1973 Jensen Interceptor

The Jensen Interceptor was a sporting GT-class car, hand-built in the UK by Jensen Motors between 1966 and 1976. The car broke with a Jensen tradition by having a steel body-shell instead of a glass-reinforced plastic one and by having the body designed by an outside firm, Carrozzeria Touring of Italy, the firm more recognisably associated with the likes of Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Maserati and Alfa Romeo. The engine was a Chrysler V8, initially of 6276cc, with optional manual transmission, but the more common choice was the TorqueFlite automatic transmission, drive was via the rear wheels through a limited slip differential and a conventional Salisbury rear axle. The engine grew to 7212cc in late 1971 and it acquired 4-barrel carburation.

The Interceptor took its styling cues from the Brasinca Uirapuru, a little known Brazilian Coupé, but one that sported that distinctive large, curving wrap-around rear window that doubled up 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 Interceptor was announced in October 1969 with revised frontal styling and vented disc brakes, and shortly afterwards, in 1971, came the Mark III. It had revised seats, fully cast alloy wheels plus some other improvements.

Pound for pound it is hard to imagine a senior league GT that delivers better value than the Interceptor, especially when compared to the equivalent Aston. This Interceptor's combination of genuine luxury, continent-traversing speed, whispering noise levels and sustained push between 100mph and 150mph is a bit special. This particular car has enormous presence, you don't so much steer an Interceptor as command it, as if at the controls of an executive jet. The dashboard reinforces that feeling with its aircraft cockpit inspired circular instruments, another way to make you feel different. The interior is in good condition and has aged nicely and comes complete with working 8 track cassette player and radio.

Off the mark, this Jensen impresses with both refinement and speed. The mild V8 throb-just evident at idle- translates into a turbine like thrum with a shove of your right foot. We are informed by the vendor that oil pressure sits in the middle of the gauge and there is a healthy charge. The vendor informs us that the car drives without fault and is an absolute pleasure to drive. The vendor also tells us that recent expenditure includes replacement stainless steel exhausts, replacement brake discs, calipers, pads, brake master cylinder, front springs and shock absorbers.

The quality of the paintwork is exceptional thanks to recent expenditure that has kept this stunning car looking resplendent in its black coachwork. The structure appears straight and solid and the panel fit is excellent. Sold with an MOT until March of 2014 and taxed until April 2014 this is a car for the plutocrat who wants to drive himself, Jensen is a marque that refuses to die. These were, and still are, special cars built to a great tradition of craftsmanship, interest in them has rarely been higher and rightly so.