Jensen Interceptor
The Jensen Interceptor was a sporting GT-class car hand-built in the United Kingdom by Jensen Motors between 1966 and 1976. The car broke with Jensen tradition by having a steel bodyshell instead of glass-reinforced plastic and by having the body designed by an outside firm, Touring of Italy, rather than the in-house staff. The early bodies were Italian-built, by Vignale, before production began in West Bromwich.
The engine was a Chrysler V-8 initially of 6276 cc (383 c.i.) with optional manual (Mk I, only few built) or TorqueFlite automatic transmissions driving the rear wheels through a Powr-Lok differential in conventional Dana rear axle. The engine grew to 7212 cc (440 c.i.) in late 1971 with 4-bbl carburation. The SP (Six-Pack) model of 1971-73 offered 3x2-bbl carburation, only 232 built and has the distinction of being the most powerful car ever to have been made by Jensen.
The Mk II was announced in October 1969, revised frontal styling and vented disc brakes. The Mk III of 1971 had revised seats, fully-cast alloy wheels plus some other improvements. The Mk III was divided to G-, H- and J-series, depending on the production years. The "J" version of Interceptor III was the most luxuryous Jensen built. Total production Series I, II and III 1966 to 1976: 6408, LHD and RHD.
Jensen were one of the first manufacturers to equip a production car with four-wheel drive, in the shape of the 1967 Jensen FF (Ferguson Formula). At the time it was hailed as a remarkable development, coming also with anti-lock brakes and traction control. The car was four inches (100 mm) longer than a 'standard' Interceptor, with the addition of two side vents on the front flanks. Press from the time quote "drag-strip" performance when describing the car. 320 Mk I, 109 Mk II and 15 Mk III FFs were made.
A convertible with powered soft top was introduced in 1974 mainly intended for the American market but also sold in Europe. 267 convertibles were made.
Rarer still is the Coupe version with just 60 made, derived from the convertible and introduced in 1975, just a year before the company's demise. It could be said though this version detracted from the rakish, stylish looks of the GT.
The Interceptor was briefly re-introduced in the 1980s as the Series 4 (S4), as a low-volume 'specialist' motor car in much the same way Bristol continue to market and manufacture their cars. Though the body remained essentially the same, a newer, so called 'cleaner', engine was used and the interior slightly re-designed with the addition of 'sports' front seats as opposed to the armchair style of the earlier models.
It wasn't to be, however. The then owner sold up in 1988 to an engineering company believed to be in a stronger position to manufacture the car, and they did commence development work on a series 5 (S5) Interceptor which lasted until 1993, until once again receivers were called in. The end of "Gentleman's Express".
A brand new Jensen, the SV8, was created in 2001. It was a two-seater sports model, around the size of a Porsche 911, and was priced at £40,000. Production ceased in 2002, with the company going bankrupt after only a handful of cars were produced.
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