The British Muscle Car: The Jensen Interceptor

By Dave Ashton

If you lived across the pond in the 1960s-70s and had a penchant for V8 engines, then the Jensen Interceptor was probably on your shopping list. Just like the Shelby Cobra, the mix of European styling with an American powertrain was a winning formula.

The Jensen Interceptor was produced between 1966 and 1976 with 6,408 cars made in total. There was a brief re-emergence of the Interceptor in the 1980s as a limited-run model, with the company folding in 1993.

Designed by Carrozzeria Touring and built by Vignale in Italy, then using a 6.3L Chrysler V8, the Interceptor MkI hit the roads in 1966. The Mk2 arrived in 1969 with a redesigned frontend and interior, and the Mk3 in 1971 with a 7.2L V8.

Still an Icon

So, why is the Jensen Interceptor still revered today? Maybe it’s because it has one of the coolest names for a car or maybe because the mix of Italian styling and raw American power hit the mark.

However, the Jensen was never going to be a mass-produced vehicle. Car juice prices have always been more expensive in Europe than the US. Plus, a 6.3L engine, compared to the average 1.3L cars of the time, was an expensive and scary proposition. But the name of the car and the sound of a thunderous V8, instilled fear and respect on the more sedate European roads. A thing only a certain audience would appreciate.

If you want a well-kept Jensen Interceptor today, you are looking at spending around the mid £60k or $81k in US dollars.

Below are two videos covering the history and factory of Jensen.

 

Donate To Fast Muscle Car
We spend a lot of time bringing you muscle car content. If you would like to donate something to help us keep going, that would be fantastic.