1972 Jensen Interceptor III Fastback
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Highlights
• Five-year restoration from 1989
• Restored by renowned collector and restorer Keith Hudson
• Restored by renowned collector and restorer Keith Hudson
• One former keeper since restoration
• Great condition, low mileage example
• Desirable H-Series example
• Desirable H-Series example
The Appeal
It has often been said – and many would rightly argue – that 1966-1976 Jensen Interceptors were, and remain, a realistic alternative to the Aston Martin V8 of the same period. Dubbed ‘a gentleman’s express’ by the media at the time of its launch in October 1971, the now-matured Mk3 elevated the Jensen Interceptor to even greater heights. It was the most successful of the three models achieving the highest production figures of any Jensen at 3432.
Designed by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera and built by Vignale, it was one of the most dramatic supercars of the 1960s and 1970s, attracting the attentions of esteemed owners such as HRH Princess Anne, Sir Cliff Richard, actors John Thaw CBE and Tony Curtis, ex-heavyweight boxing champion, Sir Henry Cooper OBE KSG. Oh, and Eric Morecambe OBE once told Parky that his Jensen Interceptor ‘brought him sunshine’.
To drive, it’s more GT than sports car, but a well-sorted example is fun in the country and effortless in the city. You’ll be amazed at how little it rolls in bends and how simple it is to accurately position – and, with a good-sized boot and rear seats, it’s a car you can enjoy even as a daily…fuel consumption aside. Performance upgrades are simple, too, and not frowned upon within the Jensen scene.
Fifty years on, the appeal of this striking Jensen Interceptor III Fastback #128-4939 remains as strong as the day it was built. With just two owners since its five-year restoration in the early 90s and a mere 43,000 original miles on the clock since new, it has lived a somewhat charmed life but now eagerly awaits its third chapter. Read on…
The History and Paperwork
• Comprehensive photo album of restoration
• Dry-driven and garaged when not in use
• Full 12-month MoT will await new keeper
• V5 certificate in current keeper’s name
According to factory records, Jensen Interceptor #128-4939 – presented with a silver grey exterior – concluded its build at the Kelvin Way factory in West Bromwich on Monday, 9th October, 1972.
It was promptly dispatched to Jensen retailer W. T Aked & Co., St. Annes-on-the-Sea in Lancashire and, the next day it underwent its PDI (see gallery) and received its first UK registration before the car’s first proud owner, a Mr William Harrison, took delivery with 180 miles on the clock.
In 1989, the Jensen was acquired by renowned collector and restorer Keith Hudson, who set the wheels in motion for a five-year body and mechanical restoration project (undertaken by specialists Classic Car Services of Oxford), several images of which are included in the accompanying gallery. With absolutely no expense spared, the car subsequently won a number of show awards under Mr Hudson’s stewardship.
Mr Hudson continued to enjoy the Jensen all the way to mid-2018. When not in use, the car was stored in a dehumidified and temperature-controlled environment. Its current and only second keeper since its restoration acquired the car on 21st June, 2018 and continued to drive it only under dry conditions and again, garaged when not in use.
Accompanying the car will be the V5 Certificate in the current keeper’s name, a fresh MoT to be undertaken prior to handover, an expansive file of recent and past service and maintenance invoices, the aforementioned photo album documenting the restoration, the original Owner’s Manual and a workshop manual published by MOPAR in conjunction with Jensen Car Company Ltd. There is also a show board detailing some interesting historic information on the car.
The Interior
• Interior presents is very good condition
• Original bar a few modern practical upgrades
• Sumptuous blue Connolly leather
The Interceptor features its original and sumptuous blue Connolly leather with Wilton carpets throughout. Overall, the tidy and clean interior presents in exemplary condition.
Elsewhere, the dashboard, door cards, sun visors, head liner and other soft furnishings are in a condition commensurate more with the love and care afforded the car over the years, than its very respectable age.
For the driver, everything is within easy reach and all feels well engineered and very special. The original two-spoke steering wheel was replaced with a leather-clad, three-spoke, drilled aluminium one from Moto-Lita fitted with a Jensen centre boss. The original steering wheel (pictured) remains and will come with the car.
The air conditioner was not re-gassed by the previous keeper, nor has the current keeper had it recommissioned, due largely to its non-requirement.
