Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
24th of April, 2024 13:00
1972 Jensen Interceptor III
Estimate
£33, 000 - £38, 000
Registration No: RVT 728L
Chassis No: 1284785
MOT: Exempt
Previous automatic transmission overhaul
Original Cherry Red leather upholstery, tax disc holder and rear window sticker
Holley carburettor and stainless steel exhaust
Recent attention paid to the braking system and fitted with a refurbished steering rack
Introduced at the October 1971 Earls Court Motor Show, the Jensen Interceptor III shared the same striking Vignale-penned sheet metal and advanced tubular-chassis frame as its predecessors, but was readily distinguishable by its cast headlight surrounds, GKN alloy wheels and comprehensively revamped interior. Initially powered by a Chrysler 6. 3-litre V8 engine, the model was soon upgraded with an even larger 7. 2-litre unit. Boasting Torque-Flite three-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel disc brakes as standard, the 2+2-seater Coupe was both impressively refined and seriously quick. Indeed, the 7. 2-litre versions were reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 6. 4 seconds and 140mph. The model was bought by celebrities as diverse as Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, golfer Peter Butler, British Foreign Secretary Lord Carrington and World Motorcycle Champion Phil Read. Of the 2, 477 Interceptor IIIs made, just 703 were 128-series cars.
Beautifully finished in Gunmetal Metallic with original Cherry Red leather upholstery, chassis number 128-4785 displays 53, 200 miles which the previous owner warranted. Accruing an average of 8, 000 miles per annum up until 1977, the Jensen was then used more sparingly and with only 500 miles to its odometer over the ensuing 9 years. In long-term ownership from 1992-2009, `RVT 728L' appeared on the BBC television programme `Top Gear' two years into his tenure. Previously fitted with a new Holley four-barrel carburettor and stainless-steel exhaust in recent years, the Jensen has since been thoroughly checked over and treated to a comprehensive automatic gearbox overhaul by Mr Gearbox of Sheffield by a previous owner. The current owner has spent around £3, 000 on the Jensen, since its purchase. Work completed, included a new starter motor; replacement alternator; refurbished steering rack and, specifically, 8 hours of work on the brakes, which included new calipers, pads etc.
The Interceptor pleasingly retains its original `Jensen Car Company Ltd' tax disc holder, `Jensen Cars Ltd' rear window sticker and even a period fire extinguisher! Enormous value when compared to period rivals such as the Aston Martin V8 and Iso Grifo, this much loved, low-mileage Interceptor is worthy of closer inspection. 'RVT 728L' is owned by a BAFTA winning, British theatre and screen actor.
