1976 Jensen Interceptor III Convertible

7,210cc OHV Chrysler V8
Single Carburetor
330bhp at 4,600rpm
3-Speed TorqueFlite Automatic Transmission
Independent Coil Spring Front and Beam Axle Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Dunlop Disc Brakes

*The final and most refined iteration of the Jensen Interceptor
*Delivered new to the United States
*Subject of an older restoration
*British panache and American muscle

THE JENSEN INTERCEPTOR

With the Interceptor Saloon's introduction in 1967, Jensen had switched from fiberglass to steel for its car bodies. Underneath, the preceding C-V8 model's robust 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 ride quality could be varied by the Armstrong Selectaride dampers' dashboard control. Leather upholstery, reclining front seats, and walnut veneer were all standard features, with automatic transmission 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 1971, came with a 7.2-liter engine, better seats, central locking, and alloy wheels. For 1974, Jensen adopted an improved, 330bhp version of the 7.2-liter Chrysler V8 on the 'J Series' MkIII, which also gained all the equipment, including air conditioning, that had been standard issue on the now-discontinued Interceptor SP. The major development that year though, was the introduction of the Convertible, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March. By this time most other manufacturers had abandoned the convertible ahead of an expected US ban. When the latter failed to materialize, Jensen was left in a strong position, selling 506 Convertibles in the next two years.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Supplied new in the USA, the left-hand drive Series III Interceptor was completed in March of 1976. It is not recorded how long the Interceptor remained stateside, but at some point, in the 20th century, it returned to the land of its birth. In July of 2000, the car was sold in the UK with it being described at the time as having 27,200 original miles and finished in gold over brown leather with a fawn top. Following this sale, the droptop appears to have been completely restored in the current medium blue metallic over beige leather — although the top remains fawn. In Germany in 2008, the current owner acquired the car in January of 2011.

In the current ownership, the car has been hardly used and as such recommissioning is recommended after over a decade off the road. The restoration appears to have suffered the ill-effects of time, with rust bubbling at the front of the hood, cracks in the hood veneer, and a moth-eaten headliner. A perfect basis for a sympathetic restoration, once finished it will make a lovely back road tourer.