Jensen Interceptor
The first generation of Jensen Interceptor was the second car to be made by Jensen Motors after World War II and was produced from 1950 to 1957. Jensen later reused the name for a different car (built from 1966 and revived several times after that).
The car was based on Austin components with a body built by Jensen and styled by Eric Neale. The 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.
The two door body was available at first as a convertible and made from 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.
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 magazine 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.
In 1952 the car cost £2645 (including tax) on the home market. The overdrive was an extra £116.
In 1953 American race car legend Briggs Cunningham had a left hand drive Interceptor made with a Chrysler Hemi engine
Jensen also made the Austin A40 Sports which was, in its styling, a scaled down version of the Interceptor .
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