Highlights
- Originally a Jensen PR vehicle appearing at motor shows and promotional events for the company
- Jensen Chairman Kjell Qvale’s personal transport
- Early MkIII in stand-out red with black interior
- Long list of recent mechanical and structural work
- Repairs and improvements by specialist Cropredy Bridge
- Very good, solid example of the classic Italian-styled GT
The Appeal
The Interceptor brought hand-crafted, Italian-themed and rumbling American V8 cool to the 60s GT scene. It was, and is, one of the most stylish and capable British sports cars ever built.
The MkIII introduced a range of cosmetic and mechanical improvements that make these later cars popular with buyers. The cabin got a modern impact-resistant ‘safety’ dashboard while outside there were distinctive GKN alloys. Under the bonnet, these cars got Chrysler’s MOPAR 440CI 7.2L V8.
This 1972 MkIII is a very early example refinished in red with black vinyl roof following an older restoration around 25 years ago. In recent years, the car has been maintained by renowned specialist Cropredy Bridge. The work has been extensive and included key areas that buyers will be relieved to know have been attended to. These include a gearbox rebuild, chassis repairs, cooling upgrades, new sills, A post repairs, new footwells, suspension bushing, air conditioning repairs and a new steering rack.
The car has covered very few miles since all of this work was undertaken so remains in great cosmetic and running order.
The vendor says:
“A very desirable example of the MK III Interceptor with some useful upgrades completed. Very little mileage has been put on the vehicle since these works.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered 10th November 1973
- Nine previous keepers
- Current keeper since March 2013
- Previously blue which was changed in December 2001
- Huge history file with lots of work by Cropredy Bridge
- Details of work in photos and summarised below
- Underwent significant mechanical upgrades in 2012
- Very little mileage reported since the 2012 mechanical work
- Handwritten and typed history notes
- Radio handbook
- Factory records
- Various invoices as shown
Summary of recent work:
- Gearbox rebuild
- Cooling system improvements
- New alternator
- Replacement voltage regulator
- New Pirelli P4000 tyres
- New suspension bushes
- Replacement steering rack
- New sills
- Chassis repairs
- Tailgate rebuild
- A post repairs
- Replacement footwells
- A/C system overhaul
The vendor provides the additional fascinating history:
"The car was originally built as a PR car for Jensen and appeared at motor shows and promotional events for the company. From January 1973 it was also used as Kjell Qvale’s personal transport - Kjell became the majority shareholder and chairman of the company from 1970. He was something of an automotive legend, and has been credited as the co-creator of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance event as well as the famous ‘corkscrew’ corner at Laguna Seca."
"The car was originally built as a PR car for Jensen and appeared at motor shows and promotional events for the company. From January 1973 it was also used as Kjell Qvale’s personal transport - Kjell became the majority shareholder and chairman of the company from 1970. He was something of an automotive legend, and has been credited as the co-creator of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance event as well as the famous ‘corkscrew’ corner at Laguna Seca."
The Condition
- Older repaint in bright red with black vinyl roof
- Paintwork presents very well in photos with only a handful of points to note in photos
- There are some areas to note to paint finish in photos such as orange peel up close
- Bodywork has received significant restoration as detailed above and in photos
- Exterior fittings including vinyl roof and chromework in very good order
- Chassis has been strengthened with replacement N/S chassis side member
- Footwells have been replaced as part of the structural restoration
- Fitted with matching Pirelli P4000 tyres
- GKN alloy wheels in very good condition as shown with correct polished surfaces
- Black leather interior in good order with some wear to usual high traffic areas
- This includes driver’s bolster which has a small hole likely easily remedied
- Black carpets in good order through car
- Cream pleated headlining presents well
- Impact resistant dashboard with clear dials and good surface finish
- Fitted with modern classic-style digital radio
- Air conditioning system recently overhauled
- Underside appears to be in good order with recent repairs as above
The Mechanics
- 7,212cc 300bhp 440ci V8 engine
- 3spd automatic transmission
- Upgraded with a 600CFM Edelbrock carburettor in 2012
- Rebuilt gearbox as part of the 2012 mechanical upgrades
- Extensive list of improvements and new parts as above
- Sensible improvements by Cropredy to electrics and cooling
- Very few miles covered since work completed as confirmed by MOT records
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