In the action-packed world of the Fast & Furious franchise, the cars are as much stars as the actors. Among the high-octane vehicles featured in Fast & Furious 6, one stands out for its unique blend of British elegance and American muscle: the Jensen Interceptor. Driven by the resurrected Letty Ortiz, played by Michelle Rodriguez, this classic car adds a distinctive flavor to the movie’s thrilling car chases and action sequences. But What Car Does Letty Drive In Fast 6 exactly, and why is it such a cool choice? Let’s delve into the details of this iconic vehicle.
The Jensen Interceptor: A British Classic with American Muscle
The Jensen Interceptor is a grand tourer produced by Jensen Motors in England from 1966 to 1976. Positioned as a personal luxury car, it competed with the likes of the Jaguar XJ-S and Bristol, but with a key difference under the hood. Instead of relying on European engines, the Interceptor was powered by robust American V8s from Chrysler. Initially, it featured a 383 cubic inch (6.3-liter) engine, later followed by a massive 440 cubic inch (7.2-liter) version. These carbureted V8s delivered raw American muscle and a distinctive soundtrack, setting the Interceptor apart from its European counterparts.
The design of the Interceptor, penned by Carrozzeria Touring in Italy, is another aspect of its enduring appeal. It boasts clean lines, a long, imposing hood, and a distinctive wraparound rear window that contributes to its balanced and timeless aesthetics. Even decades after its production ceased, the Interceptor retains a contemporary and stylish presence, attracting a dedicated following and a thriving restoration industry. Its blend of British design flair and American powertrain makes it a truly unique and desirable classic car.
Letty’s Jensen in Fast & Furious 6: Matte Gray Menace
In Fast & Furious 6, the Jensen Interceptor takes on a new persona as Letty’s ride. The movie car team, led by picture car coordinator Dennis McCarthy, transformed the classic grand tourer into a menacing machine. Instead of restoring it to its original luxurious condition with leather and wood trim, they opted for a raw and aggressive look. Letty’s Interceptor is finished in a striking matte gray, immediately conveying a sense of stealth and power.
One of the most visually striking modifications is the addition of massive side pipes, positioned just ahead of the rear wheels. These aren’t just for show; on three of the four Jensen Interceptors built for the movie, the Magnaflow side exhausts are fully functional, amplifying the V8 rumble and adding to the car’s intimidating presence. However, McCarthy thoughtfully omitted them on one car to ensure Michelle Rodriguez’s safety during filming.
To ensure reliability and simplify maintenance, the movie cars were fitted with modern GM “LS3” V8 crate engines. This 6.2-liter engine, also found in the Chevrolet Camaro SS, produces a robust 430 horsepower in its stock form. This engine swap not only provides a significant power increase over the original 383 Chrysler V8 but also allows for easier parts sourcing and interchangeability between the movie cars.
Inside Letty’s Interceptor: Stripped Down and Ready for Action
The interior of Letty’s Jensen Interceptor reflects its transformation from a luxury car to a movie action vehicle. The plush carpeting, air conditioning, and other comfort features of the original Interceptor are gone. In their place is a functional and purposeful interior built for performance and safety. A thick roll cage dominates the cabin, providing crucial protection during stunts and action sequences. Sparco R100 seats replace the original luxurious chairs, offering enhanced support for high-speed driving. AutoMeter gauges fill the instrument cluster, replacing the Jensen’s classic dials with more performance-oriented readouts.
This stripped-down, performance-focused interior is a stark contrast to the original Jensen Interceptor’s luxury intentions. It underscores the car’s transformation for its role in Fast & Furious 6, turning it into a raw and capable machine perfectly suited for Letty’s driving style and the movie’s high-octane action.
Resurrecting Jensens for Fast 6
Finding Jensen Interceptors for the movie presented a unique challenge. According to Dennis McCarthy, sourcing rust-free examples in England was nearly impossible. Instead, the production team turned to California, known for its dry climate and classic car culture. All the Jensens used in Fast & Furious 6 were sourced from California, which explains why, despite the movie’s UK setting, Letty’s car is a left-hand-drive model. Four Jensen Interceptors were built for the film, with two surviving the rigors of filming, a testament to their robustness even in modified form.
In conclusion, what car does Letty drive in Fast 6? It’s a 1971 Jensen Interceptor, reimagined as a matte gray, American V8-powered beast. This unique vehicle perfectly embodies the spirit of Fast & Furious, blending classic style with raw power and becoming a memorable part of the movie’s automotive lineup.
