Jensen Interceptor III - they don’t make them like this anymore (thank goodness!)

Jun 28, 2019,09:01 AM
 

As others have stated, these cars came from an era when rustproofing as not a high priority. My book — Jensen Interceptor, the Complete Story, by John Tipler, says:

The basic chassis tube assembly was built in a day, brought into the factory on a jig, and AT LEAST 800 separate pieces of metal were welded onto it over the course of 4 weeks. Then they hung the doors and hatch lid, and finally 5 men went over it with lead to fill gaps and flaws - about 120 sticks of lead filler PER CAR. The car was dipped in an acid wash to clean it, then spent a week in the paint shop.

The wiring, power train, interior, etc were fitted over the next 12 weeks.

Sadly, over the course of several changes of ownership and bankruptcy proceeding, virtually all the tooling was lost or destroyed. So later cars were hand-built in the most laborious way imaginable. Each was subtly different and parts (or spares) had to be fitted, cut, trimmed or adjusted.

Restoring an Interceptor means a “time & materials” process - no sensible shop would quote a price in advance.

Front end body panels



Front end chassis structure coming together



Convertible in body shop



It’s a hand-built car constructed by British union workers in the Seventies - need I say more? There were 16 unions at the company; about 20 employees per union. Even the 6 secretaries in the company got their noses out of joint over having to clock in each day, and formed their own union in protest.

Can you imagine buying such a car?

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The Jensen Interceptor...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : June 28th, 2019-02:00
The Interceptor was styled in 1967 by the great design house,Touring of Milani. At the beginning of the production the bodies were built by Vignale in Italy before Jensen switched production to the UK. The car’s most distinctive feature was a large curved...  

Remember it was designed...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : June 28th, 2019-03:31
As a Grand Touring car and not as a sports car. Torque was the the important statistic

A sports car [nt]

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : June 28th, 2019-03:34

The rear window was a great design feature.....

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : June 28th, 2019-03:29
Sadly it is also a cause of many cars corroding. Water gets trapped in and around the shut line.

The XJS has been much underrated...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : June 28th, 2019-03:40
The Series 1 pre HE cars are becoming scarce, my tip, by a good one now.

Jensen or Jag? [nt]

 
 By: Centurionone : June 28th, 2019-04:21

Jag. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : June 28th, 2019-04:56

XJS ? [nt]

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : June 28th, 2019-04:58

Yes. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : June 28th, 2019-04:59

Basically It’s like this...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : June 28th, 2019-06:33
Early cars from 1975 are becoming recognised as classics. These cars will all need restoration but could be a good long term proposition. If you want something more drivable buy a post April 1994 car or even better a 1995 onwards Celebration Edition car.

Jensen Interceptor I - Engine Weight and why it matters

 
 By: cazalea : June 28th, 2019-06:43
Let me say first I love the look and concept of the Interceptor. I’ve always wanted one. But not yet bought one. I did some research on American engines fitted into Euro sports cars (I’m using US units) Buick / Rover alloy V8 215=318 lbs Chevy small-block...  

Cars of this era weren’t galvanised or ..

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : June 28th, 2019-07:04
Designed to avoid water traps.

If you can see it ...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : June 28th, 2019-07:49
Box sections can be difficult to check

Try getting...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : June 28th, 2019-08:44
an endoscope. ...  

Send your ferret in ??? [nt]

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : June 28th, 2019-09:32

Further thoughts...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : June 28th, 2019-07:01
I agree with you Mike and would add that the problems that the Jensen Interceptor had were fairly common with cars from this era. Jensen had financial difficulties and Aston Martin went into administration in 1973. I have driven a few different Intercepto... 

Jensen Interceptor II - the car that was full of itself

 
 By: cazalea : June 28th, 2019-07:22
I don’t mean the Interceptor was proud, but when you opened the door you said, “Lovely - but where will we put anything?” It’s already full! Upholstered with 7 hides, carpeted with 6 sq m of wool rugs, huge transmission tunnel - little space for 2 people ...  

Jensen Interceptor III - they don’t make them like this anymore (thank goodness!)

 
 By: cazalea : June 28th, 2019-09:01
As others have stated, these cars came from an era when rustproofing as not a high priority. My book — Jensen Interceptor, the Complete Story, by John Tipler, says: The basic chassis tube assembly was built in a day, brought into the factory on a jig, and...  

Very true. About 18 years ago I was traveling with a long-time friend when he let me know he was considering selling his 356.

 
 By: Emil Wojcik : June 28th, 2019-10:34
I immediately told him I was buying it and I didn't need to see it since I looked at it a dozen years earlier. He refused to take my money until I looked it over carefully. But reality is, I was afraid if I looked at it too closely I might find problems t... 

Strange, isn’t it?

 
 By: cazalea : June 28th, 2019-10:49
I’ve bought a number of cars despite knowing they were crap. In general I mean, not the specific one I bought (I hoped). Recently I got a Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid. I bought it rather than lease - partially to get the rebates and such, but also because it... 

Not in a church ? [nt]

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : July 2nd, 2019-05:05

Bristol...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : July 1st, 2019-13:14
Another hand built British classic

Another thread :) [nt]

 
 By: eklektik : July 1st, 2019-15:02