The Jensen Interceptor - a 4WD BEAST that held a speed record for 30 years!

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  • Опубликовано: 13 июл 2020
  • The Jensen Interceptor, quite possibly the coolest name for a car, ever, is to me the epitome of 1970s high end driving. There’s nothing more 70s than playing the latest tunes on your 8-track, and with Cliff Richard being a fan of the car it’s not hard to imagine him blasting down the M1, music blaring out of the windows. Jensen Motors was much more than the Interceptor. It’s a car that foreshadowed the Audi Quattro by 15 years and set a world record that stood for over 30 years.
    Intro music from Lord Wallace: / lord-wallace
    FF photos (many thanks!): classicmotorhub.com/showroom/...
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Комментарии • 1,1 тыс.

  • @BigCar2
    @BigCar2  3 года назад +117

    Erratum: Jason King didn't drive the Interceptor. Another time a source gave me duff information!

    • @xj12c97
      @xj12c97 3 года назад +31

      The Interceptor was used by Robert Vaughn in The Protectors

    • @Salpeteroxid
      @Salpeteroxid 3 года назад +10

      Cv-8 stats are amazing, my E90 from the 00's isn't even half a second faster 0-60 although the top speed is limited to 250km/h (I've tried, 260 on the dash 250 gps). Always loved these cars from Grand Tourismo!

    • @BigCar2
      @BigCar2  3 года назад +14

      @@grandtourerpt Nobody gave me that code. Typical...

    • @blxtothis
      @blxtothis 3 года назад +6

      Big Car - No he preferred Cottaging!

    • @BadBlonde-CarHistory
      @BadBlonde-CarHistory 3 года назад +3

      It happens!

  • @johnedwards2696
    @johnedwards2696 3 года назад +35

    One point, the Interceptor was a two wheel drive car. It was the Jensen FF that was AWD, easily recognised by the 2nd vent in the front guard behind the wheel arch due to additional length of the vehicle, it had an early anti-lock breaking system too.

    • @dennisdose5697
      @dennisdose5697 Год назад +3

      Spotted the title mistake immediately also. 👍😎

    • @street-level
      @street-level Год назад +2

      @@gooser__43 It was used in the Ferguson P99 racing car which Stirling Moss used to win the Gold Cup at Oulton Park in September 1961.

    • @j.1294
      @j.1294 Год назад

      Exactly - the title of this video is is therefore de facto fake news. Thanks for your comment!

  • @andrewstones2921
    @andrewstones2921 3 года назад +49

    In 1984 I was offered a Mk3 Interceptor in very good condition but with a seized engine for 300 pounds, I turned it down as being too much expense fixing the engine... I've regretted that decision ever since.

    • @thebigdog2295
      @thebigdog2295 Год назад +1

      I done same but with other cars that are worth just as much too collectors.

    • @antonhoward9027
      @antonhoward9027 Год назад +1

      the engine is the easy part!
      I missed out on a 50's Tickford Lagonda three litre when I was sixteen. I knew it was rare but even today with the internet I can barely find anything about them, even photos.

    • @jerbear7952
      @jerbear7952 6 месяцев назад

      You just made me feel better about all of my dumb mistakes. Thank you for taking one for the team. 😊

  • @5ynthesizerpatel
    @5ynthesizerpatel 3 года назад +141

    Italian styling, American muscle, British engineering (from a time when we were pretty good at it).
    What's not to love?

    • @truxton1000
      @truxton1000 3 года назад +19

      British engineering was always good, the problem was more that the workers "lacked motivation".... I got a TR6 produced in the 70's, a time which was not the best in terms of quality, but I have now had the car for 8 years, after 3 years of restoring it has been problem free for 5 years, so engineering was very good in terms of realiability, if put together in the way it should be. Even the Lucas electrics has not given any problems, not bad for a 50 year old product. I doubt todays cars electrics will work that well after 50 years...!

    • @hypergolic8468
      @hypergolic8468 3 года назад +9

      @@truxton1000 My Honda was taken out (nearly VOR) by a faulty glow-plug (not made by Honda), that overwhelmed the computer with data. Yes I'd fully agree with your comment about how that's gong to play out in 50 years. That said, I'd have designed the software / computer to handle the errors in a way that did not result in a safe mode.
      If we'd introduced a lot of the Japanese production control methodologies at the time, maybe we'd still have a British Leyland?

    • @paulkosoff8851
      @paulkosoff8851 3 года назад +4

      Well, this is one of worse examples of Italian styling, comparing with Ferrari, Lamborgini, Maserati, ISO, De Tomaso of that period... :D

    • @truxton1000
      @truxton1000 3 года назад +13

      @@paulkosoff8851 It’s a different type of car. But many think it’s great, and I agree. I can say it’s much better «live» then on a photo.

    • @Gatitasecsii
      @Gatitasecsii 2 года назад +2

      What are you saying British cars are pretty amazing even today. I was gonna mention all the British brands I think are good and it's basically all of them...

