1973 Jensen Interceptor MkIII

Description

From a deceased estate; current owner 42 years; lightly restored in 1989; only 49,800 miles indicated; always garaged; a very smart example for recommissioning following six years in storage

A heady mix of American muscle, Italian flair and British craftsmanship, the Interceptor just oozed jet set glamour and was an immediate hit with Sixties high society. A natural rival to the Aston Martin V8, it was equally rare, equally expensive, better made and marginally more potent to boot, making it perhaps the classic car bargain of the modern age.

Unveiled at the 1966 Earls Court Motor Show, it was styled by Touring of Milan with some subtle tweaks by Vignale (who also made the first bodies) and was initially powered by a 6,276cc Chrysler V8 driving the rear wheels through a TorqueFlite automatic transmission which promised near supercar performance.

The MkII cars came out in 1969 and featured many detail improvements including uprated front suspension and brakes, different front-end styling and a more modern dashboard. Power was also up slightly to 330bhp and 425lb/ft of torque. The last model of the line was the MkIII which came out in 1971 with an even plusher interior, central locking, improved dual-circuit brakes, new GKN alloy wheels and a bigger 7.2-litre engine.

Only 5,620 Interceptors were made in total (plus 320 FF AWD models) and only around 600 are still road registered in the UK today so it is still an occasion to see one pass by.

Built in October 1973, this Interceptor III is a last-of-the-line J-Series model, one of 735 made in RHD, which incorporates all the subtle improvements made to the model over its 10-year lifespan.  Finished in Havana Brown with a Magnolia hide interior, green Sundym glass and air conditioning, it was first registered in Coventry as OVC 430M, becoming GXI 1111 in 1991, a transferable number which is included with the car.

It has been in the current ownership since 1981, although the owner, a long-standing member of the Jensen Owner’s Club, put it into his wife’s name in 1987, the V5 recording 5 former keepers.

In 1989 it was treated to a sympathetic restoration, as detailed in invoices and photos on file. This included: new inner and outer sills; new stainless steel sill finishers; new bumpers; new door handles; wheels refurbished; new door and boot rubbers; new vinyl roof covering; seats cleaned and Connollised; new carpets plus various other items.

An online MOT history check shows that the last MOT was issued in January 2017 at 49,615 miles with just one minor advisory (n/s/f lower suspension ball joint dust cover deteriorated). It has only covered 250 miles since, the odometer currently showing 49,866 miles which is believed to be correct.

On offer here from a deceased estate, it has always been kept garaged in the current 42-year ownership and only lightly used, mainly to attend local shows and JOC events. 

Off the road since 2017 and currently on SORN, it was treated to a new battery and some fresh fuel shortly before the auction and ran sweetly when we fired it up on site, although it will need a good service and some precautionary recommissioning before any long journeys are undertaken.

It comes with sundry useful spares including three GKN alloy wheels, a spare bumper, stainless steel exhaust tail pipes, starter motor, floor mats etc. The original owner’s handbook is present, along with two factory workshop manuals, parts catalogues, period sales brochures, a large number of JOC magazines and a JOC tie and key fob.   

As you can see in the photos, it looks smart and solid, both inside and out, with nice shiny paintwork. On offer here at a very modest guide price, it now only needs an enthusiastic new owner who can get it back on the road where it belongs.

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com