Highlights

Rare and attractive white with blue leather combination
Under 32,000 miles from new
Vast history file including service data from new
Low documented keepers from new
Over £14,500 spent on recent mechanical overhaul and paint correction
Multiple placings at Jensen Owners Club concours events

The Appeal

Aside from having one of the greatest car names in history, the Interceptor, produced by West Bromwich motoring minnow Jensen, is one of the greatest GT cars of all time. It is a mouthwatering combination of sleek Italian styling, incorporating a clever hatchback, burbling Detroit V8 muscle and hand-crafted British construction.

The model underwent numerous changes throughout its long life. This beautiful 1973 example is a Mk3 ‘J-Series’ car of which only 735 were built. Of the Mk3 cars built between 1971 and 1973, only 179 were built in white, and just 258 with blue leather, making this a very rare combination. As the photos show, it was a tasteful choice by its first keeper, a wealthy doctor with a large estate in Wilmslow.

Despite the passage of 52 years since this car left the showroom, it has covered less than 32,000 miles. This is verified by the car’s extensive history file. During the 1990s, the car placed highly in several Jensen Owners Club concours events. Thanks to the ministrations of the current and previous keepers, it still remains in good condition today.

The car has passed through the hands of just seven different keepers in its long life, the current one since 2021. Since he acquired the car he has expended £14,500 on maintenance, much of the work directed at the mechanicals and running gear and focusing on key areas that are well-known check points on these magnificent 7.2L cars.

All original parts are included to enable it to be returned easily returned to standard, right down to the inclusion of a Jensen-branded Radiomobile eight-track stereo. The only variation from standard is a louvred bonnet, as used on the SP and final ‘Mk4’ cars, which is a common alteration by owners designed to improve cooling. The original bonnet, plus a pair of new side mirrors and a set of door rubbers, comes with the car.

Classic GT motoring does not get much better than a good Interceptor. This very low-mileage car is one of the best we have seen in a very long time.

History and Paperwork

First registered 19th November 1973
Acquired by a doctor who owned a large estate in Wilmslow
He kept the car for 17 years
Service book shows regular maintenance which is summarised below
Further documented servicing by second keeper
Previously part of a 100+ car collection
In 1990s placed 2nd, 2nd, 4th and 9th placings at Jensen Owners Club concourse events
Comprehensive history file with 39 verified mileage readings throughout the car's life
Original build documents from Martin Robey included with the sale
DVLA records seven previous keepers
Current keeper since April 2021
Last MOT expired March 2022 with no advisories
Car has covered very few miles since last MOT
£14,500 of work advised by current keeper detailed below
V5C in current keeper’s name
Registered as a Historic Vehicle
Service and owners handbooks as shown
Various documents from previous auction sales featuring the car
Handbook for Jensen-branded stereo
Sale includes old air box filter, carb and manifold,
For sale due to ill health
Brand new inside/outdoor Jensen fitted cover included
Original bonnet, new door and bonnet seals, new door mirrors and original bonnet struts included
The last time any mechanical work was done to the car was on 04/11/23 with no further faults reported after a road test was undertaken (invoice included in photos)

Early servicing:

Dec/73 1,166 Miles

May/74 3,743 Miles

Oct/74 8,131 Miles

Jan/79 14,772 Miles

July/94 22,860 Miles

May/95 24,833 Miles

The Condition

Rare combination of white with blue leather interior
Paintwork is very well presented after paint correction work by current keeper
Bodywork appears in smart condition including usual Interceptor check areas
Factory GKN alloy wheels in good order with polished finish
Original dark blue leather interior presents in good condition
Original pleated leather headlining remains in good order
Original carpets and Jensen-branded 8-track stereo still present
Dashboard and switchgear in good order with very slight wear to note in photos
Front bumper has been re-chromed with all new rubbers fitted
Rear bumper shows some age-related marks
Fitted with Bridgestone tyres showing good tread all around
Fluted bonnet currently fitted by previous keeper
Underside appears in good condition
Comes with a brand new indoor/outdoor fitted Jensen cover

The Mechanics

7,212cc Chrysler V8 engine
3spd Torqueflite automatic transmission
£14,500 of work since vendor acquired car in 2021 detailed below
Suspension appears to be in good condition
Extensive service records as detailed above and in photos
Well maintained car with desirable upgrades including cooling system

Detailed record of work:

Cooling:

Removed old coolant
Flushed rad
Renewed all hoses including metal ones
Fitted new thermostat
Added new coolant 50/50

Engine:

Removed old oil
Flushed engine
Replaced old intake manifold and carb with new ones
Replaced old fuel filter and moved into engine bay
Replaced all belts with new ones
New oil filter
New air filter and chrome housing
New distributor cap and rotor arm
All new spark plugs and new leads
Replaced engine oil with Castrol 20/50
Replaced engine mounts

Gearbox:

Inspected, all ok
Changed oil and filter and new gasket
Got a New York seal if required ( not fitted )

Differential:

Inspected and replaced oil

Steering:

Replaced power steering pipes
Carried out tracking alignment
Replaced fluid
Replaced gators
Original steering wheel included but not fitted

Brakes:

Stripped out all callipers and had them refurbished by Bigg Red Callipers
Stripped out all discs
Removed rear hubs and fitted new studs and oil seals
Fitted a reconditioned master cylinder from a Jensen suppliers
Fitted new flexi hoses, discs and pads all round
All new brake fluid used
Fitted reconditioned servo from a Jensen specialist
Fitted new wheel nuts to the rears after hubs removed, for safety reasons

Other work:

New battery
New stainless steel off side exhaust silencer and bracket and cradle
New door mirrors included but not fitted
Also supplied with a pair of manual mirrors so buyer can choose
New door rubbers and all window rubbers for the doors ready to fit
Second hand clock for parts only, the original may be only a small repair we are told
Fluted bonnet on the car fitted by previous owner
Original bonnet to come with the car est. worth £800-£1000
A/C last regassed and serviced 28.09.2011 so may require attention if buyer wishes

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