  • @studebaker4217
    @studebaker4217 2 года назад +21

    In March 1969, I thumbed a lift on the A5 in North Wales to a Jensen FF, and the driver stopped! We did 33 miles to Llangollen in 31 minutes, with 4 miles crawling behind a bin lorry. He said his first tyres had lasted 7,000 miles, and his first Chrysler V8 had blown up in Italy, shortly after he'd been cruising at 140mph. By far my most memorable lift - thank you, Charles Fielden (he commuted from his home on Angelsey to his factory in Luton, 250 miles each way).

  • @busternineshoes
    @busternineshoes 3 года назад +38

    I grew up in West Bromwich in the 60's/70's and when we were bored towards the end of the school holidays, we'd sit on a wall on Kelvin Way and watch Interceptors come out for a test drive. Always wanted one. Maybe, some day...

    • @lucasrem
      @lucasrem 3 года назад

      Dale Martin
      Why do old people need a hobby, you got skills, or only have lots of time to spend?

    • @e28forever30
      @e28forever30 3 года назад +4

      @@lucasrem
      ?

  • @encodersofia
    @encodersofia 3 года назад +343

    DeTomaso Pantera is a serious contender for the coolest name too

    • @snapcountersteer
      @snapcountersteer 3 года назад +18

      Oldsmobile cutlass jetfire is the best imo.

    • @jonathantatler
      @jonathantatler 3 года назад +6

      One of the coolest cats ever too!

    • @piotrmalewski8178
      @piotrmalewski8178 3 года назад +28

      Ford Mustang Cobra Jet - as cool as ridiculous. Just imagine an animal which would be a hybrid of a horse, a cobra and jet engine.

    • @deltauljCustoms
      @deltauljCustoms 3 года назад +7

      'Panther'

    • @af5579
      @af5579 3 года назад +6

      Or the saab monster

  • @bavarianbrit1
    @bavarianbrit1 3 года назад +20

    I worked on the replacement for it at Motor Panels, I was told the existing interceptor had 5 inch gas pipes used to make the chassis. There was a quality problem of a scratch found on the roof to every third car until they watched the build and when the tea break whistle blew the quality inspector would throw his clipboard onto the roof as he walked off. happy days.

    • @rustyjeep2469
      @rustyjeep2469 Год назад

      sounds like a load of it if you ask me

    • @MetalTrabant
      @MetalTrabant Год назад

      Car quality issue because of tea breaks? That's the most British thing I've heard :D

  • @buttsexandbananapeels
    @buttsexandbananapeels 2 года назад +12

    That 0-100-0 record of the FFF100 isn’t just a testament to the vehicle, but the driver. Talk about having the feel of the vehicle- no launch mode, no traction control, no ABS, no computer controlled dual clutch transmission. Amazing feat and that driver deserves a mention.

    • @byteme9718
      @byteme9718 9 месяцев назад

      But the FFF100 was never a car. It was just a GKN test bed that Jensen collaborated in.

    • @buttsexandbananapeels
      @buttsexandbananapeels 9 месяцев назад +2

      @@byteme9718 if it has wheels and moves under its own power while being able to stop and turn, it’s a f-cking car.

    • @byteme9718
      @byteme9718 9 месяцев назад

      @@buttsexandbananapeels In the same way the Flying Bedstead was a Harrier jet?

    • @buttsexandbananapeels
      @buttsexandbananapeels 9 месяцев назад

      @@byteme9718 this is one of the most contextually idiotic comparisons I’ve seen in a while. Bravo.

    • @byteme9718
      @byteme9718 9 месяцев назад

      @@buttsexandbananapeels A one off rolling test bed is just that, a car is something people can buy and drive. Using a generic term to encompass all makes you look a fool but I'm sure you've been told that many times.

  • @hoofie2002
    @hoofie2002 3 года назад +17

    The blue one shown with creme leather interior looks jaw droppingly gorgeous

    • @e28forever30
      @e28forever30 3 года назад

      I was thinking the same thing.
      Stunning car!

  • @jonjones1553
    @jonjones1553 3 года назад +16

    Great stuff! My Dad always loved XJs. His pal Stewart was a pub landlord in mid Wales. I used to tag along from time to time, basically to drive my Dad home after he'd had a few. I loved the Jags, but I'll never forget the time Uncle Stewart took us for a spin, in his pale blue Interceptor. at 3am or somat, to the coast, Machynlleth to Dolgellau. It was like a scene out of Withnail and I. We got back to the pub, tipped Uncle Stewart out, and I drove the Interceptor home. My Dad was spark out. I drove to college in it the next day,trying to be nonsh.... Nonchal.... Cool. R.I.P Uncle Stewart!

    • @xzox
      @xzox 2 года назад +2

      Way to Go Jon !

    • @LadyAnuB
      @LadyAnuB 2 года назад +1

      Nonchalant is the word I believe you're looking for.

  • @davidhynd4435
    @davidhynd4435 3 года назад +9

    "Missed opportunities". If one had to come up with a single phrase to define the British motor industry, that would be it. I so lusted after the Jensen Interceptor when I was lad. And, yes, what a hot name for a hot car.

  • @ceptimus
    @ceptimus 3 года назад +167

    Your videos are more professionally made, and certainly much more interesting, than many of the offerings on mainstream broadcast channels.

