Mopar Powered Exotic: 1971 Jensen Interceptor
Does the collector crowd underrate the Jensen Interceptor? Its near competitor, the Aston Martin Vantage V8, regularly sells for six figures now. Italian GT cars of the ’70s are similarly expensive. Only contemporary Jaguar sedans sell cheaper than the Interceptor, and perhaps they’re also underrated. We can ponder this question while investigating this 1971 Jensen Interceptor Mk II here on Craigslist, with an asking price of $19,950. The car’s new owner can drive it home from Morgan Hill, California. Tony Primo found this lithe Brit for us – thanks, Tony!
The Interceptor was conceived as a replacement for the C-V8, a short-lived, controversially designed brute of a GT manufactured from 1962 through 1966. In keeping with Jensen’s practice until the Interceptor, the C-V8 was fiberglass. But in a departure from Jensen’s fondness for Austin engines, its drivetrain was sourced from Chrysler – first a 361 cu. in. V8 with a TorqueFlite, then the 383/TorqueFlite combo. The shift to American mechanicals wasn’t unusual: the Iso Grifo and the Bizarrinni 5300 GT used Chevys and Fords. The Interceptor would maintain the American drivetrain idiom, but its body was designed by Carozzerria Touring – the fabled Italian coachbuilder – and now in steel rather than ‘glass. This work proved to be Touring’s last for many decades, as the company ceased operations in 1966. Consequently, production of the Interceptor was transferred to Vignale until Jensen could scale its own factories to bring manufacturing home to Britain. That 383/TorqueFlite combination powered the new model; when the 383 was detuned in 1971, Jensen switched to Chrysler’s 440 V8, which still offered at least 300 hp. It’s too bad we aren’t treated to an engine photo in this ad, but if we were, it’s the 440 we would see. The driving experience is wonderful, even with an automatic: zero to sixty in just over 7 seconds, yet elegant on the twisty bits. The round auxiliary driving lights below the bumper look sharp but are not stock; the bonnet has a paint blemish and a slight dent in its glassy surface.
The seller notes that the previous owner started to re-dye the leather interior – an amateur job, to be sure. This color combination is lovely, but the interior is tired and needs new upholstery. For the uninitiated, the Interceptor will absorb seven hides if done correctly. The mellow appearance of the rear seats is more in keeping with this Brit’s true nature. Unfortunately, Interceptors are prodigious rusters, and I think I see the tin worm in the vertical portion of the door jamb under the seal. Another common shortcoming is the electrical system: Jensen saturated the Interceptor with power accessories, many of which simply quit working after a time.
Like the C-V8, the Interceptor’s styling was controversial. Unlike many of its competitors, its appearance is more GT and less sports car; over the entire production run from 1966 through 1976, only 6400 examples were sold. With modern restoration techniques, including rust-resistant finishes and improved electricals, many Interceptors are now better than when they exited the factory. Those cars sell at premium prices, though even lesser examples have been appreciating. But a Jensen in poor condition is a curse – they are complicated, mostly hand-built cars, albeit with luxury features and decent performance. Regarding our subject car, a personal inspection is a must.
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Comments
Thanks for pointing out a personal inspection is needed. I will never understand anyone buying any new or used and especially vintage classic cars basically sight unseen without test driving, code reading, mechanical inspections first. If any seller won’t agree to this, run away as fast as possible. I always thought Jenson as a wannabe real sports coupe. The design is hideous. The fact they shoved in a 440 is a mess. And that electronics are failing, amateur dyed leather and rust all say again, run away!
jv -smash palace
They didn’t “shove” a 440 in. It’s was designed for it. At the time, the Chrysler engine made it a smart mans Aston Martin. No expensive hand made 4 cam v8s to tune. No 4 twin barrel webers to attempt to keep running. And the electrics aren’t any worse then any other British car of the time. The body was designed by Touring of Milan. Great pedigree all around.
Guess you’ve never heard of a smart phone. I bought a Mini Moke this morning (for more than the Jensen), based on detailed photos and a video. Of course it’s best to do your due diligence, but sometimes a personal inspection is not feasible for cost, timing, etc. Anyway, old cars are like old houses, you really never know what you have until you tear into it.
Love the quirky styling. Too many bland cars anyway.
The outside looks pretty good, 24 photos and none of the engine.
I like the 2 tone paint treatment. Yes the rump is a litttle quirky. Reminds me of when Porsche came out the the Panamera or the Ferrari FF. I would own them all and I like the quirk.
With the Chrysler RB engine and torqueFlite nothing exotic there and many affordable possibilities if one would want to add power. As far as the interior I would commission a upholstery shop in England to have new covers made in the original grain and color. For 20 grand it looks to be a good price and a good candidate.
I think one of the biggest problems with vintage British cars is the wiring,a victim of Lucas wiring systems…Looks great and i like the fact it has the 440.JHPS still has all the parts you could ever need for one of these…
I never saw or heard of the C-V8 before. It looks cool! I’m going to do some research on it. Thanks Michelle!
