensen Nova re-emerged at the 1967 Turin Motor Show in a refined off-white cream finish, topped with a bold red leather roof panel. (Picture from: DreamGarage)

First revealed at the 1967 Geneva Motor Show, the Nova was Vignale’s personal vision of what the Interceptor could be. Built as a two-seater coupe, it stood apart with bold styling choices and a futuristic feel. Later that same year, Vignale returned with a refined version for the Turin Motor Show. The second iteration, the Jensen Nova Mk2, came dressed in a sophisticated off-white cream finish with a vivid red leather roof panel, replacing its earlier green-and-black look. This dramatic update brought elegance and visual harmony to the design. 

The second iteration Jensen Nova featured a red interior that complemented the off-white paint, incorporating many elements from the Jensen Interceptor, including a revised version of its dashboard. (Picture from: TheJensenMuseum)

Beyond color changes, subtle yet meaningful revisions were made to the rear of the car, enhancing its appearance and improving airflow. Stainless steel sill and jack point covers were also added, echoing details from the Interceptor while giving the Nova a refined edge. Up front, the Nova kept its signature retractable headlights—an advanced touch for the time—while the lightweight alloy and fiberglass bodywork continued to express Vignale’s focus on performance through design.

The second iteration Jensen Nova, finished in off-white and displayed at the Turin Motor Show, featured not only a new color but also subtle yet meaningful rear revisions that enhanced its appearance and improved airflow. (Picture from: TheJensenMuseum)

Inside, the transformation was just as impressive. The original beige-and-black interior gave way to rich red leather, wrapping the cabin in luxury and making the Nova feel even more exclusive. The attention to detail, from exterior proportions to interior materials, made it clear that Vignale wasn’t just reinterpreting a car—he was elevating it.

The second iteration Jensen Nova, seen with its re-styled rear end at the Vignale factory in April 1967, featured changes that, while notable, were considered less visually appealing than the original design. (Picture from: TheJensenMuseum)

Though the Nova never entered production, it was far from a forgotten concept. As the centerpiece of Vignale’s display at Turin, it commanded attention and admiration. Far from being a simple showpiece, the Nova captured a unique blend of British engineering strength and Italian design finesse. Since there are no available videos of the Jensen Nova, here's one featuring various models from Jensen Motors instead.. | N4oT8Pb_xYc |

The Jensen Nova’s legacy lives on not through sales figures or road presence, but through its story—a tale of bold design, quick pivots, and a designer’s passion to push boundaries. It's a one-off that continues to fascinate enthusiasts and historians alike, reminding us that sometimes, the most unforgettable cars are the ones that never made it past the spotlight. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THEJENSENMUSEUM | JOC.ORG.UK | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | CARSTYLING.RU | DREAMGARAGE ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.