60th Year Celebrations!!
Jensen Interceptor – now that is a cool name for a car! It has been announced that this model is making a comeback this year. And its powerplant is still a V8, not a hybrid or an electric set-up. The analogue driving experience is here to stay, not being killed off with the evolution of hybrid and electric cars.
The Jensen Interceptor made its debut sixty years ago in 1966. The mark I, II & III built over a ten year period in West Bromwich, produced nearly six and a half thousand models. 320 four wheel drive models, known as the FF (Ferguson Formula) were produced over the three marks. The FF model was easily distinguishable by the double vents in its front wings. All Interceptor models house a V8 engine, with variants of 5.9, 6.6 and 7.2 litres of grunt depending on the build year.
The Jensen company however, went to the wall in 1976. A brief company revival occurred in 2001 but was short lived. Then in 2010, Jensen International Automotive (JIA) based in Banbury, Oxfordshire was founded. They bought all old Interceptors and provided new cars after they underwent a complete restoration, with a new engine and interior fitted.
Now JIA are offering a new four seater, V8 powered aluminium chassis GT to compete with other British marques such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Jaguar. Details are sketchy at present with no clue on its price point. The only clues available emit from the dark image provided indicating a long bonnet and a more shallow curved rear hatch than the original model. More details are promised to be released in time.
The Lamborghini Miura. What a beautiful car. It is 60 years old this year and still turns heads on a rare sighting. Arguably the first high performance sports car with a rear wheel drive, rear mid-engine layout that hit the road in 1966. Its heart was a 3.9 litre V12 which made it the fastest production car in the world that year. The two door Bertone styled coupe was badged with the Lamborghini fighting bull emblem that became Lamborghini’s badge.
If you haven’t watched the 1969 film, The Italian Job where the opening scene features a red Miura driving through the Alps to the accompaniment of Matt Munro singing “On Days Like These“, then it’s a must to appreciate the stylish presence this car exudes. This opening scene is available in numerous videos on YouTube.
764 models were made in its production run until 1973, it successor being the iconic Countach. Muira’s are still driven on the roads today and mainly seen in affluent areas and car shows. Every model is of considerable value regardless of fluctuations in the classic car market. Recognisable by its eye lashes around the headlights and slated rear window, it is an alluring Italian sculpture combination of metal and leather that will be adored for many years to come.
