1971 Jensen Interceptor

The Jensen Interceptor was a hand-built, GT-class car, constructed in the United Kingdom by Jensen Motors between 1966 and 1976. Instead of following the traditional Jensen method of using a steel body shell, the Interceptor received a glass-reinforced plastic. Another break from the usual was to employ an outside firm, Carrozzeria Touring of Italy, to create the design. Power was sourced from a Chrysler V8, initially displacing 6,276cc, with a TorqueFlite automatic or optional manual transmission. The drive was via the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential and a conventional Salisbury rear axle. In late 1975, the displacement grew to 7,212cc, and used a four-barrel carburetor.

The Interceptor was shown in October 1966 at the Earls Court Motor Show alongside the four-wheel-drive FF. Jensen's ability to create two new models back-to-back, coupled with a second company's involvement that was 680 miles away, was truly impressive. The original design penned by Touring of Milan was brought to Vignale of Turin, who had the capability to produce the car in far greater numbers than Touring. The bodyshells were painted and fully trimmed in Italy and delivered for assembly at West Bromwich. Both the FF and the Interceptor used the 330 horsepower Chrysler V8 backed by a three-speed TorqueFite and rode on Rostyle wheels.

The cars delivered from Vignale did not meet the quality standard required by Jensen, required additional work by Jensen to achieve those standards, and eventually led to the termination of the contract by Jensen, who then produced complete cars themselves at the West Bromwich factory.

The styling for the Interceptor was similar to the Brasinca Uirapuru, a little-known Brazilian Coupe, but used a distinctive large, curving wrap-around rear window that doubled up as a tailgate. The original specification included a wood-rimmed steering wheel, electric windows, reclining front seats, an electric clock, and a radio with twin speakers. Power steering was included as standard from September 1968.

Jensen announced the Mark II in October of 1969 with vented disc brakes, revised frontal styling, and soon, in 1971, came the Mark III with revised seats, fully cast alloy wheels, and other improvements.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2020