Jensen Interceptor (1950)

Infobox Automobile


name = Jensen Interceptor
manufacturer = Jensen
production = 1950-1957 88 produced
class =
body_style = 2-door 4 seat saloon
2-door 4 seat convertible
2-door 4 seat sedanca
engine = 3993 cc in-line 6 cylinder
transmission = 4 speed manual with overdrive from 1952
length = Auto in|183|0cite journal | authorlink = Unsigned | title = The Jensen Interceptor cabriolet Road Test | journal = The Motor | volume = | pages = | date = September 17 1952]
width = Auto in|66|0
height = Auto in|58|0
weight =
wheelbase = Auto in|112|0
predecessor = Jensen PW
successor = Jensen 541
designer = Eric Neale:"This article is about the 1950–57 car. For the 1966– car of the same name, see 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 around 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.cite book |last=Robson |first=Graham |title=A-Z British Cars 1945-1980|year=2006 |publisher=Herridge & Sons |location=Devon, UK|id=ISBN 0-9541063-9-3 ]

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.cite book |last=Sedgwick |first=M. |coauthors= Gillies.M|title=A-Z of Cars 1945-1970|year=1986 |publisher=Bay View Books |location=Devon, UK |id=ISBN 1-870979-39-7]

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 convert|95|mph|km/h|abbr=on and could accelerate from 0-convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on 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.

Jensen also made the Austin A40 Sports which was a scaled down version of the Interceptor .

References