I believe all were RHD, and most are in England. I love them too.
Interceptors are excellent cars, but they do suffer from rust if neglected and with the big block Chrysler under the bonnet, the heat does give wiring and such a bit higher maintenance requirement. They were well designed and built cars that last quite well – I’ve owned three of them – plus a CV8, the predecessor model with fibreglass body (and in my case, a sixpack Chrysler big block I built for it!)
It’s a cool looking car. The only thing I don’t like is the rear overhang; maybe it’s the photo angle plus it wasn’t too unusual in that era but it looks a little too long for me. If what I’m reading about these having Lucas wiring systems, that explains why these never sold well despite the Mopar drivetrains. Only wish we can see what engine is under that bonnet….
Spending my car craze days in the rural Ozarks, there are so many intriguing (dare I say kool?) cars I never heard about, even though I subscribed to “Sport Cars Illustrated” in addition to “Hot Rodding”, “Car and Driver”, etc.
Thanks to this wonderful site and the kind commentary, I learn and enjoy learning so much.
The World Needs More Jensen Interceptors!
Nice looking Interceptor. These were big, expensive Grand Touring cars back in the 70’s, they were never intended as “sports” cars. The car was designed around a MOPAR V-8, originally a 383, later the 440. Popular with the “jet set” of the time, the likes of Frank Sinatra, Arnold Palmer, Farrah Fawcett, and Keith Richards owned them. As mentioned the electrics are complicated although simple compared to modern cars. A combination of Lucas and Chrysler – I’ve actually had more problems with the Chrysler electrics (alternator, starter, power windows) than the Lucas. Most problems are caused by “shade tree” electrical engineering at some time in the car’s life. Complete interior kits are available out of the UK and they are beautiful, but at around $12,000 they should be. Critical to look at the rust situation, although most body panels are available new (but costly), these were originally hand-built so don’t expect to just bolt-on a new fender like a Kia. I’ve had two and properly maintained they are comfortable, roomy, fast, automobiles that will cruise at any speed you are brave enough to do.
That rear window must have weighed A TON!
The rear window is counterbalanced and easy to open and close.
They had no concept of weatherproofing electrics when the cars were built so they often have corroded joints where the bullet connectors plug into the sleeves. Al that needs to be done is to disconnect the plugs, clean the bullet connector and reassemble using dielectric grease and you have another 40 years of reliability.
One caveat on the electrical side – the engines put out a lot of heat and the plastic insulation on the Lucas wiring hardens and can crack on the engine harness while everywhere else it is still in good shape. Some renewal is to be expected. Martin Robey in the UK is a supplier of needed parts.
Love the Interceptors, although I prefer the convertibles over the coupes. Unfortunately the convertibles are rarer and the usual asking price is much higher.
Drive it home? Maybe if you lived a town away. Any further? You’d never make it out of California.
Personally, I would never buy the coupe variant because of that strange, “greenhouse” look in the back. However, the convertible is a different story…and while more expensive, it is also a better investment. It is always cheaper, and much less frustrating in the long run, to buy the best one you can possibly afford.
My thoughts exactly. Can’t beat a British built (besides the electrics), Italian designed car with a big US engine.
Nice to see one that’s been loved…..
Quick question: Who came first, the Jensen Interseptor or the Uirapuru by Brasinca?
https://images.app.goo.gl/qdR7CrJfCVEo3faJ9
It is “believed” that the Uirapuru provided design inspiration for the Interceptor. Makes sense since the Uirapuru ended production just as the Interceptor arrived on the stage.
Lucas takes a beating especially from people who have never owned a car with Lucus electrics. I have owned 5 British/Lucas cars and never…I repeat, NEVER had a problem. I hope you all have fun when the “tech” in your new cars or SUVs starts to fail (and it will). All of that junk is designed to be made as cheaply as possible and will not last half as long as the product made by Lucas or this Jensen which is still around and still works unless someone who thinks he knows better “modifies” it. Who am I? Just someone who has been in the electronics business for 50 years, that’s all. You guys just keep buying that new tech and have fun!
Not to be confused with the Jensen ff. It looked much the same, differing only in a slightly longer wheelbase (note two large vertical vents between the front wheels and doors) and oh, Ferguson four-wheel drive. That’s the holy grail you want…but they’re rare so expect to pay a lot more.
How well does it work? Transparent in regular driving, and put one side on pavement and the other in the gravel on the side of the road? Totally nonplussed.
I got to drive one and wrote it up for AutoWeek, and republished it on me website.
The one I want is the Jensen FFF – rebodied, four wheel drive and a 600 bhp Hemi in it!
The one I want is the Jensen FFF – restyled body, four wheel drive, antilock brakes and a 600 bhp Hemi under the bonnet.
A pic of the car’s engine would have been appropriate. Lol. …just sayin’.
Beautiful looking car.
I thought this the best looking car Jensen offered.