Jensen Interceptor
- 1. Jensen Interceptor Paul Katsus is an Electrical Service Consultant for a large electric utility company but he knows cars. A little remembered (at least on this side of the Atlantic) is a British 2 +2 GT class car, the Jensen Interceptor. Many Jensen Interceptors have been lost to corrosion (common for these cars), accident or neglect, so count yourself lucky if you spot one of these British classics. These hand built cars combined British luxury with American muscle. Jensen Interceptors were built in West Bromwich near Birmingham, England by Jenson Motors between 1966 and 1976. Jenson Motors also produced the Jensen Healy during this same time period. The steel body versions covered in this article were designed by the Italian firm Carrozzeria Touring. Early production versions of the steel body version were built in Italy by Vignale. But later Jenson motors moved production to their West Bromwich, England plant and made a few minor body changes. The American muscle for these cars came from Chrysler V-8 engines. The 383 c.i engine was the initial V-8 used along with a Chrysler TorqueFlight automatic transmission. The optional manual transmission was only ordered by 22 customers on the Mark I model. A limited slip differential rear end was standard fare for this rear wheel drive car. The Mark II model was introduced 1969 and was produced until 1970. There were 1128 Mark II’s produced which included 432 left hand drive cars. In 1970 the 383 c.i. used produced 325 hp. The Mark III model came out in 1971. This year Chrysler decided to detune the 383 c.i motor to run on regular gas, its output declined to 250 hp. Jensen Motors decided to switch to the Chrysler 440 c.i engine in 1971to maintain its performance image. The standard engine was a 440 c.i motor producing 305 horsepower, while the optional “Six Pack” 440 c.i motor produced 330 horsepower. The “Six Pack” motor had three two barrel carburetors, hence its name. Many car experts considered the “Six Pack” horsepower figure to be underrated. The “Six Pack” motor was only available in 1971. A total of 232 cars were built with the “Six Pack” motor making this combination not only the most powerful Interceptor ever built but also the most collectable. By 1972 the Chrysler Corp had detuned the 440 c.i. engine to 280 horsepower. The Chrysler high performance 440 c.i. motor lived on until 1976, when its output dropped to 255 horsepower. By 1975, the combination of a world-wide recession and problems with its Jensen Healy Sports car spelled the end for Jenson Motors. The company was placed into receivership and production continued until 1976, using the remaining left over components for the 1976 model year. Paul Katsus and other car enthusiasts can keep of memory of the Jensen Interceptor alive by sharing written articles.