* Vendor supplied photos

Highlights

One of only 332 Mk 3's made with the “small” 6.3-litre V8
Only 100 left, according to Jensen Owner’s Club (JOC)
Significant restoration
Bare metal respray in Jensen Nevis Blue
Shown at Hampton Court Concours d’Elegance 2021
Massive history and documentation file

The Appeal

Hailing from West Bromwich and first introduced in 1971, the Mk3 Interceptor took the already popular and beloved Interceptor recipe and spiced it up with a refreshed interior and revised exterior styling. To this day it remains a collectible, appreciating and much vaunted classic.

This example is presented in beautiful condition, having been comprehensively and meticulously restored and displayed all over the UK at events, on TV and in periodicals.

The History and Paperwork

First registered on 14th February 1972
Historic vehicle (MOT and tax exempt)
Vendor will MOT the vehicle prior to sale
Originally finished in Brasillia Brown over Tan
Purchased by the current owner in 2010 as a restoration project
Restoration completed in September 2015
Completed the 2015 JOC Tour of Cornwall – 400 miles with no reported issues
Used all year round and taken to events around the UK
Prize-winner at various SW Classic events
Featured in various classic car magazines from 2015-2022
Featured in a Discovery+ TV show in 2022
Invited to display at the Hampton Court Concours d’Elegance in 2021
Just under 14,000 miles covered in current ownership
Matching numbers vehicle
Original handbooks
Period brochures
Original factory build sheets
JOC magazines
Jensen Workshop Manual and Parts Catalogue
Various Jensen history books
Folder of receipts and invoices from 1972-2022
Photographic record of the restoration

The Interior

Interior fully retrimmed in Aston/Jaguar ‘Sand’ leather
Upgrade to remote central locking
Retro-styled modern stereo with Bluetooth, Aux and 4x new speakers
Upgrade to LED interior lights
Upgrade to modern specification interior fan
Full new carpets and over-mats
Moto-Lita steering wheel
Powered windows and mirrors
Air-conditioning

As part of the restoration process, the vendor had the full interior removed and retrimmed in ‘Sand’ leather. It’s a gorgeous tone that matches the blue paintwork very nicely. When the car was being refinished, the owner decided to tastefully update and modernise some areas of the cabin to provide a little extra practicality. So upgrades have been made to the stereo system, lighting and interior fan – all worthy changes that make the car easier to live with, without detracting from its character.

The upholstery itself is wonderfully finished and in fine condition, we especially like the ribbed headlining, which really sets the interior off. While the owner uses the car regularly, and therefore a few minor blemishes may be found on the switchgear and interior trim, the cabin presents in fantastic condition. All of the instrumentation and brightwork looks excellent and the owner assures us that every single item in the cabin functions precisely as it should. The upper section of the dash is clad in black vinyl and is free from cracks and warping, while the centre console and transmission tunnel features some gorgeous wood veneer that is likewise in a near-immaculate state.

When the interior was refinished, new royal blue carpets and over-mats were fitted, complete with colour-matched cream edging. Detailing like this, the lovely stainless steel gear-shifter and the engraved stainless sill-guards make for a truly special and luxurious passenger compartment.

At the rear the boot area is in very good condition, featuring an original tool kit in its leather roll, and a period first aid kit.

The Exterior

Lovely Jensen Nevis Blue paintwork
Comprehensive bodywork restoration
Refurbished alloy wheels

Widely regarded as one of the prettiest cars to have been built in the UK, the Interceptor really is a stunning shape. With that long bonnet, handsome GT proportions and incredible curved rear glass, it’s unmistakable and can still stop traffic.

Having decided to restore the car as well as possible in 2010, the owner undertook a significant amount of bodywork. After the car was stripped and examined, new front wings, rear arches, front and rear valances, door skins and door frames were all sourced and fitted (panels are still available from the original mouldings). A bare metal respray was then undertaken, transforming the car with its shimmering coat of Nevis Blue paint as you see here. At the same time, new rubbers and seals were fitted.

In 2014, the owner had the original GKN alloy wheels refurbished, and their two-tone finish really sets the bodywork off well. They’re shod in Pirelli tyres. Then, in 2017, the over-riders, door caps and door trim pieces were all rechromed to enhance the finish of the car. All the rest of the external trim, brightwork, lights, glass and badging is in very fine condition, the car being used regularly but cared for and looked after in the most fastidious way.

The result, as you can see, is a simply beautiful car. With straight and true panels, excellent paintwork and a high level of finish, this must be one of the most attractive classics on the road today.

The Mechanics

Rare 6,276cc V8 model
3-speed automatic transmission
Full top-end engine rebuild
Gearbox rebuild
Full suspension rebuild
Numerous mechanical and electrical upgrades

Featuring the highly desirable and rare 6.3-litre V8, rated at a very healthy 330bhp and 425lb-ft, this Interceptor is really quite the find. Mated to automatic transmission, it offers enormous amounts of power and effortless cruising ability, making the vehicle a truly world-class grand tourer.

As comprehensive as the restoration of the car’s interior and exterior has been, the mechanical overhaul has, perhaps, been even more in-depth. Extensive work has been undertaken by the current owner, including:

Upgraded Bosch cooling fans
Upgraded electronic ignition
Battery isolator switch
New stainless steel headers and down-pipes
Larger gearbox oil cooler
Suspension rebuild including new front springs, adjustable front dampers, rear coilovers and new polybushes
Upgraded Edelbrock cam and carburettor
New inlet manifold
New exhaust system
New brake callipers and pads with vented discs
Upgraded Mitsubishi alternator
New starter motor
New head gasket

In short, almost every aspect of the car’s drivetrain has been renewed, refurbished or upgraded during the current owner’s stewardship.

Summary

People often talk about “restoring” a vehicle, but this incredible Jensen has been taken one step further. The owner has examined every aspect of this Interceptor and refined and enhanced it significantly.

Apparently, it was a childhood dream to restore an Interceptor, and it really shows in the love, attention and care that has gone into this build. From the choice of that eye-catching Nevis Blue paintwork and Sand leather upholstery, to the wise upgrades that truly enhance the driving experience without altering the car’s character, every inch of this vehicle is carefully considered, beautifully presented and truly, utterly magnificent.

If you’ve always wanted an Interceptor (and let’s face it, who of us hasn’t?) this may well be the best one you’ll ever see…

See a video of the car here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRoLBauEbGo&t=22s

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