1973' Jensen Interceptor Iii

The 1966 London Motor Show saw the launch of the Jensen Interceptor, designed by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. Jensen’s new model saw a radical change after the fibre glass body construction of the CV8 and 541 models. The Interceptor featured an all steel body and the chassis featured independent front suspension with a live rear axle and disc brakes all round. The Chrysler 7212cc V8 engine was used offering outstanding performance, and the interior was finished to an incredibly high standard featuring Connolly leather and Wilton carpets. The Interceptor was built to a high specification with electric windows, power steering and air-conditioning. In 1969 saw the launch of the Interceptor II which saw minor changes to the cars frontal styling and interior and a further update was seen in 1971 with the introduction of the MKIII model featuring alloy wheels and larger capacity engine offering 330bhp.

This beautifully presented Royal Blue example was manufactured on the 10th October 1973 first registered six days later with the private cherished number 999 SPC. According to Richard Calver's book, the car left the factory with a Mustard paint finish and Black upholstery and 1974, the Jensen was registered RUF 787M suggesting the car may have changed hands for the first time at this point. Paperwork with the car tells us the Jensen was with a lady owner in Taunton for some time up to 2002 and had a second Somerset based owner until 2011 who during his time of ownership had the car fully re-painted in Royal Blue. In 2011, the Jensen was sold to an Isle of Man based Estate Agent who played a key role in the Isle of Man classic car scene.

From 2011 to 2018 the Jensen was on the Isle of Man and several invoices from Jensen specialists Richard Appleyard Engineering Ltd are with the car. It would seem the Interceptor had gentle use, attending many of the Isle of Man classic car events before returning to UK mainland in 2018. The car was delivered to Richard Appleyard Engineering and put through a program of work to include a new steering rack, new alternator, new front suspension poly bushes, two uprated window cogs, a new electric choke and new Wilton carpet set. In the region of £5,000 has been spent on the car but due to a change in circumstances, the new owner has not used the car and it stayed in storage until we collected it from the Derbyshire based specialists.

The Jensen has arrived with us in lovely condition, presenting exceptionally well with a stunning, deep Royal Blue paint finish. The bodywork is excellent with structurally superb straight panels, an excellent underbody and no major blemishes or concerns. The chrome work is all of a high standard, alloy wheels are in lovely condition and the under-bonnet area presents well. The Black leather trim has beautifully aged and whilst we cannot guarantee the mileage, the largely original trim does fit with a recorded mileage of little over 70,000. The leather is clean, smart, well presented, the headlining is in lovely order and the dashboard and walnut are in very good condition. Having inspected the Jensen in our workshop, we can confirm it has a strong 7212cc engine that holds impressive oil pressure reading 70psi under acceleration on a mechanical gauge. The engine offers impressive performance, the automatic gearbox changes perfectly up and down the gearbox and the car drives incredibly well. Having not been used over the past 12 months or so, the Interceptor will be freshly serviced and supplied with 12 months MOT and warranty within our asking price. This is a very sharp, well presented and incredibly usable Interceptor III that should offer excellent value.