A connector body retainer for a high temperature electrical connector used in a high temperature gas sensor retains the ceramic body portions while also permitting their hinged movement. The connector body retainer includes a pair of retainer bands each having a generally u-shaped or c-shaped profile with a base portion and a pair of opposed extending legs, the legs of each band extending toward the other in opposing arrangement to provide the retainer, with each retainer band having an outer surface, an inner surface, a hinge end and an insertion end. The legs of the respective bands which are in opposing arrangement are joined together by a respective pair of outwardly arched hinges proximate the hinge end and will allow the ceramic body portions to hinge open to receive a gas sensor at a relatively low insertion force and hinge closed to provide a relatively higher contact force.