    • @randymarsh5088
      @randymarsh5088 3 года назад +7

      Absolutely correct

    • @4WDIESEL1
      @4WDIESEL1 3 года назад +3

      that mean that silly show about cars ..top gear..

    • @ultraguy8771
      @ultraguy8771 3 года назад +1

      @340bärgarN You can't really compare the 2. I love both channels for different reasons.

    • @benrobertson1919
      @benrobertson1919 2 года назад +1

      Needs a better script editor though. So much tautology!

    • @andrewnorris5415
      @andrewnorris5415 Год назад

      Hardly watch BBC these days. They used to have genuine passion about the subject, and create interesting programmes.

  • @SlackActionBumble
    @SlackActionBumble 3 года назад +6

    The Interceptor FF might be my all-time favorite car. Perfect marriage of American muscle car, British refinement, and absolutely futuristic technology.

  • @jonnycando
    @jonnycando 3 года назад +116

    The style of the Interceptor is timeless, to me it always looks new!

  • @marklittle8805
    @marklittle8805 3 года назад +15

    As a kid I heard of this car in the UK (me being in Canada) and having the Matchbox Interceptor it was my favourite car as an 8 year old. Saw my first real one at a British Car show in Lindsay ON Canada in 2009. I spent 40 minutes just admiring the lines and taking to the owner. A hulking Chrysler V8 with that British interior and that Italian shape. The best of all worlds .. still one of my coat has no object cars if I ever win a lottery.
    No cooler car name out there....

    • @ionkor7663
      @ionkor7663 3 года назад +1

      I had the Matchbox Interceptor in blue. Got to see a maroon Interceptor with cream upholstery parked up in town.

    • @gyrogearloose1345
      @gyrogearloose1345 Год назад

      A coat for any object . . . every object must have an coat, you might say! Cheers!

  • @daweshorizon
    @daweshorizon 3 года назад +6

    The coolest car ever. I remember being really excited when I got the FF as a picture card from a packet of PG Tips, the only one I never stuck in the album, I liked it too much. Love and peace.

  • @johnboulton1109
    @johnboulton1109 3 года назад +12

    My dad worked at Jensen and told me story’s about how the cars were produced and the how impressive they looked and felt. They had such a beautiful shape and a bit different to other sports coupes of the era.

  • @AvroHawker
    @AvroHawker 3 года назад +8

    My favourite car, along with Bristol Brigand. Gone but not forgotten...

  • @paynectygardener2033
    @paynectygardener2033 Год назад

    I had drove a Jensen Interceptor on streets one day in Oklahoma City in mid-1970s and was told the engine was Chrysler Hemi 426. It belonged to a couple of oil men who had a conglomeration of car, tire and heavy truck facilities. They also had a very nice car museum where the car resided. I was manager of their tire facility when I received a call to come to museum and drive this exotic quality automobile to install new tires at one of our tire shops. It was a beast, requiring careful throttle management!!! I will never forget the extreme refinements in design as well as the monster power of engine.

  • @Pragwo1f
    @Pragwo1f 2 года назад +1

    I was one of those kids who idolised it. I still believe it is the most beautiful car of all time.

  • @2ToneWalt
    @2ToneWalt 3 года назад +83

    The rear hatch glass always amazed me cos when these were made, that must have been a skill.

    • @waytosacramento3843
      @waytosacramento3843 3 года назад +11

      Just imagine to find a replacement. Must cost a fortune...

    • @byteme9718
      @byteme9718 3 года назад +1

      @@waytosacramento3843 Simple to find.

    • @markmiwurdz202
      @markmiwurdz202 3 года назад +11

      Do you remember the Renault Fuego (1980 - 1986 in Europe)? The Fuego had a large glass rear hatch. The son of a work colleague of mine had a Fuego and called it "The Gallic Greenhouse" because it got so hot inside the car during the summer months.

    • @davidmichaels8934
      @davidmichaels8934 3 года назад +8

      The glass hatchback could have been made just down the road from the Jensen factory in West Bromwich, at Chances glass, they also made glass for the lamps in lighthouses! Please correct me if I am wrong?

    • @byteme9718
      @byteme9718 3 года назад +1

      @@davidmichaels8934 Standard Triplex glass.

  • @ios_engineer
    @ios_engineer 3 года назад +10

    I remember way back when I rode a Yamaha RD200 in the 70's (i weighed next to nothing), and this bike would out accelerate most cars of that era, as I entered a dual carriage way I opened up the RD200 full throttle, only to be out accelerated by a car, what car could do that! , and I looked at the rear badge as it passed me "Jensen interceptor"....

  • @kevmagill5163
    @kevmagill5163 Год назад

    My best friend, Joe Lowenthal, when I was 14 years old was driven to school in his father's Jensen Interceptor, silver with black leather and I believe the top was black vinyl,(?). I was amazed...even at a school who's students were regularly dropped of in Rolls-Royces...the Interceptor stood out...when I stayed at his home, I would always want to go to the garage to see his father's Jensen and Mr Lowenthal would always take Joe and I for errands or lunch and I was in heaven...I will always consider the Jensen Interceptor a hero car... elegant, stylish, luxurious and fast...I hope someone can one day revive the iconic Jensen brand and create new converts, such as myself. Wonderful, insightful video...thank you for the memories!

