1971 Jensen Interceptor: The Gentleman’s Vehicle

The origins of the Jensen Interceptor can be traced back to the 1950s when Alan and Richard Jensen introduced their first car to the market. Unfortunately, this initial model was met with poor sales and was swiftly discontinued. Despite this setback, the brothers held onto their vision of producing luxurious and high-performance 2+2 coupes. It would be nearly 13 years before their dream was finally realized.

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As time passes, legends from the past often fade from memory, lost to history. Unfortunately, the once-renowned “Interceptor” created by the Jensen brothers suffered the same fate. Once celebrated for its design and style, it became a symbol of speed and luxury for enthusiasts. However, it eventually disappeared from the public eye. The Interceptor’s history dates back to the post-World War II era when the Jensen brothers, based in West Bromwich, envisioned creating a vehicle that embodied the ideals of comfort, speed, and style that people longed for after years of hardship. West Bromwich’s design philosophy was to refine, rather than drastically change the automobile’s appearance. Despite the 6.2-liter Chrysler V8 and Ferguson Formula four-wheel-drive systems coming and going, the Interceptor’s iconic look persisted, even though the Mk III model.

The origins

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The Jensen brothers’ journey began in 1934 when they produced automobile bodies for other manufacturers before eventually producing their vehicles. Although the vehicles included components from well-known factories like Austin and foreign engines, they were still considered Jensen Motors automobiles, built under the brothers’ close supervision and direct participation. The first generation of the model was introduced in 1949 but proved to be a commercial failure due to a low-powered engine, high cost, and poor fuel economy. Despite this, production of the first-generation Interceptor continued for nine years. In 1966, Jensen Motors decided to use a powerful V8 engine from Chrysler, specifically the 6.3-liter V8 engine capable of producing 375 horsepower. This engine made the Interceptor one of the fastest coupes in the world and the most powerful British sports vehicle at the time.

The 1971 model year

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1971 was a significant year for the luxury sports vehicle. Compared to its predecessor, the 1970 model year, the 1971 version received a few notable upgrades. One of the most significant changes was under the hood, as Jensen swapped out the previous year’s 383ci Chrysler V8 engine for the more powerful 440ci V8 engine. The 440ci engine produced 330 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, providing the 1971 edition with impressive acceleration and top speed. The car also featured a three-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. On the exterior, the 1971 edition had a sleek and modern look, with the iconic grille and four headlights. It featured a long, sloping hood and a fastback-style roofline that gave it a muscular and athletic appearance. Other design details included a revised rear end, with slimmer taillights and a reshaped bumper. Inside, the 1971 edition was luxurious and comfortable, with leather seats and a walnut dashboard. The car also featured air conditioning, power windows, and a Blaupunkt radio. Overall, the model was designed to provide the ultimate driving experience, and the 1971 model year was no exception.

Did you know?

Source: Barn Finds

In 1971, a distinctive edition of the vehicle assumed an entirely novel role, stepping onto the silver screen in the 1974 film “The Man with the Golden Gun.” This cinematic masterpiece featured Roger Moore, who took on the iconic persona of James Bond. 

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