The history of the Jensen Interceptor goes back to the 50s when Alan and Richard Jensen brothers released their first car. This model was highly unsuccessful and was very quickly removed from production. But the idea of creating luxurious and fast class 2+2 coupes remained. Almost 13 years passed before the plans were destined to be fulfilled.
Source: PostWarCars
Time deals with once-legends in different ways, often burying them in the depths of history. The same fate befell the car of the Jensen brothers, which bore the proud name “Interceptor”. Once a style icon, a role model for other passenger car makers, and finally, just an object of desire for all speed and comfort lovers, the Interceptor became a memory. The history of the Interceptor began after WWII, when the Jensen brothers, who produced cars at a factory in West Bromwich, thought about creating the first model of a car specifically for a new peaceful life. The car was supposed to be comfortable, fast, and stylish. At that time, all the people who survived the years of war and deprivation wanted the same. Since its inception, West Bromwich’s philosophy was the refinement, not the changes. The 6.2-liter Chrysler V8 came and went and the Ferguson Formula four-wheel-drive too, but almost VW-style Interceptor continued, in the same body. Even when it switched to the Mk III, the changes were not noticeable to the observer.
Source: Mecum Auctions
In general, the Jensen brothers began their independent journey back in 1934, then they made bodies for other manufacturers. They began to produce their cars a little later. However, calling these cars their own could be with a bit of a bias. Foreign engines, components from Austin, and other well-known factories complemented these cars. But the cars were Jensen Motors, hand-built under close supervision and with the direct participation of the brothers. The first generation of Interceptors was introduced in 1949. Then the model turned out to be extremely unsuccessful and it was very quickly removed from production. The matter was mainly due to a low-powered engine. The cars were expensive, hand-built, the engine was not the best, and its gluttony left much to be desired. Nevertheless, the first generation Interceptor was produced for 9 years. For the second time – since 1966, they decided to take the engine from the Chrysler arsenal. And they did not take just any V6. The Jensen took the 6.3-liter V8 engine, which was able to produce 375 hp, making it the most powerful British car at the time and one of the fastest coupes in the world.
Source: Bestcarmagz
In 1974, the cars retained their former sophistication. However, it was decided to reduce the large volume of the bonnet with four rows of grooves. This model year’s several other interior upgrades included an optional vinyl roof in various colors (for free) and optional sheepskin seat inserts. The seat leather was changed with higher less wrinkling quality leather. Also, the 1974 model was equipped with standard inertia reel belts. In addition, one of the most interesting additions was a Philips RN 712 radio/stereo/cassette/tape recorder/dictaphone – included in the $22,500 price. A microphone on a spiral curve slid out of the glove box and could be mounted on top of the dashboard when Jensen’s owner dictated letters and various memos, or maybe listen to various instructions dictated the day before. 1974 was also marked by the company’s big plans to take the American market. Especially for new and sophisticated customers, a convertible was created, which, again, was one of the fastest 4-seater convertibles in the world. Unfortunately, few saw the true beauty of this car, as well as its technical superiority over competitors, because the high price scared away many. However, the fact was the manufacturer could not lower the price, because all vehicles were assembled by hand, and the quality of assembly and materials was at the highest level. However, no advertising brochures, photos by famous artists, or other ways to promote this car were successful: the high price, coupled with a little-known brand, did their job. In 1976, the firm was officially declared bankrupt.
Fast and Furious 6, 2013
Source: Yahoo
Even though there were not so many of these British GT cars with powerful American engines, in fact, to own and drive one of them was a lot of true “auto gourmet”. The appearance of this car in the movies also indicates a certain advancement of the character in terms of cars. For example, in “Fast and the Furious 6” this model was driven by Letty Ortiz – the heroine Michelle Rodriguez. The car also appeared in films by H. B. Halicki, such as the original 1974 Gone in 60 Seconds.
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