  • @kb9072
    @kb9072 3 года назад +17

    Thankyou. One of my favour cars of all time. So much so I called my Son Jensen.

    • @2Truth2you
      @2Truth2you 3 года назад +1

      Funny that. I called my first Einstein and second Buick. Solid brand names.

    • @shaunw9270
      @shaunw9270 3 года назад +1

      One of my daughter's school friends was called Jensen. Apparently his Dad & Uncle had owned an Interceptor , a restoration project ,for years and were crazy about Jensen cars .👌

    • @PJay-wy5fx
      @PJay-wy5fx 3 года назад +3

      For Pete's sake, it's a human being, not a dog! Naming the child after a hobby. He will carry that name for the rest of his life. If he's not going to legally change it once he is old enough to do so.

    • @shaunw9270
      @shaunw9270 3 года назад +1

      @@PJay-wy5fx lol , I bumped into Jensen recently . He's a 30 year old , successful married man now. I don't think his name held him back ! Jenson was a popular boys name in circulation late 80's , early 90's , all they did was change one letter.

    • @shaunw9270
      @shaunw9270 3 года назад +3

      @@2Truth2you Einstein is a brand ??

  • @bobmirdiff2043
    @bobmirdiff2043 3 года назад +11

    Great video as usual - And, a special one for me! Although 7,000 miles away now, I was brought-up near the Carter’s Green and Kelvin Way Factories, and saw these fantastic cars being built. I can also remember Jensen assembling the Volvo P1800 in the early to mid 1960s.

    • @SpeedTriple59
      @SpeedTriple59 Год назад +1

      Yep used to ride past the factory as a kid to get a look at these beautiful cars..

  • @S-Ltd1000
    @S-Ltd1000 3 года назад +18

    This brings back memories. A wealthy friend of my late father had a white interceptor in the early 70s. I vividly remember him taking me out for a drive in it and showing off, sounding the horn and waving at random people. 😁

  • @YetAnotherGeorgeth
    @YetAnotherGeorgeth 3 года назад +27

    I've used Nobody for quite a while and I have to say it has left me empty inside. 10/10 would recommend!

  • @shaunw9270
    @shaunw9270 3 года назад +9

    When I was at school in 1980, a school friend showed me an early Interceptor in his Nan's garage . When his Nan died 10 years later , the relative who left it there when he emigrated to Canada ,mid 70's, had it shipped over there. I was told he had it restored and often wonder if it's still running .

    • @shaunw9270
      @shaunw9270 3 года назад

      @Kasper Hauser lol 😁👌

  • @ThomasD1962
    @ThomasD1962 3 года назад +11

    Well-written piece on one of my favorites! Thank you, Sir.

    • @BigCar2
      @BigCar2  3 года назад +2

      Thank you too Thomas!

  • @jimgoodwin6294
    @jimgoodwin6294 3 года назад +4

    Outstanding video documentary. Still love the Interceptor to this day......

  • @mattdixon6396
    @mattdixon6396 5 месяцев назад

    My uncle owned one of these for a long time. I remember as a kid it felt like we were going to take off. Such a cool car.
    Great video

  • @leroyholm9075
    @leroyholm9075 3 года назад +4

    An excellent and very thoroughly researched documemtary. I was able to visit the factory in thse mid 1970's a year before its demise in West Bromwich. I was carrying parts when I ran a small transport firm. Always thought the design stylish.

  • @edsmith4821
    @edsmith4821 3 года назад +49

    I love you big car
    The interceptor is my all time favourite British car
    Aston Martin DB series please
    Now where’s the popcorn...,

    • @BigCar2
      @BigCar2  3 года назад +7

    • @oldtablecloth
      @oldtablecloth 3 года назад +3

      I totally agree with you Ed. My favourite classic car of all time

    • @ammaarzeebkhan7675
      @ammaarzeebkhan7675 3 года назад +1

      @Dennis Moore ۔

    • @kimvibk9242
      @kimvibk9242 3 года назад +1

      @@ammaarzeebkhan7675 I want you to hand over all your lupins!

  • @johndoyle4723
    @johndoyle4723 3 года назад +6

    Thanks an excellent account, I always loved the rear window of the various interceptors. Yes I had a poster on my bedroom wall, but never got to own one.

  • @staninjapan07
    @staninjapan07 2 года назад

    Top class!
    Never a boring or less than fascinating video.
    We loves it.

  • @LMCarneiro
    @LMCarneiro 3 года назад +1

    Thank you for the great video, humour and independence. Very well sourced and written. A ton of work. Cheers!

    • @BigCar2
      @BigCar2  3 года назад

      Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @torresalex
    @torresalex 3 года назад +13

    That 2014 Interceptor would have been superb!!

  • @baronvonlimbourgh1716
    @baronvonlimbourgh1716 3 года назад +4

    Very good video, as always!

