Last year I looked at the Avalone 11 a prize winning copy of the MG TF. So it should be perhaps no surprise to learn that prior to the Avallone a little known sports car of Brazilian origin designed by Spaniard Rigoberto Soler Gisbert, the Brasanica Uiraputu built between 1964 and 1966 appears to have proved a significant inspiration of a well known British Sports car the Jensen Interceptor launched in 1966.

The Interceptor was designed by Carrozzeria Touring, Jensen broke with it’s policy of manufacturing fibreglass bodies for this model instead using steel bodies initially manufactured by Vignale in Italy.

By 1975 when this particular model, seen at Castle Combe, was produced Interceptors were powered by 7212 cc / 440 cui Chrysler V8’s, 232 Interceptors built between 1971 and 1973 had the 390 hp Six Pack (SP) six barrel carburation similar to the Plymouth Road Runner amongst others.

The Interceptor was a high spec vehicle with electric windows, very much a novelty in Europe until the 1980’s, reclining front seats, wood rimmed steering wheel, hi fi radio with twin speakers and an electric clock. From 1968 power assisted steering was also standard.

The convertible Interceptor with a hydraulic power operated hood was launched in 1974 by which time the Interceptor was being built in MK III form with vented front discs and 5 spoke cast alloy wheels. It is thought just 267 convertibles were made when production ceased in 1976.

Like the Jensen S-V8 the Interceptor concept has refused to die various attempts to keep the design alive have been made since production ceased in 1976 and today Interceptors are being remanufactured into R spec fitted with GM LS3 motors. In September rumours appeared on the internet that plans are afoot to launch an all new albeit retro styled aluminium bodied Interceptor to enter production by 2014.

Thanks for joining me on this Interceptor edition of ‘Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres’, I hope you will start your week with me tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !