Description
KEY FACTS
A well-presented example of the open-top grand tourer; offered in very good mechanical order.
Nestled under the bonnet is a 7. 2-litre big-block Chrysler V8 engine, producing around 370bhp, driving the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission.
A left-hand drive US-market example, this Interceptor was imported into the UK in September 2019 and is believed to be the last convertible example produced, though this cannot be confirmed.
This is a three-owner car from new. The first owner from 1976 to 1984 was based in the USA, before it was sold to Mr David Jensen in 1984. The current UK owner purchased it in 2019.
The previous owner, Mr Jensen, had the car for 35 years and used it sparingly, covering just 20, 000 miles during his custodianship. He attended many shows and events, with this being the primary use of the car throughout his ownership.
The odometer reads just 43, 388 miles from new, and the history paperwork including the original 1975 Maintenance Schedule booklet, suggests this is correct, detailing dates and mileage of all servicing since 1977; however this is not warranted.
Paperwork on file confirms storage of the car into the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hoodriver, Oregon, USA from 2009 to 2019. Following the passing of David Jensen in 2019, it was imported into the UK and fully recommissioned by Cropredy Bridge Cars in 2019 and 2020.
The history paperwork is extensive and supports ownership, mileage and maintenance. It includes the original 1975 Maintenance Schedule booklet and the original 1975 Handbook of Instructions.
EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES
This Jensen Interceptor convertible was specified with blue paintwork when it left the factory in 1976. The colour was changed to a rich burgundy finish in 1995 shortly after it had $15, 000 worth of restoration work performed by Rolls Royce Oregon.
The burgundy coachwork is complemented by a luxurious cream leather-trimmed cabin with a black leather-clad dashboard and handsome burr walnut inlays.
It rides on the correct set of 15-inch body-coloured machine-cut alloy wheels.
The car benefits from a Holley fuel-injection system, which was installed in 1996, and the windscreen has previously been replaced.
It will be accompanied by a raft of maintenance invoices, detailing the restoration and maintenance work performed over the years, as well as the original handbook, a collection of prizes won by the car during its interesting history, and a number of Jensen Owner’s Club magazines.
CONDITION
There is no bodywork damage. It is also very clean and in good order underneath, reported as being rust free and structurally sound.
The resprayed burgundy paintwork is in very good shape, though the finish is peeling at the top of the driver’s door, where it meets the door mirror.
Inside, the cream leather upholstery is free of any noticeable rips or tears but is noticeably discoloured throughout the cabin, though the wood trim on the dashboard is very smart.
There are no known electrical or mechanical faults.
While it is exempt due to its age, the vendor notes that the car will undergo a fresh MOT test before it is handed over to its next owner.
SERVICE HISTORY
This Jensen Interceptor convertible’s most recent maintenance was carried out in September 2020 at 43, 191 miles by Cropredy Bridge which was a particularly comprehensive service at a cost of approximately £4, 000.
This comprised replacement of the oil pump, sump and valve cover gaskets, various engine gaskets, the rocker covers, the rear differential gasket, the water pump and the expansion tank.
Furthermore, a voltage regulator was installed, along with an uprated high-output alternator, while the headlights were repaired, and an isolator switch was added to allow them to function as daytime running lights.
Finally, the oil pipes were adjusted to provide the correct clearances.
The car was also treated to a £5, 500 service when it arrived in the UK at 43, 104 miles.
Some 10 years after being acquired by David Jensen, the car was treated to a full restoration and repaint courtesy of Rolls-Royce in Oregon.
Dates and mileage (pre David Jensen ownership):
Classic Thoroughbred Motors – 24th Nov 1977 – 4, 676 miles
Auto Haus Victoria – 8th Nov 1978 – 10, 406 miles
Classic Thoroughbred Motors – 2nd Dec 1981 – 22, 041 miles
Dates and mileage (during David Jensen ownership):
In storage at WAAAM Oregon – 2009 to 2019 at ~43, 000 miles
Service at DelCarpine Oregon Automotive Repair – Oct 2009 at 42, 985 miles
Hood River Quick Lube Oregon Oil/ Filter change – June 1998 at 39, 995 miles
Service Gene Reddick Oregon – Feb 1996 at 36, 920 miles
Hood River Quick Lube Oregon – Jun 1995 at 34, 297 miles
Apple city Auto Body Oregon – Aug 1995 at 34, 310 miles
Service Norpawaii Oregon – May 1989 at 26, 342 miles
Rolls-Royce Oregon – Full restoration and repaint – 1994/ 5
SUMMARY
Combining American muscle with Italian styling and British craftsmanship, this Jensen Interceptor III convertible would make for an ideal weekend cruiser or head-turning show car. Presented in smart condition throughout and supplied with a substantial history file, it is ready to drive and enjoy immediately.
All UK-registered cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.