  • @markc3874
    @markc3874 3 года назад +2

    Really looking forward to watching this. I have been looking forward to you doing the Jensen Interceptor story for a long time.

    • @BigCar2
      @BigCar2  3 года назад +3

      I had to - it's such a cool car, and I grew up close to the factory.

  • @TheHorsebox2
    @TheHorsebox2 3 года назад +1

    Really enjoyed that.You must put so much work into these. Thank you.

    • @BigCar2
      @BigCar2  3 года назад

      Glad you enjoyed it Sean!

  • @kdisley
    @kdisley 3 года назад +21

    That red Jensen Healey looked like the lovechild of an MG Midget and a TR7...

    • @seanoneillsongs
      @seanoneillsongs 3 года назад +8

      I remember how underwhelmed I was when the Healy was introduced. It was a bit like an oversized Spitfire with very stupid looking headlamp surround. Herd to think of it as a Jensen.

    • @xzox
      @xzox 2 года назад

      @@seanoneillsongs Absolutely..A very nondescript car.

  • @darrensmith6999
    @darrensmith6999 3 года назад +6

    Thank you ! Beautiful cars i have a vintage Corgi model of the FF that i renovated a few years back, beautiful shape . That seems to be the sad story all to often of the British motor industry What If..........

  • @smithysgarage-sg8658
    @smithysgarage-sg8658 2 года назад

    I love what u are doing with car history. U are one of the many youtubers that have give me confidence to start my own channel

  • @wightangel
    @wightangel 3 года назад

    Great upload. Have been a fan of the Jensen and the Bristol of the 60's and 70's.

  • @farnthboy
    @farnthboy 3 года назад +7

    I first fell in love with the Interceptor from watching TV series - I think it was "The Protectors" (correct me if I'm wrong) here in Aussie back in the early 70's. Always loved high performance British luxury like the Interceptor & Aston Martin DBS V8 but here they were always very expensive.
    As stated in the video when I got older & wanted some V8 muscle had to go for the home grown stuff & ended up with 3 Falcon GT's over the journey. Mind you they're worth a fortune now.

  • @Tuberuser187
    @Tuberuser187 3 года назад +16

    Awesome upload, thank you! This car reminds me of another car I hope you cover one day, the Reliant Scimitar.

    • @jasonhasler7083
      @jasonhasler7083 3 года назад +3

      Yeah good point. Great car.

    • @simonlloyd7557
      @simonlloyd7557 3 года назад +4

      When I was a kid, there used to be a bloke near me who had a Scimitar in turd brown...he used it as a van.

    • @tracypanavia4634
      @tracypanavia4634 3 года назад +1

      The GKN car looks alot like the Reliant from the side huh

  • @aussievaliant4949
    @aussievaliant4949 3 года назад

    Another thoroughly enjoyable automotive tale. Many thanks, and subbed!

  • @sydjaguar
    @sydjaguar 3 года назад

    this is my favorite car channel. Love the research which goes into each video.

    • @BigCar2
      @BigCar2  3 года назад

      Thanks - yes, it takes a while to research them, and I still get stuff wrong...

  • @Paul8342
    @Paul8342 3 года назад +7

    I’ve liked this before I’ve even watched it because I know I’m going to love it!

  • @j.chiari4222
    @j.chiari4222 3 года назад +5

    Always been crazy for one of them

  • @marcryvon
    @marcryvon 2 года назад

    Thank you for another amazing story. The very first time I saw an Interceptor, I was in awe !
    And still am. Sad it went belly up...

  • @gaufrid1956
    @gaufrid1956 2 года назад +1

    I remember that I had a die-cast scale model of the Jensen Interceptor when I was a kid. I always loved the shape!

  • @BEATNIKMACHINE
    @BEATNIKMACHINE 3 года назад +4

    Awesome piece of Machinery !

  • @surality
    @surality 3 года назад +4

    Always look forward to seeing every new upload, this season I've mostly been wearing nose knickers.

    • @BigCar2
      @BigCar2  3 года назад +2

      I think we all have! It's the fashion.

  • @RobRussellCM
    @RobRussellCM 3 года назад

    I don't think I've ever seen a video with so many pretty cars in it at once - this is a masterpiece!

  • @Steedonline
    @Steedonline 3 года назад

    I've had the opportunity to drive a Jensen Healey several times and I must say it's probably one of the most enjoyable driving experiences I've ever had. I am in love with these little healeys

  • @johnyossarian1135
    @johnyossarian1135 3 года назад +32

    The cv8 looks a bit like the TVR Tuscan with those headlights

    • @shaunw9270
      @shaunw9270 3 года назад +5

      When I was a kid ,the CV8 is the only reason I watched repeats of The Baron. Oh , and the theme tune by Ted Astley (Pete Townshend's ex father-in-law) 😉

  • @rhiantaylor3446
    @rhiantaylor3446 3 года назад +5

    I had a ride in the back of a neighbour's Interceptor as a child and I well recall the ease with which it gained speed joining a dual carriageway. The car was faster than the FF with its Dunlop Maxaret 4WD/ALB but that was the more attractive proposition at the time - to me at least, now I'm not so sure.

