Jensen Interceptor (1950)

The Jensen Interceptor made its debut in 1950 as the second car made by Jensen Motors after World War II. The car was based on Austin components with a body built by Jensen and styled by Eric Neale. The 3,993 cc (4.0 L; 243.7 cu in) straight-six engine and transmission came from the Austin Sheerline and the chassis was a lengthened version of the one used on the Austin A70 with a modified version of the independent coil sprung suspension.[2]

This article is about the 1950–57 car. For the later car of the same name, see Jensen Interceptor.

Jensen Interceptor
Overview
ManufacturerJensen
Production1950–1957
88 produced
DesignerEric Neale
Body and chassis
Body style2-door, 4-seat saloon
2-door, 4-seat convertible
2-door, 4-seat sedanca
Powertrain
Engine4.0 L Austin I6
Transmission4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase112 in (2,845 mm)[1]
Length183 in (4,648 mm)[1]
Width66 in (1,676 mm)[1]
Height58 in (1,473 mm)[1]
Chronology
PredecessorJensen PW
SuccessorJensen 541

Production continued through 1957. Jensen later reused the name for a second-generation Jensen Interceptor which debuted in 1966 and was revived several times after that.

History

The two door Interceptor first appeared as a convertible bodied in a mix of aluminium and steel on a wood frame. The entire front section hinged forwards to give access to the engine. The wrap around rear window was made of rigid plastic (Perspex) and was arranged to drop down into a well for stowage when the top was lowered. In 1952 a hardtop version with fabric-covered roof was launched and a few sedanca version were also made. Total production was 32 convertibles, 52 saloons and 4 sedancas.[3]

The brakes used a mixed Girling hydraulic/mechanical system at first to be replaced by a full hydraulic system later. The four speed manual transmission gained optional overdrive in 1952. When the overdrive was fitted a lower, 3.77:1, rear axle gearing was used.

A convertible tested by The Motor in 1952 had a top speed of 95 mph (153 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 17.8 seconds. A fuel consumption of 20.3 miles per gallon(imperial) was recorded.[1]

In 1952 the car cost £2645 (including tax) on the home market. The overdrive was an extra £116.[1]

In 1953 American race car legend Briggs Cunningham had a left hand drive Interceptor made with a 331 cu in (5.4 L), 180 bhp (134.2 kW) Chrysler "Firepower" hemi engine. With a top speed approaching 145 mph it was the second fastest production built car of 1955 behind the Mercedes Benz 300SL.[4]

Jensen also made the Austin A40 Sports, a much smaller vehicle which somewhat resembled a scaled-down Interceptor.

Jensen Interceptor 1951
Jensen Interceptor 1954
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References
  1. "The Jensen Interceptor Cabriolet road test". The Motor. 17 September 1952.
  2. Robson, Graham (2006). A-Z British Cars 1945-1980. Devon, UK: Herridge & Sons. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3.
  3. Sedgwick, M.; Gillies.M (1986). A-Z of Cars 1945-1970. Devon, UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-39-7.
  4. Jensen V8 The Complete Story Of The American-Powered Cars. Mark Dollery. The Crowood Press UK. ISBN 9781785001222
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