Jensen Interceptor

Infobox Automobile


"Jensen Interceptor with most common bodystyle"
name = Jensen Interceptor
manufacturer = Jensen
production = 1966–76 6,408 produced
class = Grand Tourer
body_style = 2-door 4-seat hatchback
2-door 4-seat convertible
2-door 4-seat coupé
engine = 6276/7212 cc (383/440 cu. in.) V-8
transmission = 4 speed manual
3-speed automatic Torqueflite A-727
length = 186 inches (4724 mm)
width = 69 inches (1752 mm)
height = 53 inches (1346 mm)cite book |last=Cardew|first=Basil |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Daily Express Review of the 1966 Motor Show|year=1966 |publisher=Beaverbrook Newspapers Ltd |location=London |id=]
weight = Auto lb|3500|0
wheelbase = 105 inches (2667 mm)
predecessor = Jensen CV8
successor = none
designer = Carrozzeria Touring
related = Jensen FF
fuel_capacity = Convert|16|impgal|L usgal|0|abbr=on

The Jensen Interceptor was a sporting GT-class car (semi) hand-built in the United Kingdom by Jensen Motors between 1966 and 1976. The Interceptor name had been used previously by Jensen for an earlier car made between 1950 and 1957. 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, Carrozzeria Touring of Italy, rather than the in-house staff. The early bodies were Italian-built, by Vignale, before production by Jensen themselves began – with subtle body modifications – in West Bromwich.

Model history and specifications

The engine was a Chrysler V-8 initially of 6276 cc (383 c.i.) with optional manual (Mark I, only few built) or TorqueFlite automatic transmissions driving the rear wheels through a limited slip differential in a conventional Salisbury 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 Interceptor saloon had a distinctive large, curving wrap-around rear window that doubled as a tailgate. The original specification included electric windows, reclining front seats, a wood rimmed steering wheel, radio with twin speakers, reversing lights and an electric clock. Power steering was included as standard from September 1968.

The Mark II was announced in October 1969, revised frontal styling and vented disc brakes. The Mark III of 1971 had revised seats, fully-cast alloy wheels plus some other improvements. The Mark III was divided to G-, H- and J-series, depending on the production years. The "J" version of Interceptor III was the most luxurious Jensen built.

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 which lasted until 1993, and they did commence development work on a series 5 (S5) Interceptor until once again receivers were called in. The end of "Gentleman's Express".

Variants

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.cite book |last=Robson |first=Graham |title=A-Z of Cars of the 1970s|year=1990 |publisher=Bay View Books |location=Devon, UK |id=ISBN 1-870979-11-7]

Rarer still is the Coupé 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.

Jensen FF

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 is four inches (100 mm) longer than the Interceptor, although it looks very similar, with a tell-tale addition of extra side vents ahead of the doors on the front flanks (resulting in two vents per side rather than one). Press from the time quote "drag-strip" performance when describing the car. In total 320 FF's were produced; 195 Mark I, 110 Mark II and 15 Mark III. [http://www.richardcalver.com/article_FF.htm]

Interceptor S

In 2007 Jensen specialist dealer Cropredy Bridge announced that 50 Interceptors would be rebuilt with modern components. The new car will have a modern engine, transmission and suspension amongst other components. [ [http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/228925/ Autocar - Jensen Interceptor back from the dead ] ]

References

*Jensen Interceptor: The Complete Story. John Tipler. The Crowood Press Ltd, 2004. ISBN-1-861267-1-18

External links

* [http://www.saint.org/jensen.htm The Saint's Jensen Interceptor]
* [http://www.jensencars.org Jensen Cars Norway - Jensen resource]
* [http://www.richardcalver.com/marques.htm R.Calver's Jensen marque histories]