  • @rayaspo4893
    @rayaspo4893 3 года назад +3

    Yet another informative well made video. Thank you big car I look forward to the next one.

    • @BigCar2
      @BigCar2  3 года назад +1

      Glad you enjoyed it Pete!

  • @TheLifeEvents
    @TheLifeEvents Год назад

    This channel is great. Thank you so much.

  • @TheSeafordian
    @TheSeafordian 3 года назад +133

    Scariest car I've ever driven. Acceleration made you sink back into the seat and cornering was like a hippo on roller skates.

    • @branon6565
      @branon6565 3 года назад +10

      EastOfBourne ....you've obviously never driven or ridden in an original Shelby Cobra 427 BBF w/a 4spd and locked differential, there's no sound nor acceleration that compares to it, but unlike the Jensen, it handles pretty well....

    • @ohgosh5892
      @ohgosh5892 3 года назад +25

      @@branon6565 Maybe, but you have no bends in the US, so how would you know?

    • @racketman2u
      @racketman2u 3 года назад +6

      yeah, they're an impressive looking and sounding beast but drive like an oil tanker.

    • @todiathink8864
      @todiathink8864 3 года назад +1

      @@branon6565 SPOT-ON

    • @gionncaomhinmorpheagh4791
      @gionncaomhinmorpheagh4791 3 года назад +1

      @@branon6565 And you've obviously never driven a Porsche 911. I had the opportunity to have a cabby in such a car in a race down the Avus in West Berlin in (about) 1972. Believe me, it was not so much accelerating as pulling the fucking trigger!
      MsG

  • @kerryfry1857
    @kerryfry1857 3 года назад +25

    I nearly brought one in 1987. I was 17 years old. In a local garage. It was emerald green and priced at £3000. But I couldn't get my parents to secure the loan. In some ways I'm glad because I'd of most likely had an accident in it. But a part of me still wishes I owned a Jenson lnterceptor.

    • @lucasrem
      @lucasrem 3 года назад

      You skipped school, not needing any knowledge, lol!
      why you still need that car now?

    • @e28forever30
      @e28forever30 3 года назад +2

      @@lucasrem
      ?

    • @varrjames186
      @varrjames186 2 года назад +2

      @@e28forever30 It seems that Lucas is the one that skipped school with a comment like that!

    • @e28forever30
      @e28forever30 2 года назад +2

      @@varrjames186
      True!

    • @grahamw56
      @grahamw56 2 года назад +1

      I had one. The 11 or 12 mpg might have been a struggle on your budget ? :(

  • @philiprodney7884
    @philiprodney7884 3 года назад

    Fantastic as ever🌟. I excitedly wait for each new Big Car episode.

    • @BigCar2
      @BigCar2  3 года назад

      Thanks Philip!

  • @denistejedor4489
    @denistejedor4489 3 года назад +1

    Yay! I had been waiting for you to cover the Jensen Interceptor since I found your channel. I even though of suggesting it over 6 months ago. 🙌

    • @BigCar2
      @BigCar2  3 года назад +2

      I heard you thinking of suggesting it, and I've been spending the last 6 months getting the script right. 😉

  • @stephenandloriyoung5716
    @stephenandloriyoung5716 3 года назад +4

    I had the dubious pleasure, probably during the 1980s, of removing a seized Chrysler 440 from the only one of these I've encountered, and retrofitting a Chrysler 383. As I recall, the used car flipper for whom I did the work wasn't too pleased to have to replace the fan belt due to the shorter block of the 383. Oh, well...major cost overruns sometimes happen.

  • @jasonhasler7083
    @jasonhasler7083 3 года назад +3

    Was born in 1970 and this was my poster car. Still love it today, if I win the BIG one, its on my shopping list.
    Thanks for covering this story, brilliant as always 👏

  • @simoncowles2426
    @simoncowles2426 Год назад

    You really do produce some great content. Thank you.

  • @SaturnCanuck
    @SaturnCanuck 3 года назад +3

    Thanks for this. I remember seeing my first Interceptor around the late 1980s when I was in my 20s and I had no idea what it was -- just that it looked cool and fast. I now see them at the British Car Show in Oakville, Ontario, Canada every year (except this one -- damn you Covid 19) and they are always treats to see.
    Looking forward to your next video.

  • @mattskustomkreations
    @mattskustomkreations 3 года назад +6

    Never heard of the Brasinca before this video, so thank you for that! Also interesting is the comparison with the design of the Studebaker Avanti.

    • @roytownsend9833
      @roytownsend9833 2 года назад

      IMO, the Avanti was a misshapen hulk. Like a kit car designed in a pub at 2 am

  • @robertmorey4104
    @robertmorey4104 Год назад

    Beautiful cars, which I've never heard of. Really enjoy your channel here.

  • @alanwright5437
    @alanwright5437 3 года назад

    Thank you for putting this interesting video up, still a great looking car even today.

    • @BigCar2
      @BigCar2  3 года назад

      Glad you enjoyed it Alan.

