1973 Jensen Interceptor III
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Series III example with the Chrysler 440ci V8
- Matching numbers engine
- Extensive restoration undertaken in 2017 and finished in 2022
- Fabric Sunroof with uprated air conditioning
- Presents in very fresh condition with eye catching colour scheme
THE APPEAL
In 1966 the West Bromwich based British sports car manufacturer Jensen caused a sensation when it unveiled the brand new Interceptor. It was the firms answer to the American muscle car and carried on Jensen’s tradition of crafting stylish sporting GT’s after the C-V8 and the 541. The new luxurious GT was styled by Touring of Milan and was powered by a thumping 6.2 litre V8 engine supplied by Chrysler. Early cars had their bodies built by Vignale before production moved back to the UK.
In 1971 the Series III Interceptor was unveiled and boasted air conditioning as standard. GKN alloys, which originally were optional extras, were also fitted as standard and there were numerous tweaks made to the external styling. The leather seats were also revised for improved comfort. The biggest change for the Series III was found under the bonnet with the upgrade to the Chrysler 7.2 litre 440ci V8. The Series III represented the very best of the Interceptors evolution.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- V5C in owners name
- Valid MOT Certificate until 24th July 2024 with no advisories
- First registered on the 1st August 1973 having left the Jensen factory in May 1973
- Chassis No 136 and one of 736 J Series examples built
- 11 documented owners
- Odometer shows 34,267 miles
- Two Keys with central locking fobs
- Acquired by the current owner in 2017 as a restoration project
- Extensive invoices on file documenting the restoration
This 1973 Jensen Interceptor III was first sold by Moores of Brighton and was initially registered to another dealership up north, before being acquired a few days later by the owner of a catering business in Wakefield. The cars history file documents a number of letters from the owner and Jensen, where he complained about corrosion to the wheels. The letters confirm that Jensen replaced these under warranty. The car then moved around the UK before arriving in East Sussex a number of years ago. The current owner, who has owned a large number of Interceptors over the years, knew of the car and acquired it in 2017 when it came up for sale.
The Interceptor comes with a large number of invoices from 2017 onwards which detail an extensive list of new parts that were acquired by the current owner for the restoration.
THE INTERIOR
- The Jensen’s black leather seats present in very good condition and the owner believes they are original to the car
- Electric windows
- Uprated Air conditioning
- New stereo fitted which the the owner says works well
- New carpet fitted in the boot
- The folding fabric sunroof opens and closes as it should with the headliner is nice condition
The interior of this Jensen Interceptor simply oozes classic luxury. Everything from the leather seats to the dashboard, the sports steering wheel and the driver focused gauges shows that this is a lovely cabin to sit in. It all presents in very nice shape with some wear here and there as one would expect for a 50 year old classic. But it all looks very classy indeed. And the upgrade to remote central locking adds an extra bit of luxury to this British GT.
THE EXTERIOR
- Finished in Primrose Yellow which is the cars original colour scheme
- The paint work is in very nice good condition and was resprayed during the restoration
- The Jensen’s GKN alloys have been freshly refurbished and they are in great condition. The spare alloy was also refurbished and the car was fitted with 5 new tyres last year.
- A new windscreen was fitted during the restoration with the rest of the glass and the all important rear boot hatch in nice shape
- A new spare tyre carrier has also been fitted
The owner informs us that new inner and outer sills and a new rear valance were fitted, plus both front wheel arch lips had sections replaced during the restoration.
This Series III Interceptor looks very refreshing in Primrose Yellow and the part vinyl roof with the folding fabric sunroof is a lovely contrast.
THE MECHANICS
- 7.2 litre V8 engine which is matching numbers to the car
- 3 Speed Torqueflight Automatic Gearbox
- New Edelbrock 750 CM Model 1407 Carburettor with electric choke
- The owner states that the engine was rebuilt during the restoration with new bearings and rings
- Adjustable Spax front shocks came with the car in 2017 and new Avro adjustable shocks are fitted in the rear
- New stainless steel exhaust
- New Aluminium radiator with updated cooling fans
- Uprated Mitsubishi alternator
- Electric slave fuel pump
- Modern upgraded air conditioning
- High torque starter motor
The owner informs us that the big Chrysler V8 starts on the button and we can confirm it idled very nicely during the photoshoot. The owner also adds that the upgrades make the car much easier to drive, especially in stop start traffic.
SUMMARY
The Jensen Interceptor really is one of the finest British luxury GT cars ever made and combines that perfect marriage of Italian styling with American power and British engineering. It is a classic GT with both style and presence and makes for a superb long distance tourer thanks to that effortless Chrysler V8. This 1973 Jensen Interceptor Series III is a lovely example that is ready to hit the road.
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1973
- Make Jensen
- Model Interceptor III
- Colour Yellow
- Odometer 34,267 Miles
- Engine size 7212
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Rye
- Location Sussex
- Country United Kingdom
22
bids
- Ah•••• £33,000 18/09/23
- sp•••• £32,750 18/09/23
- mi•••• £32,500 18/09/23
- Ah•••• £32,250 18/09/23
- sp•••• £32,000 18/09/23
- Ah•••• £31,750 18/09/23
- sp•••• £31,250 18/09/23
- mi•••• £31,000 18/09/23
- Ah•••• £30,500 18/09/23
- sp•••• £29,750 18/09/23
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