The original 8-track cassette / radio system is fitted and several 8-track cartridges will come with the car. However, the speaker system will need to be inspected as only front passenger speaker appears to be working.
The Exterior
• Presents in striking Monza Red (code 155)
• Full set of original GKN diamond-cut alloys
• Brightwork gleams like the day it was fitted
One can’t help but stand in admiration of this Interceptor 3 Fastback. It looks quick even when it isn’t moving and the styling is timeless. When rummaging through the accompanying gallery, remember that this car is now over fifty years old.
The louvered bonnet was a factory option in period and is fitted here. Oddly, driver’s mirrors were not fitted as standard and the current keeper has fitted a smart pair of period Magatex door mirrors.
The original GKN diamond-cut alloy wheels are in outstanding condition and are shod with a new set of Pirelli P5s tyres all round. At the front, the headlights and lower indicator lenses show no hint of fogging sometimes associated with a car of this age. The same may be said for the rear light clusters.
The brightwork around the car is in exceptional condition and shows no evidence of pitting often found on a car of this vintage. A cursory glance down each flank shows no evidence of structural damage and the chromed side-sills are in remarkable condition.
While there is evidence of lamination separation on lower nearside & offside corners of the windscreen ( see tax disc & OSF wiper images), the front grille, number plate and valance for all their vulnerability, remain blemish free. There is a can of touch-up Monza Red (code 155) paint to come with the car, too.
The Mechanics
• Desirable H-Series, first fitted with the 7.2-litre
• H-Series cars had a higher compression ratio and higher performance than standard
• The cracking 7.2-litre still feels eager to impress
• H-Series cars had a higher compression ratio and higher performance than standard
• The cracking 7.2-litre still feels eager to impress
• 100 per cent ‘Pass/No Advisory’ MoT history since 2006
• A fresh 12-month MoT will await the new keeper
At the photo location, this handsome Jensen was frequently repositioned to obtain the best of changeable light. The omnipotent 7.2-litre V8 fired up first and every time and settled into a throaty burble that only a high-capacity V8 can make – especially via the stainless steel exhaust.
The three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission connected smoothly and Drive and Reverse both engaged with no drama requiring a gentle feathering to the revs to get underway.
The keeper reports this Jensen Interceptor III Fastback to be in excellent mechanical condition with the engine, brakes, steering, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as their respective British engineers intended over half a century ago.
The full length chromed lower side sills are immaculate and the underside of the car appears in very good order with a degree of natural oxidation that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age.
Synopsis of mechanicals: Original, unmolested brakes which remain impressively effective; engine bay inspection lamp which was optional when new; seat belt upgrade (originals come with the car); the water temperature transmitter has been modified and relocated from the bottom of the radiator to the top hose where it is more effective.
A chromed air-filter holder has been fitted but the original (as pictured) will come with the car, as will the original two-spoke steering wheel.
A chromed air-filter holder has been fitted but the original (as pictured) will come with the car, as will the original two-spoke steering wheel.
Summary
Early Interceptor III Fastbacks from 1971 to 1973 are the most widely known and recognised Jensens spotted on our roads today. In its final form, the Interceptor III Fastback represented the pinnacle of Jensen’s car development. For those thinking about buying a Jensen today, these cars epitomise what Jensen motoring was all about.
There's a good supply of Mk3 Jensens, but few present in this truly exceptional, rust-free condition. Mechanical, body and interior trim parts availability is excellent and the performance you get from that omnipotent Chrysler V8 can bring you motoring heaven without breaking the bank. Little wonder they remain as popular as ever!
In addition, membership to the Jensen Owners Club is open to everyone with historic, current and future interest in these iconic British grand tourers and its members are as knowledgeable, helpful and enthusiastic as they come.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1972
- Make Jensen
- Model Interceptor III
- Colour Monza Red
- Odometer 43,350 Miles
- Engine size 7212
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Berkshire
- Country United Kingdom
12
bids
from 7
bidders
- St•••• £40,000 10/06/22
- br•••• £39,250 10/06/22
- Sa•••• £39,000 09/06/22
- ti•••• £37,250 08/06/22
- Sa•••• £35,000 08/06/22
- ti•••• £27,750 08/06/22
- Al•••• £24,500 07/06/22
- pa•••• £23,000 07/06/22
- ti•••• £21,500 07/06/22
- pa•••• £20,000 06/06/22
The Gallery
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