JensenInterceptor

01

Origins

The 1966 Interceptor gave Jensen's formula the body it deserved: a muscular steel design from Touring of Milan, initially built by Vignale, dominated by an enormous wrap-around glass hatch that remains one of the most recognisable rear ends ever drawn. Chrysler V8s of 6.3 and later 7.2 litres delivered effortless pace through, in most cars, an automatic gearbox — a grand tourer pitched at people who found Aston Martins highly strung. Its companion, the FF, added Ferguson four-wheel drive and Dunlop's Maxaret anti-lock braking, years before any rival. The Interceptor became shorthand for a certain louche, flared-trouser glamour, sold around 6,400 copies, and dragged Jensen through the fuel crisis to collapse in 1976. Revivals have been attempted ever since; none has needed to change the shape.