1973 Jensen Interceptor Mk.3
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Highlights
- Remarkably well presenting Mk.3
- Hand-built at Kelvin Way Factory in West Bromwich
- English engineering with American big block V8 prowess
- Over £21,000 spent over the last year
- Very reluctant sale
The Appeal
The Interceptor was originally released in 1966, and continued production until 1976 with three minor model updates introduced over its 10-year production cycle; Mk.1, 2, and 3. Designed as an eye-catching grand tourer with a generous American big block V8, the Interceptor also offered many creature comforts such as power steering, automatic transmission, and electric central locking and window operation—all of this in 1966!
Let’s not forget one of its most intriguing design features, its large curving glass rear window, which allows for a very practical amount of storage space in the rear.
Let’s not forget one of its most intriguing design features, its large curving glass rear window, which allows for a very practical amount of storage space in the rear.
This interceptor, a Mk.3 from 1973, benefits from the Mk.3’s updated styling, visible in an updated front grille, headlamp surrounds, and bumper revision. Currently presented in a beautifully finished Brienz Blue with Manilla cream interior, this period-styled Jensen has been very well cared for over the years by its previous and current owners.
Its current condition is a result of a restoration in 2002, a period of dry storage with very little use for a reported 20 years, and now a recent in-depth reconditioning performed by the current owner, showing over £21,000 in receipts for work completed. This one is a prime example of the Jensen nameplate, and indeed represents a perfect balance between English engineering and American muscle.
Its current condition is a result of a restoration in 2002, a period of dry storage with very little use for a reported 20 years, and now a recent in-depth reconditioning performed by the current owner, showing over £21,000 in receipts for work completed. This one is a prime example of the Jensen nameplate, and indeed represents a perfect balance between English engineering and American muscle.
The History and Paperwork
- Historic restoration performed in 2002-2004
- MoT and VED exempt in the UK
- Current MoT valid until 8th June 2024
- Current owner purchased the car in 2022 and has performed a full recommissioning to a high level
The current visual state of the vehicle is a result of the historic restoration taking place around 20 years ago. However, over the course of those 20 years, the vehicle saw only light use and was mainly dry stored, contributing to its current exceptional condition inside and out.
In addition to the updated paintwork in Brienz Blue, brightwork refresh, and Manilla interior with blue piping and complimentary blue carpets, the vehicle also received an engine overhaul, suspension work, a new exhaust system, new air conditioning unit, and reconditioned gearbox among other upgrades, which are shown with their associated invoices in the history file provided.
In addition to the updated paintwork in Brienz Blue, brightwork refresh, and Manilla interior with blue piping and complimentary blue carpets, the vehicle also received an engine overhaul, suspension work, a new exhaust system, new air conditioning unit, and reconditioned gearbox among other upgrades, which are shown with their associated invoices in the history file provided.
More recently in 2022, the current owner has also contributed to the vehicle’s current state with a full recommissioning to return the Jensen to a more consistently usable state after the period of dry storage as a part of a personal collection by the previous owner.
Recommissioning services include updates and overhauls to the fuel delivery system, transmission, engine, ignition system, cooling system, differential, handbrake system, bodywork and electrical system, and various trim refreshments, which are all documented in the history file as photographed.
Recommissioning services include updates and overhauls to the fuel delivery system, transmission, engine, ignition system, cooling system, differential, handbrake system, bodywork and electrical system, and various trim refreshments, which are all documented in the history file as photographed.
The car has had regular maintenance and upgrades since, with the latest being a replacement and upgrade to the fuel lines, and fuel pump with ethanol-resistant stainless steel braided lines, along with the removal of an aftermarket EFI to carbs for a more authentic power delivery and feel. Over the last year, the owner states the Jensen has seen over £21,000 of upgrades and improvements, all contributing to a very fine example as it currently sits.
The Interior
- Luxurious Manilla leather interior in excellent condition
- All electronics and gauges working flawlessly
- A/C blows cold
Inside, the cabin is smartly trimmed in Manilla leather with blue accent piping. Having driven so few miles since the interior retrim in 2002, there is very little indication of use or wear inside the vehicle as a whole. The overall interior is in spectacular condition. The seats themselves are in excellent shape, and surprisingly comfortable. The Wilton carpets are still plush and in a highly complementary dark blue. The Moto-Lita steering wheel shows very little signs of use and has a comfortable, grippy feel.
Looking forward, the dashboard and centre console area are in nearly new condition as well. The instrument cluster in front of the driver is minimalistic and not at all intrusive with the tachometer, speedometer, and odometer gauges in front and centre display. Next to the main dials, the centra console and middle dashboard hosts a variety of gauges and switches, all remaining in excellent condition and reportedly functioning as they should.
The heater controls are furnished with well-finished knobs; again in near perfect condition with minimalistic and exceptionally functional design. Looking upward, the beautiful retrimmed and matching Manilla headlining is very clean with no unsightly marks or imperfections seen.
The heater controls are furnished with well-finished knobs; again in near perfect condition with minimalistic and exceptionally functional design. Looking upward, the beautiful retrimmed and matching Manilla headlining is very clean with no unsightly marks or imperfections seen.
