The iconic Jensen Interceptor, designed with Italian flare by Touring of Milan, powered by American muscle and hand built in West Bromwich.
Celebrities of the time including Cliff Richard and Henry Cooper, snapped up many of the early production cars and of course who can forget Roger Moore driving one in the ‘70s tv series The Persuaders. 4 seats and designed to carry its passengers swiftly and comfortably, a fabulous GT car if ever there was one.
This Mark 3 example was built towards the end of Interceptor production and benefited from the fitment of Chryslers 7.2 litre V8 engine and who can resist the soft burbling of a big V8 ! Uprated vented disc brakes were added to cope with the increased power and torque.
The Engineer vendor has spent much time and money in getting the Jensen mechanically sound and most importantly reliable, which has enabled him to thoroughly enjoy driving this Jensen.
This Mark 3 is a car that can be used today as it is, good looking and certainly a head turner, but would benefit from a sympathetic rolling restoration to make the most of this beautiful , ‘70s classic .
Built in May 1974 according to the factory records of which a copy comes with the car
First registered in the UK, June 1982. The vendor believes that the car was previously registered in Jersey, before being brought back to the UK in 1982
There is a V5c registration document in the vendors name
Mot and road tax exempt
Purchased by the vendor from a deceased’s estate in Wales during January 2021
Unfortunately, very little is known of the vehicles history prior to the vendor purchasing.
Original blue leather interior along with blue carpets
Dashboard is complete with original dials & switches
Up dated radio along with hands free telephone functionality, Bluetooth, Aux and phone charging point
Remote central locking for convenience and security
Electric windows
As you slip down into the highly original, leather trimmed interior in this Jensen, you’ll realise just how luxurious top end cars of the late 60’s early 70’s really were.
Finished in blue leather with blue carpets to match, the interior has only light wear and tear, generally being clean and tidy in appearance. Seats are in good condition front and rear, with just a little cracking on the drivers’ seat base. Door cards are tidy with a little fading, no doubt these could be improved with a gentle application of leather colouring.
The un-molested dashboard spreads out in front of you, with white on black Jaeger dials. The rev counter and speedo sit ahead, and along with voltage, fuel, oil pressure and water temperature gauges complete the line up, with all four gently angled towards the driver for maximum visibility.
With the exception of the air conditioning, all gauges and switches are said by the vendor to be in full working order as the factory intended. The radio has been upgraded to a more modern item, featuring Bluetooth connectivity, hands free telephone functionality, there is also a USB port for phone charging. Remote central locking has also been fitted for convenience and security.
Carpets are good and have possibly been replaced by a previous owner. Roof lining is sound and free from sagging, there is a little damage to the rear interior trim, accessed from the boot, which is shown on the accompanying photos.
Overall, the interior is in good, tidy condition, very usable as is or with just a little care could be improved.
Whilst generally overall the exterior could be described as in fair condition, there are a number of blemishes, scratches and mark commensurate with a vehicle of this age and mileage throughout. The rear arches are sharp and well defined, front and rear valences are good as is the rear tailgate.
There is bubbling to the paintwork in a number of places, but notably the nearside front wing, bonnet edge, front top / grill panel, door tops, fuel flap and the offside rear quarter glass aperture. There is also corrosion to the near side inner wing which can be seen in the engine bay and the offside bonnet aperture, both of which are shown in the photos.
Floorpans, sills and wheel arches appear to be sound and in good condition. Front and rear bumpers both have elements of surface corrosion, the remaining exterior brightwork is present and in generally good to fair condition.
The paintwork does lack lustre in several areas but can be generally described as presentable. The Vinyl roof is free from damage and tears, however there is some light blistering present here and there, notably along the front edge above the windscreen and both nearside and offside roof edges.
The alloy wheels appear to be in good condition and would respond well to a little refinishing. The spare is under the rear of the car, and we’re told is an original alloy to match the others on the car.
We’re informed by the vendor that the underside of the car has been Waxoiled throughout.
Mechanical recommissioning work carried out by the owner after purchase
The engine started instantly and idles well without any smoke noise or vibrations and drove well to the photo shoot
Shifts up and down the gearbox smoothly
Power assisted steering is said to be smooth and effortless by the vendor, along with the brakes being responsive and effective
Moderate mechanical re-commissioning was undertaken by the vendor, a mechanical engineer, once he commenced ownership and included amongst others, the following items.
Reconditioned cooling fan motors and upgraded relay control system
Full front suspension Polybush kit, to include new ball joints and track rod ends
Engine bay wiring overhaul and modifications
New brake master cylinder, brake pads and flexible brake hoses
Replacement exhaust manifolds
Carburettor overhaul, new fuel pump and rubber fuel lines
New alternator regulator and ignition control module
New electric window drive pinions
Indicator & hazard flasher unit upgrades
New gearbox pan filter and start inhibit switch
Upgraded high-torque starter motor
New oil pressure sender unit
New windscreen rubber
Door drop-glass scraper seals
The vendor tells us that since this initial work was carried out, he has been able to cover considerable mileage without any faults of breakdowns.
All in all, the vendor describes this Jensen as a sound, reliable example of an iconic 70's supercar that could be used and enjoyed, without fear of embarrassing breakdowns.
Alternatively, it could be the basis for a running restoration if a more pristine example is your ultimate intention. This has been his primary vehicle for the last 2 years and he has put many miles on the clock while enjoying the availability of instant power and unlimited torque.
Only for sale due to him taking on another Jensen project which will leave him short on time to enjoy driving this car. He further mentions that the car draws much interest and admiration from people of all ages and has truly been a joy to own.
So there we have it , drive it, enjoy it , have fun with it , apply a little attention and love to the body and you’ll have a fabulous car which will attract admiring glances at any classic car meet and especially out on the road where it belongs .
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1974 Jensen Interceptor Mark 3
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