The Jensen Interceptor was a grand touring car built by Jensen Motors in England between 1966 and 1976. In the U.S., it may have been considered a Chrysler product by some because 383 and 440 cubic inch Mopar V8s were used to power the machines. The third-generation or series was built in 1971, 1972, and 1973, and 652 out of 2,477 units built during that period were exported to the U.S. Located in Palm Bay, Florida, this Interceptor is a project that comes with some new parts, and it’s available here on craigslist for $18,700.
Interceptors used all-steel bodies instead of glass-reinformed plastic panels which had been Jensen’s previous practice. The bodies were produced – but not designed – in-house. While earlier Interceptors could be ordered with the Chrysler “Six-Pack” setup with the 440 V8, Auburn Hills quit making them after 1971, so the 1972 and 1974 editions had the single 4-barrel carburetor that was rated at 280 SAE net (U.S. engine detuning was underway for improved emissions).
Distinctive on the Interceptors were their large curved and wrap-around rear windows (that reminded me a bit of the first-generation of the Plymouth Barracuda). Production numbers were never high, which didn’t do Jensen any favors by the time the global economy hit the skids in the mid-1970s. That’s when the first OPEC oil embargo sent gasoline prices skyrocketing. Jensen fell on hard times and quit building the Interceptor in 1976.
The list of recent work done and/or parts applicable to the seller’s Interceptor includes the master cylinder, battery, tires, fuel pump, the carburetor, and it was given a tune-up. The front disc brakes need to be rebuilt and the brakes themselves need bleeding before the car can be driven. It’s a well-used automobile at 106,000 miles (remember, that was considered a lot in the 1970s). The body, paint, and interior (except the back seat) may be okay. Considering how few of these cars were imported, would you like to take this project home?
It always amazes me that sellers can’t be bothered to roll the car into the daylight for a couple of complete photos. Instead we get up close garage lighting photos of a fender, rear quarter. Sometimes it takes more effort to sell an old car…
No engine pictures!
this guy is probably not interested in selling any of his vehicles, or is some sort of intermediary. I’ve been watching him bulk upload a fleet of vehicles to craigslist for years without lowering his prices.
He wants almost 19K, yet it has a cheap wrap-around steering wheel cover and some nice rips in the interior. Not even a project for me! I want a third pedal………
I have liked the body style of these for a long time. And I was fortunate enough to get to drive one a few years ago. (383 engine) It is a very nice driving car with lots of torque. It has its own, nice feel/character on the road. (much like an XKE or XJS has its own feel) but not near as nice as the Jag. I heard that these bodies were all hand formed. So a right hand fender from one will need modification to fit a different car. That could get expensive in a big hurry! As much as I like these they are too rich for my “all about cost of ownership” mentality.
Price seems expensive for a needy Interceptor.
I owned a RHD -73 back in 1985, it had already then been treated to a full body restoration. As commented, with the hand made panels no panels will fit another car without lots of fitting. I was told that if you are to restore one you can only go one small area at a time. If you start cutting metal away all around the car it becomes almost impossible to make the panels fit when you try to weld them to the chassis.
I, too, have always admired these. Not enough to buy one and deal with the issues, but a 440 in a good looking European car has a certain attraction.
And, I think the Jensen-Healy listed would also benefit from a V8 and 5spd. transplant!