1975 Jensen Interceptor Series 3
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Highlights
・The actual car used in The Saint TV movies
・Same owner for 30 years
・Repainted in 2018
・Just 900 miles since 2016
The Background
1966 West Bromwich, England, and at the Kelvin Way Factory, Jensen Motors introduced the Jensen Interceptor, with its all steel bodywork designed by Italian design house Vingale. This was a step forward from the previous design, using glass-reinforced plastic for the previous 20 years. The Interceptor was fitted with a Chrysler V8 engine starting with the 6.3 litre, and helping it stop were disc brakes all round and a limited slip differential.
Just 3 years later in October 1969, Series 2 was announced, with slightly revised styling to the grille, headlights, rear lights and a revised interior with an air conditioning option. It was only 2 years later when the Series 3 was introduced, with another revised grille and headlamps, different wheels and air conditioning as standard. The 6.3 had been superseded by the 7.2 litre powerhouse used in this one we have here today. In 1975, with a recession in full swing, Jensen had fallen on hard times and by 1976, production of the Interceptor had come to an end.
In the late 1980’s a group of inventors started trading under the new Jensen cars name and relaunched the 70’s icon, Jensen Interceptor. This time with a few more alterations it became Series 4. It was essentially the same as a Series 3 but with a smaller 5.9 litre engine. This is when the Series 3 we have here today was converted by Jensen to become a Series 4, but obviously retaining the 7.2 litre engine for the use of by London Weekend Television in the six new 2-hour Saint movies.
The History
The story behind this stunning Jensen Interceptor Series 3 is something quite special to say the least. For those who remember, and if you don't, then Google is your friend, there was a TV show called The Saint with Simon Templar played by Roger Moore. It ran from 1962 - 1969, then later in the 1970s, starring Ian Ogilvy. It was in 1989 that Simon Templar made a return, played by Simon Dutton, with six 2 hour movies, this time driving this wonderful Jensen Interceptor Series 3.
The Interceptor was supplied directly by Jensen, who made it look like the latest Series 4 model with the latest radiator grille, grille badge, wheels, plus other accessories, and also going to the trouble of fitting an electric sunroof. How else would Simon Templar be able to shoot at the guys chasing him other than to stand out of the sunroof.
In 2018, the seller, who has been the owner for the past 31 years, had the car repainted to an exceptional standard, with the invoice coming in at over £9,000, and, as you can imagine, looks absolutely stunning. After 31 years and countless car shows and concourse events, many of which were won by the owner and the Jensen, (the certificates and score sheets are in the history file which will come with the car), the seller has made the decision to part with the Interceptor and let someone else enjoy this classic and TV star of a car.
The Paperwork
The V5 is present and shows 6 previous keepers. The owner's handbook is present and in excellent condition and something that's very handy to have is the Jensen workshop manual.
As you can imagine with such long ownership and the fact it’s a TV star car, there are numerous receipts and photographs which have accumulated over the years for parts and repairs, and also some nice letters involving Jensen and The Saint Productions Ltd, one of which is from Jensen Car company confirming that they supplied the car to London Weekend Television in 1989 for the new series of The Saint starring Simon Dutton. Also, a copy of the log book signed by the star of the show, Simon Dutton, Adam Kempton producer, and motoring journalist Quintin Willson, along with various signed photos of Simon with the car. This all makes up for an extensive look into the history of this Interceptor with some nice memorabilia.
Now MOT exempt, the last MOT on the Jensen was in 2016 and since then it has covered just 900 miles.
The Interior
The interior of the Jensen is in lovely condition with just the right amount of patina and character without anything being too worn. As you open the door you are faced with the seats and door cards which are finished in Tan leather. The seats are nice and comfy, the sort of comfort you get sitting on your favourite sofa. No damage and just worn in is the description we would give the seats. The rear seats don’t look to have much use and therefore are in excellent condition. Up above and the headlining is all nice and clean, as this was replaced at the time of the respray.
