2019-06-01 Classic Cars

(Jacob Rumans) #1

57


Interceptorbodiesareallsteelandtheycanrust,butbythe
time theconvertibleswerebeingbuiltinthemid-Seventiesthe
cars werebetter-protectedthanearlierexamples.Checkthesills,
doors, valancesandfr ontwingsforsignsofcorrosion.Replacing
the structuralsillscancost£2000.Interiorsare hard-wearingbuta
full retrimusing qualitymaterialscancostinexcessof£10k.
Drivetrains are generally strong and reliable though the
emissions gear on the engines in the convertibles and other
SeventiesInterceptors can be troublesome.Check that quality
belts andhoseshavebeenfitted,becausethehotunderbonnet
environmentcancausecut-priceitemstofailprematurely.Worn
suspensionbushescancauseimprecisehandling andthoughthe
parts arenotexpensive,replacementisa substantialjob. Thegood
news is thatspecialistandclubsupportisexcellent,soowninga
good Interceptorconvertibleshould bea pain-freeexperience.


OwningaJensenInterceptorconvertible
BertieMortonbought hisInterceptorpartially
re storedwithmajorworkto thebody, paint
andmechanicalsalreadycompleted.‘I
particularlylikedtheoriginalcolourscheme
ofthiscarbeingdarkbluewithlightinterior
asopposedto themore commonlighter
blue,’ hesays.‘Wecompletedtherestorationaddingnew
chromeworkandlightunits,seals,electricsandnumerous
detailitems.Initialattemptsto sort a fewblemishes froma
previousowner’sattemptat leatherrestorationturnedintoa
complete stripdownof theinterior,restorationandrefit.’
ForBertietheappeallies intherarityof right-handdrive
In terceptorconvertibles,theirhandbuiltconstructionand
effortlesstouringcapability.‘Lookonlyforthebestcars
becausethecostof a fullrestorationcanbesignificant,
stressfulandtime-consuming.’

1974 Jensen Interceptor convertible
Engine Iron block/iron head 7212cc Chrysler V8, ohv, Carter AVS
carburettor Power and torque 280bhp @ 4800rpm; Torque 380lb
ft @ 3200rpm Transmission Three-speed automatic, rear-wheel
drive Suspension Front: double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll
bar, telescopic dampers. Rear: live axle, Panhard rod, leaf springs,
telescopic dampers. Steering Rack and pinion, power-assisted
Brakes Discs front and rear, servo-assisted Weight 1815kg (3993lb)
approx Performance Top speed: 135mph approx; 0-60mph: 7.5sec
approx Cost new £ 6 74 4 Classic Cars Price Guide £30k-£75k

‘There’s a guttural roar, the


nose of the Interceptor rises


perceptibly and the big GT


leaps forward with real pace’


Moto-Lita steering
wheel is a later addition

Top Cabrios [The Big Test]

7.2-litre V8 provides
enough grunt to get
this big cruiser going
Free download pdf