Shoehorn a giant American V8 into a British sports car for the US market? Brilliant! Though not a sports car, let’s call this British-built 1971 Jensen Interceptor a “GT” or Grand Touring car, a niche often emulated but rarely approached by American luxury coupes of the ’70s. The Jensen combined unique styling with a Chrysler-supplied 383 easily tuned by corner mechanics everywhere. This specimen spent most of its life with one family, and you can buy it from the second owner today. Check out the running, driving classic here on craigslist. The $25,000 asking price buys a driver with a complete but worn original interior and faded paint. Thanks to reader Pat L. for the tip on this Valencia, California classic.
Let the road racing set enjoy a day at the track in their Shelby Cobra or Sunbeam Tiger. Drive 500 miles in those fine cars and you’ll feel like you spent the day inside a punching bag compared to the long-legged, leather-lined Jensen. No need for gear-jamming here; the rock-solid 727 three-speed automatic does the work for you. Hagerty advises a full leather interior requires five hides.
The seller describes the engine as the storied 383, but Wikipedia and Hagerty say Jenson abandoned the 383 (6.3L) for the model year 1971, going with the mighty 440 (7.2L) instead. Either way, count on plenty of torque and a typically-European (i.e. high) top speed. I remember one of these trolling the streets of my rural Pennsylvania hometown in the late ’70s, and the remark “Those things have a Chrysler 440.” I made myself a promise to own one someday, as it was clearly the coolest ride in town.
“Cruising in silence at 100…” as described in its sales brochure, the Jensen will certainly strain your gas card, but I’d take this Interceptor over most 4000 lb cars from the ’70s for a day of three-digit cruising. The giant curved glass lends a unique and aerodynamic look to the styling; you’re not likely to mistake your Jensen for other cars in the parking lot. I know a young man considering buying an Interceptor, so don’t assume all buyers are retired Mopar fans. How does this 383-powered Jensen stack up against your favorite ’70s two-door luxury ride?
Nice car and these have always intrigued me, but seems to be priced at the top of the market
Always been interested in these Jensen’s, with my last name being Jensen how could I not lol, but the how did the editor put it “Gaint curved glass” well it didn’t work to well with the AMC Pacer, The Pacer has probably been called everything BUT aerodynamic :P
That back glass is like the one in the 1964-1966 Plymouth Barracuda that did quite well as a nice little A body Plymouth
This car could be a good investment. Prices on these haven’t gone through the roof yet.
@Terry.
These were particularly susceptible to the tin worm. Rust free ones are tricky to find. Perhaps this has kept the prices in check?
Overheating can also be an issue.
I like them. The styling has “aged well” I think.
These are really nice road cars and can be a pleasure when we’ll sorted. I would start with the electrics. As mentioned above a large radiator would be a smart choice, and with the large glass area, a updated A C would also be needed. Drive it then or add paint and interior work. This is tempting being a California car with the mileage, but at 25,000 before the above mentioned you would need to learn to swim upside down and under water.
these cars always reminded me of a bad knock off of the Avanti by Studebaker, which looked much better
I had a ’71 Jensen Interceptor in the mid ’80’s. Happiest day of my life (to that point) was when I sold it!
Vic, how come?
I hope that is original miles.
Was the 1971 Interceptor available new in the US market? I thought only Mad Max and the Feral Kid had access to these.
The backside of an Interceptor was poorly thought out and ungainly but from the front end just gorgeous
I agree with most, the Avanti was much better looking in the rear. But the Jenson looks much nicer in the front. I wonder if there was a kit available the replace the rear hatch with a more normal looking window/trunk lid? Weren’t these cars equipped with the 440 engine?
I know, they dropped the ball on the rear end, looks like a Pacer from the back lol
They made a number of coupes, but they are very rare to find. The convertibles look nice, but the boot cover is a little large which throws off the dimensions a bit.
One of the best cars I have owned. Brutal power with excellent handling characteristics. Only negative disk brakes and power booster under size for weight ratio.Loved this car.
I’m w/Jeff (but ona more + note) – back in the day we put them w/the Avanti & some from the Continent: the ‘executive’ car or as here GT, luxo/sport.
Thnx Todd !
If the leather can be revived and if it’s not rusty, this is c h e a p.
A decent one in the UK makes around £40,000 / $55,000 and I’ve been tempted, but it has to be said, nothing rusts quite like an Interceptor.