  • @illkaw
    @illkaw 3 года назад +3

    I found out about this car when i was 10 years old, Use to have to try and explain the car to others as not well known. Even when it was driven in fast and furious 6, people still assumed it was another car. Would still have one today. All you need is an old chassis and £100,000.

  • @executive1946
    @executive1946 3 года назад +10

    What an interesting car. I hope you are well during lockdown!

    • @lucasrem
      @lucasrem 3 года назад

      scared? unhealthy?
      Are you still here now?

  • @TiagoMorbusSa
    @TiagoMorbusSa 3 года назад

    I can't believe you finally made your intro not be twice as loud as the rest of the video!!
    Thank you!!!!

    • @BigCar2
      @BigCar2  3 года назад

      I've altered the intro.

  • @Eruthian
    @Eruthian 2 года назад

    Thank you Nobody for sponsoring this great content! xD

  • @eggbirdtherooster
    @eggbirdtherooster 3 года назад +11

    And what Jeremy said; the best carname, in the world.. 😏

  • @henryhol8538
    @henryhol8538 3 года назад +3

    Awesome car! Looked striking in one of 'The Saint' reboots starring Simon Dutton.

  • @petemartin7589
    @petemartin7589 3 года назад +1

    One of my favourite ever cars. So British in every respect, the appalling fuel consumption didn't worry those owners. Love the looks of the car. Thanks for the excellent video as always. Tea time viewing for me 😊

  • @SwainBjornstrandt
    @SwainBjornstrandt 3 года назад +1

    Great presentations man. Subbed. I love the format.

  • @ngrantgrant2183
    @ngrantgrant2183 3 года назад +4

    One of the biggest influences on it was the Lowey’s Studebaker Avanti as is quite easy to see. Especially the rear portion. Too bad that was not mentioned.

    • @johnmoruzzi7236
      @johnmoruzzi7236 3 года назад

      And the influence spread to the later Renault 25 / 30 / Fuego

  • @BustaHymen
    @BustaHymen 3 года назад +4

    Big thank you for this! I've enjoyed all of your videos, and at last you got to my favorite car of all times. I know it's like swearing in the church, but to me the 541 is the most beautiful car ever made - yes, it's even ahead of the E-type (don't kill me)!

    • @BigCar2
      @BigCar2  3 года назад +1

      Glad you like the 541 so much! Never apologise for liking something.

    • @banjopete
      @banjopete 3 года назад +1

      BustaHymen , off to Specsavers.

    • @BustaHymen
      @BustaHymen 3 года назад +1

      @@banjopete Knew that would come, I must be one of very few people not considering the E-type being that beautiful. I also (sit down please, and have your heart starter at the ready) consider the 37 Viggen a far more beautiful airplane than the Spitfire!

    • @antonyjones4259
      @antonyjones4259 Год назад

      @@BustaHymen one is From WW2......the other plane entered service in 1971.......not much of a comparison lol.

    • @BustaHymen
      @BustaHymen Год назад

      @@antonyjones4259 ...and the Mona Lisa was painted by da Vinci in the 14'th century, still people regard it as beautiful. I'm not comparing engineering here, just looks.

  • @seanoneillsongs
    @seanoneillsongs 3 года назад +2

    I'm truly thankful for your geekishness. A fan of Jensen since the CV8 but didn't know much of the history prior to that.
    The Interceptor was a timeless classic though there are quite a few of them rusting away in as suburban gardens.
    A friend who drove one for a couple of days, said you could actually see the fuel gauge needle move.

    • @oldbatwit5102
      @oldbatwit5102 3 года назад

      My friend's did around 12mpg. His Porsche 911 gave around 25mpg.

  • @alistairbernard9574
    @alistairbernard9574 3 года назад

    Superb Video. I Love The Individuality of Jensen Cars. Thanks 👍

    • @BigCar2
      @BigCar2  3 года назад

      You’re welcome

  • @EM.1.
    @EM.1. 3 года назад +4

    This is an excellent channel with an abundance of information! I've seen just one Jensen here in North America. With so many electric car companies blooming out from nowhere I wouldn't be surprised to see a new Jensen arise from the ashes. DMC is also said to comeback to life using a more modern design based on the 1984 Back To The Future car. England needs to be more English. Hence, British cars had helped shaped Britian.

  • @salsabil44
    @salsabil44 3 года назад +4

    The Jensen Interceptor and the Reliant Scimitar were two of my favourite cars from this era.

  • @iainfoxell8543
    @iainfoxell8543 Год назад

    Friend of mine has had an interceptor for a long,long time.At 6 ft 7 it's the only car he can sit in comfortably. It's a magnificent machine.

  • @boundish1
    @boundish1 3 года назад +1

    Another great vid from you @big car.

  • @maxant4285
    @maxant4285 3 года назад +3

    Yessss! More on British exotics!

  • @densealloy
    @densealloy 3 года назад +5

    18:35 that Jensen GT prototype is very nice looking. I love the retro call back styling. The proposed price is ridiculous and I'm sure if it was priced more realistic it could have sold because quite a few retro looking cars did very well during that time.

