The Jensen Interceptor is a British-built car that generates great intrigue and aspiration within many automotive enthusiasts. From the use of a large capacity Chrysler V8 engine to the glorious Italian-designed bodywork, the Interceptor truly is an amalgamation from the best in motoring.
Since 1984, this car has covered very few miles spending most of its life in dry storage. In fact, it came out of storage in 2003 only to be dismantled and restored before being sold and put back into storage in a heated garage in a ventilated Permabag.
With so few miles, especially since its full restoration, this has to be one of the best condition Jensen Interceptors in the country. A few mechanical upgrades mean this car should run even better than when it was new.
The fruits of all the labour that has gone into this Jensen Interceptor are plain to see on the inside of the car with a near-immaculate cabin. From the elegant cream leather seats and centre console to the contrasting black dashboard and the wood trim around the steering wheel, everything is in excellent shape.
In fact, a small mark on the driver’s seat is all that shows this car has ever even been near a human, let alone have one sit inside it. The owner mentions that having spent a lot of time sitting in storage, the air conditioning system may need recharging.
Two separate toolkits are included with this car, one in the standard place under the excellently trimmed floor in the boot and another one sits in a cubby hole within the centre console.
Just like the interior, the exterior of this Mk III Jensen Interceptor presents as if it were a new car with very few marks at all.
During the aforementioned extensive restoration, the car was resprayed in a different colour to that in which it left the factory. Originally black, the car is now finished in a dreamy red that fits the Interceptor shape perfectly. Furthermore, the chrome trim pieces that complete this car are all looking very good and seem to all be present.
Underneath, one can spot a few newly replaced parts such as the sump pan and stainless-steel exhaust while slightly more hidden are the stainless-steel inner wings.
Under the long bonnet of this 1974 Jensen Interceptor is the largest engine available with the car, a 7.2-litre V8 from Chrysler dubbed the High Deck Big Block. Linked to that is an equally Chrysler-sourced three-speed auto transmission. The whole package makes around 280hp which is sent to the rear wheels.
In the case of the internals and mechanics of the car, the restoration didn’t only give a new lease of life to the large capacity V8, it also upgraded it to be more suitable for modern motoring. The owner lists an additional cooling fan, an uprated oil pump, a new Edelbrock carburettor and a stainless exhaust.
Elsewhere, adjustable rear shock absorbers should help the car handle the road in a more modern way.
In the car’s most recent MOT, two items were notified as advisories: a crazed fuel line and a deformed fuel filler neck. Both of these issues have been fixed since with replaced parts.oeoemyyMdZsqxPOsJeXolhMeNMcTgzILgC4gX5yw.jpeg851.89 KB
Summary
The condition of this Jensen Interceptor is a testament to how well a car can age when it’s being taken care of in such detail. Not only does the car look absolutely fantastic, it also drives faultlessly according to the current owner.
American power encased in an Italian design, the Jensen Interceptor is a wonder of the motoring world and this may be one of the best examples around.
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