The boot itself is quite spacious and luxurious, and the plush carpet and other trim is all in excellent condition. The vehicle comes along with a jack and lug wrench bag as pictured that connects with buttons onto the rear boot wall. There’s a spare full size tire present underneath the vehicle, in good condition and ready to use in any event.
The interior has also seen a bit of modernization, such as a fold-out sat-nav stereo system, Bluetooth, hands-free calls, and utilizes both Apple Carplay and Android Auto. With electric windows, power steering and central locking it feels surprisingly modern for a 50-year-old vehicle, but certainly doesn’t lack any amount of vintage charm.
The Exterior
- Elegantly presented Brienz Blue metallic paintwork in near perfect condition
- Overall exterior in immaculate order
- Unmarked and beautifully refurbished wheels with new tires
The exterior of the Jensen matches the sentiments of the interior, in excellent condition with hardly any signs of use present. The professionally resprayed Brienz Blue paintwork remains intact from the restoration. Still shining and glossy with metallic flakes shimmering, and having lived most of its life in dry storage away from the diminishing effects of weather and sunshine, the paintwork is still in excellent shape.
That isn’t to say it hasn’t been used at all, as there are some small marks and chips from the road on the front bumper and grille as to be expected. While these are visible when up very close, we don’t think that they in any way detract from the overall look of the otherwise exceptional condition exterior.
That isn’t to say it hasn’t been used at all, as there are some small marks and chips from the road on the front bumper and grille as to be expected. While these are visible when up very close, we don’t think that they in any way detract from the overall look of the otherwise exceptional condition exterior.
The body is in excellent, straight condition, with trim, glasswork, emblems, and decals in great condition as well. The light lenses are in great condition, with no signs of fading from the sun, and headlight trim in equal state.
Looking underneath, this Jensen is in good condition as expected, showing some signs of light surface corrosion, but most of the underside is rust protected and in good shape. There does seem to be some rust issues spotted on the sill seams, but it doesn’t look to need immediate attention. The frame itself looks very straight, with no surprises seen.
It rides on its original alloy wheels, which are in near perfect condition with no signs of any bumps or contact with the curb. They’re wrapped in Pirelli P4000 tyres which have plenty of tread remaining.
The Mechanics
- Some updates and modernizations present contributing to a mechanically solid drivetrain
- 7.2L V8 starts on the button and runs extremely well
- Well maintained and always cared for
The Jensen’s 440ci big block Chrysler V8 is something to behold. On full display in the clean and tidy engine bay of this car, there’s no plastic covers or other pageantry present, it’s all 7.2 litres of muscle. We’re graced with a beautiful set of valve covers brandished with the Jensen nameplate, an Edelbrock carb recently replacing the previous owner’s aftermarket electronic fuel injection system, deep black trim and rubbers, and a corrosion-free intake housing.
Upon ignition, the engine springs to life with a glorious noise. Not only is it refined and powerful, but it is surprisingly smooth for an old-time big block.
This one is said to be in great running order as you’d expect from seeing the condition of the rest of the car, and has the advantage of an automatic transmission to get you from place to place with ease. Connected to a limited slip differential, this drivetrain sends power equally between the two rear wheels, allowing for predictable acceleration.
The owner states that the vehicle handles, accelerates, brakes, and otherwise all together fits the part of Jensen’s flagship at the time. We can confirm from our brief period at the wheel turning the vehicle around, even in the tight photoshoot location, the power steering, predictable throttle response, and overall smooth operation of the car was incredibly refreshing coming from a car from the early ‘70s.
Summary
Being amongst very few cars that were actually hand-built, in combination with its stunning condition and straightforward charming character, this Jensen is a real collector’s item. On top of that, as a true high-performance V8 grand tourer, it’s got the performance to back up its outstanding looks.
But what makes it truly impressive, is that with everything already mentioned, you still get a smooth and refined car that you can enjoy using in modern traffic on a daily basis with its smooth automatic gearbox, if you’ve got the fuel to support it. It’s comfortable enough to drive on the road, but still reserves the right to force a grin every time you fire up that V8.
But what makes it truly impressive, is that with everything already mentioned, you still get a smooth and refined car that you can enjoy using in modern traffic on a daily basis with its smooth automatic gearbox, if you’ve got the fuel to support it. It’s comfortable enough to drive on the road, but still reserves the right to force a grin every time you fire up that V8.
The current owner is reluctant to sell the Interceptor, as over the course of their ownership it has received an immeasurable amount of attention and admiration from onlookers upon seeing the car. To sum it up, the owner states “Sometimes the attention is odd, but I'm happy that other people get to enjoy seeing the car on the road and get to know about a lost automotive marque. Owning a Jensen is owning a bit of automotive history.”
We couldn’t agree more.
BEFORE YOU BUY
We couldn’t agree more.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1973
- Make Jensen
- Model Interceptor
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 70,125 Miles
- Engine size 7212
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Birmingham
- Location West Midlands
- Country United Kingdom
10
bids
from 7
bidders
- Jo•••• £31,500 03/10/23
- st•••• £31,250 03/10/23
- si•••• £31,000 03/10/23
- wi•••• £30,000 02/10/23
- Jo•••• £24,000 02/10/23
- gr•••• £22,000 29/09/23
- Fi•••• £19,000 28/09/23
- gr•••• £18,000 28/09/23
- st•••• £11,000 28/09/23
- su•••• £10,000 28/09/23
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