  • @aaronhall4741
    @aaronhall4741 3 года назад

    Thank-you again . Great story as always

  • @robshearing2131
    @robshearing2131 3 года назад

    thanks for this video mr big car, go on my man 👍 i love jensens and this video is a favourite to show all my customers!

    • @BigCar2
      @BigCar2  3 года назад

      Glad you enjoy them Rob!

  • @marcokwan1377
    @marcokwan1377 3 года назад +9

    Looks perfect for a 70s detective tv show!

    • @raivissss
      @raivissss 3 года назад +2

      "The Interceptors"

    • @somegoodfella
      @somegoodfella 3 года назад +1

      @@raivissss Yes. Featuring Jason Clarkson, James Steed and Roger St.Hammond! Jensen Interceptors, women, guns and karate chops! That's what television is about.

    • @vinnydaq13
      @vinnydaq13 3 года назад +2

      The Rover I’d buy that for a dollar! 😎

    • @johnchurch4705
      @johnchurch4705 3 года назад +1

      Robert Vaughan drove one in The Protectors .

    • @somegoodfella
      @somegoodfella 3 года назад +1

      @@johnchurch4705 It's official. All 1970's action shows have the best names ever. "Starsky and Hutch", "The Protectors", "Return of the Saint", "Dukes of Hazard", "The Rockford Files", "The Persuaders", "Kojak", etc.

  • @tomhummel2641
    @tomhummel2641 2 года назад +5

    So many interesting details here, very thorough! Feel so sad for the excellent engineering being stuck with the home market with the opposite hand driving of the European neighbours. It takes a lot of flexible and expensive solutions to develop for both.

    • @deanstevenson6527
      @deanstevenson6527 2 года назад +2

      Well said Tom Hummel. English Adwest/ Cam Gears rack and pinion steering, Proper disc brakes and the Irish FF system were picked up by Ford and Datsun/Nissan. The Sierra XR4X4, Sapphire 4x4 Scorpio 4x4, Escort Cosworth...and Japan's Nissan Skyline R32 copied all the features. Those cars were built down to a price. The real issue is that only Donald Healy and Walter Hays and Nissans Agent K ever saw the importance of export to Left hand Drive Countries that would always pay forward the development budget. It is the shame of the cowardece of directors who couldn't sharpen the pencil before beating the panel's . Donald Healy and Fords Walter Hayes did, but it was Datsun who made money by meeting the regulations, and Ford Of Europe who got money for the US Capri and Merkur. Nissan avoided the All wheel drive conquest of the US because it's AWD Skyline cars couldn't pass the side impact and rust proofing requirements. Jensen could have made it work. It was about building cars down do a price. The UK is still a nation that has an auto industry...it was differing EEC and US regulations that the United Kingdom avoided addressing that ducked the cash reserves. Every advance...steering, brakes, all wheel drive and in fact, AE Brico electronic fuel injection, the UK mastered it all in 1969. The utter foolishness was in not puffing out its chest and slaughtering steering companies like ZF, TRW, brake and electronic companies PBR, and Robert L Bosch and the US companies like Ford who refused to pay until the patents lapsed.

  • @catskillwoodgas
    @catskillwoodgas 3 года назад

    These videos are so good, I sometimes watch them twice.

    • @BigCar2
      @BigCar2  3 года назад

      I approve! 😉

  • @verttikoo2052
    @verttikoo2052 2 года назад

    Had to watch this again. It’s a good looking car and the name is so cool.

  • @GTVAlfaMan
    @GTVAlfaMan 3 года назад +21

    Jeremy Clarkson said on Top Gear that the steering rack used in the Jensen Interceptor could have come from a Triumph Stag or a riding lawnmower, depending on what was available in the parts bin that week..

    • @kerrymoore4202
      @kerrymoore4202 3 года назад +4

      Remember, Clarkson played to the crowd. Jensen used the same Adwest steering rack as Aston Martin and Jaguar. When Adwest said they were no longer going to make that rack, all 3 companies had to find a new one. Not as funny as saying it came from a lawn mower is it, but still true.

    • @byteme9718
      @byteme9718 3 года назад +3

      He also said that Proton cars were built by people who live in trees and wear shoes made from leaves. TG was a comedy show and yet so many take it seriously.

  • @2021._.rav4
    @2021._.rav4 3 года назад +19

    the interceptor is like the britsh muscle car,which bassicy inspired the f type,the modern muscle car from the uk

    • @michaelx9079
      @michaelx9079 3 года назад

      Nah.... that the aston v8 vantage.... the jenson too classy to be a muscle car

    • @branon6565
      @branon6565 3 года назад

      ItsMeFrancisLol...the Jaguar F Type is manufactured in India, and so are Land Rovers and Range Rovers, as they're both Indian owned car companies....

  • @brandondavis7695
    @brandondavis7695 3 года назад +2

    oh mr. big car, your still a hoot! I got my nobody in the mail yesterday. and it was nothing but great!!

    • @ojtveito
      @ojtveito 3 года назад

      Nobody sent you that, so it can't be that great! hoho

  • @atimko123
    @atimko123 3 года назад

    12:34 great lines, elements & vertical axis center rear wheel...love the Blue too!!