A fascinating example having originally been supplied to Japan
A MKIII car boasting the biggest version of the mighty Chrysler V8 at a full 7.2L
Presented in a fine overall condition and ready to use and enjoy
The Appeal
The Jensen Interceptor must have become one of the most recognisable GT “hero” cars of the 1970’s. It captured the imagination thanks to its combination of American muscle and distinctive Italian sophistication…..by way of the West Midlands. Its eye-widening performance, for its day, was down to a laid-back but muscular V8 American Chrysler engine. The sophisticated elegance of the exterior was courtesy of Carrozzeria Touring of Italy making this car an instant head-turner both at launch and today.
The Series III car, as featured here, was introduced in 1971 offering a range of refinements over its predecessors. Firstly, the mighty engine was further enlarged to a full-fat 7.2 litres. Additionally, air conditioning became standard as did GKN alloy wheels. Further enhancements included revised and significantly improved seating.
The History and Paperwork
A factory right-hand drive example of MKIII Interceptor
Understood to have been first registered in January 1974
The car is understood to have been originally supplied to Japan
From Japan it was bought by a collector who shipped it to the Middle East
From there it was recently re-imported back to the UK
It was first registered in the UK in December 2022
The car has minimal paperwork associated with it
Its current V5 is present in the name of the owner
The car is registered in the UK as a Historic Vehicle
As such it is considered exempt from MOT and VED
The Interior
A sporty yet luxurious interior which appears to be in faithful, original condition
Trimmed nicely in a soft, mid-blue leather throughout
Awash with gauges and rocker switches in a charming, and very 1970’s way
What a great cabin the Interceptor enjoys. It’s a delightful antidote to the extreme minimalism of some of today’s offerings. Not a haptic feedback screen in sight and, in our opinion, its all the better for it. In modern parlance a sit in, let alone a ride in or a drive of, a Jensen Interceptor is a truly “experiential” event.
The front seats are deeply bolstered, and the centres consist of four separate pads to help enhance both comfort and support. The high seat backs are topped off with adjustable head rests to enhance both safety and aesthetics. The feeling of quality and luxury is further enhanced by chromed seat hinges and levers. The condition of the seats appears to be excellent.
The rear cabin consists of two, individual and deeply sculpted bucket seats. These are separated by a high partition doubling as an accommodating armrest for rear passengers. Although these seats would still be best used sparingly and occasionally they are significantly more commodious than many of this car’s contemporary 2+2 rivals. Again, condition appears excellent.
Carpets and door cards are in complimentary hues of blue and in a seemingly fine condition throughout. Door furniture is high quality and deeply chromed. The mid-blue leather extends to the underside of the dashboard where it meets black finished foam. The original white on black Jaeger instruments are a key element of the appeal of the Interceptor’s cabin. A speedometer and tachometer sit ahead of the driver, whilst smaller, supplemental gauges are arranged in the centre and are canted towards the driver’s seat. A row of seven chunky rocker switches are arranged across the centre of the dash. A charming, period wood rimmed, alloy steering wheel is fitted.
The signature, enormous, curved rear screen lifts for access to the boot. The large boot is carpeted in hard-wearing black and an alternative, leather bound steering wheel is present here also.
The Exterior
Finished in a deep blue colourway, our example aptly showcases the Italian design aesthetic
A deep shine seems to exude from paintwork and brightwork alike
The five spoke forged alloy wheels and big curved glass tailgate both shout “Jensen”
The design of the Interceptor by Carrozzeria Touring of Italy is an absolute triumph. The long curving bonnet terminating in a recessed grill which houses quad headlights provides a not so subtle hint to the power that lies beneath. The rear-set cabin and deep rear haunches are reminiscent of a powerful cat pent-up and ready to pounce.
Our example boasts an eye-catching and widely admired deep blue colourway. Panels and shut lines appear as they should, and a deep shine is visible throughout. The significant amounts of chrome trim appear bright and clear.
The 15-inch, Jensen five spoke alloys were produced specifically for the Interceptor by GKN. Ours are clearly original and period correct, featuring the embossed Jensen name and 1971 manufacture date. The condition of these appears very good, too. The wheels are shod in the correct specification 225/70, radial type tyres. These all appear to exhibit a generous level of tread remaining.
The cabin glass, light lenses and all-important rear hatch glass all appear to be in good original condition with no fogging or delamination obvious.
The Mechanics
The Interceptor III’s 7.2L (440 cu. in.) V8 engine is definitely its defining feature
Power was fed to the rear wheels via a three speed, TorqueFlite automatic box
Our vendor reports that the car is in a good mechanical condition
In the MKIII cars the utilisation of American propulsive muscle reached its zenith. The unit used here was now a 7.2L (440 cu. in.) high deck, big block Chrysler V8. This breathed through a four-barrel carburettor delivering both power and torque in abundance. Even a limited slip differential was fitted to help deploy all that power effectively.
The under bonnet presentation in our example is generally good but will likely provide the next owner with the potential to further improve its condition if they see fit. The underside of the car seems to have been very well looked after with chassis legs appearing straight and true and well protected with underseal.
Our car is reported to be in a good mechanical condition and ready to use and enjoy by the next lucky owner.
Summary
The Jensen Interceptor has become a highly desirable and recognisable classic in the years since its launch. Its svelte and sophisticated looks mated to the huge and muscular V8 powerplant has always been an almost irresistible and intoxicating combination. It’s a car that can’t help but make a dramatic entrance. It looks amazing and sounds even better.
This example appears to be a bit of a gem, too. It seems to be in a great condition without having sacrificed any of its all-important originality. It boasts a great colourway and a condition that seems commensurate with a well loved and cared for car. A life, to date, in the drier and salt free environments of Japan and the Middle East will almost certainly have contributed to the longevity and condition of this fine looking Interceptor.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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