Jensen Interceptor - GB Classic Cars

Jensen Interceptor - A Brief History

Jensen Interceptor In 1966 Jensen introduced their all new Interceptor. It used an all-steel 2-door body designed by Vignale, which featured a large curved rear windscreen that opened in the style of a hatchback. The engine was an American Chrysler V8 and even considering the size and weight of this car, gave it tremendous performance. In 1969 the Mark II interceptor was introduced with some minor changes being made to the cars frontal styling and interior. Another update was made in 1971 with the introduction of the mark III and this featured a larger capacity engine and alloy wheels. At the same time a faster SP model was introduced and this used the same engine as the MK II Interceptor, but this time it was fitted with three twin choke carburettors giving more power and the name - SP stood for six pack and referred to the number of carburettor barrels. External differences of the SP included a louvered bonnet and a vinyl covered roof panel. The SP was discontinued in 1973. Other versions of the Interceptor were a convertible model that was produced between 1974 and 1976, and a Panther designed hardtop made between 1975 and 1976. Production of the mark III Interceptor ended in 1976, although the Interceptor did reappear from 1984 to 1991 as the Mk IV but very few indeed were built and did not feature the distinctive large rear window of earlier cars.

Specifications
Model	Mk I / II	Mk III	SP
Years Produced	1966 -1971	1971 - 1976	1971 - 1973
Body Type (all)	2 door, all steel unitary constuction
Length	15ft 8in	15ft 6in	15ft 8in
Width	5ft 9in	5ft 9in	5ft 10in
Weight	3697lb	4020lb	3934lb
Engine	V8 6276cc	V8 7212cc	V8 7212cc
Power	325 bhp	330 bhp	385 bhp
Torque	425lb ft @ 2800 rpm	350lb ft @ 2400 rpm	490lb ft @ 3200rpm
Gearbox	3 speed automatic
Driven Wheels	Rear	Rear	Rear
Brakes	Discs all round	Discs all round	Discs all round
Front Suspension	Independent coils spring and wishbone
Rear Suspension	Leaf Spring, live axle	Leaf Spring, live axle	Leaf Spring, live axle

Performance (approximate figures)
Model	Mk I / II	Mk III	SP
Top Speed	139 mph	135 mph	145 mph
0 - 60 mph	6.5 seconds	7.5 seconds	6.9 seconds
Fuel Consumption	13 mpg	12 mpg	11 mpg

Mk III Jensen Interceptor

Useful Links
Jensen Owners Club	K&D Enterprises (technical & parts)
Buy Jensen Interceptor books & more at Amazon.co.uk	Jensen Interceptor books at Amazon.co.uk
The Jensen Information Pages
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Photographs on this page courtesy of of the Jensen Owners' Club (top) and Practical Classics magazine (bottom)

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