Highlights
- One of only 923 RHD Mk1s built and in superb condition
- Believed last one of the seven Mk1s sold in black with red leather
- Extensive high-end 3-year restoration recently completed
- Bare metal respray and complete interior re-trim
- Rebuilt engine with new pistons and reworked head
- Original 1969 Motorola 828 radio converted with iPhone connectivity
The Appeal
The mercurial Jensen Brothers never wanted to build the Interceptor, but let's be glad Board room shenanigans meant it was, because the West Brom fastback is both one of the greatest GTs of all time and carries one of motoring’s best names.
The Mk1 is where it all started, developed in three months and styled by Touring in a way that influenced many copycats. These earliest cars have a prettier, more detailed and traditional cabin layout. Aficionados like them because, beneath the bonnet, is Chrysler’s 383CI 6.3L engine in high-compression guise, good for over 330bhp. Later models may have had bigger engines, but they delivered less power.
Just 923 Mk1s were built in RHD, and only seven left the factory painted black. The vendor tells us that this is believed to be the last one remaining. The understated colour accents the brightwork and is paired with a contrasting, stand-out red leather cabin. It all presents at a very high standard thanks to a recently completed three-year restoration. It is factory standard save for larger diameter Rostyle wheels and a louvred bonnet.
The work included bodywork repairs, bare-metal respray, cabin retrim, and a engine rebuild with new pistons and a reworked head. The gearbox has been serviced, and there is a reconditioned front axle, new stainless steel exhaust, new petrol tank, replacement power steering pump and overhauled suspension. New brake callipers and discs complete the restoration highlights.
Early Interceptors have a distinct character, charm and rarity compared to later models. This one must be one of the best available.
History and Paperwork
- First registered 17th January 1969
- DVLA records two registered keepers
- Copy of original purchase invoice present
- First owner was David Wickens Esq - Ex owner of British Car Auctions
- Copy letters between David Wickens and Jensen re early warranty works and copies of many factory documents also present
- V5, dating back to 1977 included
- VIN number 11513185
- Chassis numbers began 2495 and not all numbers were used
- Jensen expert Richard Calver notes 7 Mk1s painted black and 97 with red leather
- Recently completed three-year restoration
- 2025 invoice for gearbox gasket and seal overhaul and rocker gaskets - £2800
- Showing 1,348 miles on a five digit odometer but the mileage is not verified
- We are told the mileage is circa 51,000 but this is not verified (car has a speedometer in boot with 51000 miles showing
The Condition
- Finished in Jet Black following a bare metal respray
- Paintwork presents at a high standard as shown in photos
- All chrome work has been refurbished we are told
- Appears to retain its original door handles showing light age
- Brand new Rostyle wheels giving the correct period appearance
- Matching Corsa 15in tyres fitted all round
- Largely standard car with larger diameter wheels and louvred bonnet
- Complete interior re-trim with new carpets in red
- New headlining installed in pleated red leather
- Electric windows fitted
- Modern fuse box installed for improved reliability
- Original 1969 Motorola 828 radio converted with iPhone connectivity
- New rear oval speakers with period-style chrome grills
- Moto Lita leather-rimmed steering wheel
- Black boot carpet in very good order with a very small area of wear to note
For those familiar with the more numerous Mk3 Interceptor, here is a chance to savour the purity of the original Touring design. These early cars have a more sporting styling, enhanced on this car by the wider Rostyle wheels. It is a really handsome example, the rare black paintwork accenting the extensive chromework. Outside, virtually everything you see has been repainted, restored or rechromed as required. It is largely factory standard, save for those larger wheels and the useful addition of a later louvred bonnet to improve cooling.
Inside the sober exterior is contrasted by a sumptuous red leather cabin. This is the result of an extensive retrim, one that happily has carefully retained the correct original features of these rare Mk1 cars. This includes the sculpted rear seat, toggle switches and even the 1969 Motorola 828 radio. It has been cleverly adapted to suit an iPhone. The car features electric windows and a modern fuse box to improve electrical reliability.
The Mechanics
- High compression 335bhp 383CI 6,276cc Chrysler V8 engine
- 3spd Chrysler Torqueflite automatic transmission
- Long list of recent work during restoration summarised below
Summary of recent work:
- Rebuilt engine featuring new pistons and reworked cylinder head
- New carburettor installed
- New period-style power steering pump
- Serviced gearbox
- All new pipes throughout
- Reconditioned radiator
- Reconditioned front axle
- Refurbished petrol tank
- New twin stainless steel exhaust system
- Complete new wiring from front to back
- New brake callipers and discs
- Reconditioned suspension
The later Mk3 may be famed for its gargantuan 7.2L V8 engine, but the original Mk1 was quicker and more responsive thanks to its 383CI 6.3L high compression engine. It is good for 335bhp, considerably more than the later cars.
This car received a comprehensive mechanical overhaul during its three-year restoration that appears to have touched virtually every area of the car. Notably, the engine has been rebuilt, including new pistons and attention to the cylinder head. Other work includes a gearbox service and attention to the brakes, suspension, new fuel tank and carburettor overhaul.
With few miles covered since all this work was completed, here is a chance to capitalise on that investment.
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
