1973 Jensen Interceptor Series III Sports Saloon

Registration no. DUO 636L Chassis no. 1368065

Footnotes

Brothers Alan and Richard Jensen first became involved with car design and construction in 1925 when their efforts to improve on the styling and performance of an Austin Seven Chummy attracted much favourable attention. A few Jensen-bodied Fords were produced in the mid-1930s before a more serious manufacturing effort commenced in 1938. Post-WW2 Jensen kept afloat by producing bodies for other manufacturers, most notably Austin-Healey, while producing its own stylish GTs in limited numbers. It was not until the Interceptor's arrival in 1967 that cars began to leave the West Bromwich factory in large numbers.

With the Interceptor's introduction Jensen switched from glassfibre to steel for its car bodies, though underneath the preceding C-V8's chassis, running gear and 6,276cc Chrysler engine remained substantially unchanged. With around 280bhp on tap, performance was more than adequate, The Motor recording a top speed of 140mph with 100mph arriving in 19 seconds. Four-wheel servo-assisted Dunlop discs looked after the braking while the ride quality could be varied by the Armstrong Selectaride dampers' dashboard control. Leather upholstery, reclining front seats, and walnut veneer trim were all standard features of this Vignale-styled Anglo-American GT, while automatic transmission was the choice of almost all buyers. The Series II incorporated revised front suspension, Girling brakes, and a redesigned interior, while the Series III, introduced in October 1971, came with a 7.2-litre engine, better seats, central locking, and GKN alloy wheels. By the time the final J-series came along, air conditioning and Sundym glass had been standardised on UK-market right-hand drive cars.

First registered to a member of the Jensen Owners' Club, this Interceptor III comes with a huge history file containing expired MoTs and bills for repairs and servicing dating back to the 1970s together with an original Interceptor III handbook. We are advised by the private vendor that research suggests this early J-Series Interceptor III may have been retained by the factory for publicity purposes. The Jensen was restored in 2018 and upgraded with following: Spax adjustable shock absorbers, Interceptor II coil springs, stainless steel performance exhaust system, and an up-rated Holley carburettor. Described by the vendor as in generally very good condition, with an overhauled chassis, superb paintwork, and a lovely original interior, this exciting Anglo-America Gran Turismo is offered with restoration invoices, a V5C Registration certificate, and the aforementioned history file.