Jensen Interceptor

The Jensen Interceptor is a sporting GT-class car 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.

The engine was a Chrysler V8 initially of 6276 160 cc 383 160 c.i. with optional manual Mark I, only 22 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 160 cc 440 160 c.i. in late 1971 with 4-bbl carburation. The SP Six-Pack model of 1971 73 offered 3x2-bbl carburation only 232 were built and had the distinction of being the most powerful car ever to have been made by Jensen 390 160 hp 290 kW .

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.