The dashboard is free from any cracking to the top, the instruments are all working correctly, with the odometer reading 87,303 miles. The walnut finish is in nice condition to the fascia of the dashboard, there are a few splits to the centre console near to the heater dials. Further down and the electric window switches are working fine and still have the window lettering which hasn't worn off. The seller reports that all the other switchgear is working as it should. Then there is the plaque which is a nice touch and this reads:
“ This Vehicle registration number OND 954P Chassis number 2240-1764 was supplied to London Weekend Television by Jensen Motor Company Ltd in 1989 for the production of the new Saint series.” This was put in the car prior to the seller purchasing it, we are assuming by the television company.
The carpet throughout the Interceptor is in excellent condition with no real signs of wear. The boot area is just the same, the original tool kit is present along with a high speed tyre inflator. This may or maynot need regassing.
The Exterior
As previously mentioned the Jensen was repainted and some areas taken care of in 2018. The work was carried out by M.D.L cars who are independent Ferrari specialists. The result is fantastic and the car looks as fresh as the day it rolled onto the film set. Prior to the work carried out in 2018, it was Jensen who carried out the work to convert it from a Series 3 to the Series 4.
Starting at the front, the grille and headlight surrounds have been replaced for the Series 4 version along with the Interceptor S4 grille badge. The headlights are in good condition with no chips, there is just some very minor rusting to the edges inside the lamp. The lower valence shows no signs of rust that we could see. A chrome bumper is fitted to the S3 which is excellent with no signs of corrosion. The bonnet aligns well with the wings and the panel gap is uniform all the way around.
Around to the sides of the Jensen, this has had two period looking gold fineline pinstripes applied. The wing vents are there to allow some of the heat out created by the huge 7.2 litre engine. The sill covers and window surrounds are all free from any tarnish, as are the door mirrors, there are a few scratches on the passenger door mirror and some very slight pitting to the door handles but this is only light. The glass to the sides is all scratch free from what we could see. Onto the quarter, and the famous Jensen badge is present and correct on both sides.
To the rear, and the humongous piece of glass for the rear window is scratch free that we could see. This shuts down nicely to the body with an even panel gap. On the back panel the badge has been replaced with the Interceptor S4 badge like the front. The light clusters are free from any splits, and the chrome bumper, like the front, is in excellent condition..
The wheels were replaced by Jensen at the time to give it the appearance of an S4. These 5 spoke alloys are in excellent condition with matching period looking Dunlop Sport tyres which have excellent tread remaining.
The Mechanics
Fitted with the Chrysler 7.2 litre V8 engine which was detuned by Chrysler to enable the use of regular fuel, it still managed to produce 250Bhp and with a 0-60mph time of 7.5 seconds it was no slouch of a grand tourer.
Mechanically, the car looks to be in excellent order with no leaks on the underside at the front or rear. The V8 fires into life at the first flick of the key and sounds wonderful and the tick over is nice and smooth. When given a gentle rev it sounds even more fantastic as the 7.2’s note exits the twin stainless steel tailpipes. This is coupled to the automatic gearbox. The seller reports that the car pulls well through the gears and the change is nice and smooth. There are no untoward noises coming from either the engine or transmission. The brakes on the Jensen are reported to bring the car quickly to a halt, nice and straight.
The Appeal
Finding a Jensen this nice is a real opportunity to own something rare, yet to make this even more unique and appealing it's only the car of The Saint!
An extensive respray in 2018 and mechanically it’s not wanted for anything. The most recent service was in September 2020, where it had a full service including new distributor cap and HT leads and two new radiator fans to ensure the smooth running of the 7.2
With more memorabilia to keep you entertained for hours, by the time you've finished, you may well be giving yourself another identity and off on a spy mission just like the man himself.
A true British classic with an American 7.2 heart, what are you waiting for Simon?
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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.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1975
- Make Jensen
- Model interceptor
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 87,303 Miles
- Engine size 7212
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Staffordshire
- Country United Kingdom
61
bids
- no•••• £60,000 03/08/21
- Fa•••• £59,500 03/08/21
- no•••• £59,000 03/08/21
- Fa•••• £58,500 03/08/21
- no•••• £58,000 03/08/21
- Fa•••• £57,500 03/08/21
- no•••• £57,000 03/08/21
- Fa•••• £56,500 03/08/21
- no•••• £56,000 03/08/21
- Fa•••• £55,500 03/08/21
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