1975 Jensen Interceptor

Shown at the October 1966 Earls Court Motor Show alongside the technically advanced 4 wheel drive FF, the Touring of Milan designed Interceptor was quite a sensation and received much praise. The fact Jensen had in the space of a year produced two completely new models was also outstanding, particularly as the two companies involved in the project were 680 miles apart. The original design penned by Touring of Milan was taken to Vignale of Turin who had the capability to produce the car in much higher numbers than Touring. Fully trimmed and painted bodyshells were delivered from Italy for assembly at West Bromwich by October 1966. Both new cars had the 330 bhp Chrysler 383ci (6276cc) V8 engine and Torqueflite 3 speed automatic gearbox as fitted to the previous C-V8 and shared body panels from the front A-pillars back, the chassis of each car were however quite different. The Interceptor was originally a modification of the successful C-V8 chassis, the FF model was heavily modified with a different main tube arrangement to accept the 4 wheel drive system also being 4” longer. Whereas the body on the CV8 had been glass fibre, both the Interceptor and FF were of all steel construction. With the introduction of the SP, the Interceptor gained the same interior and exterior treatment becoming the Interceptor MkIII. The GKN alloys and brakes were also added and the culmination of so many small details gave the whole car a fresher, more modern look compared with the previous models. The 383ci engine remained but as time went on Chrysler were having difficulty meeting emission regulations and the power output was dropping so 1973 saw the introduction of the 440cid engine with a single four barrel carburettor. This MkIII model was the most successful achieving the highest production figures of any Jensen at 3432.

This 1975 Jensen Interceptor is a Mk III example that was acquired by the current owner following two previous owners in British Columbia around 2015 and was subsequently refurbished and modified. The car is finished in silver over black leather and powered by a fuel-injected Chrysler 440ci V8 paired with a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission. Factory equipment includes 15″ alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, a dual exhaust system, air conditioning, and power windows, while modifications consist of aluminum cylinder heads, an Edelbrock intake manifold, FiTech electronic fuel injection, two electric fuel pumps, an aftermarket camshaft, ceramic-coated exhaust headers, a front air dam, parking sensors, a Moto-Lita steering wheel, and a Kenwood stereo. Service in 2023 involved replacing the starter solenoid and relay, power-steering pump, fuel filter, window motor and switch, and mufflers. This Interceptor is now offered in Canada on dealer consignment with a tool kit, service records, and transferable British Columbia registration.