Jensen Interceptor MkI

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The chiselled good looks and not inconsiderable size of the new Jensen Interceptor made a striking impression when the model was unveiled at the 1966 Earls Court Motor Show. 

A new rival to Aston Martin, the model had been designed by Touring of Milan and was powered by Chrysler’s 330bhp 6,276cc V8 mated to smooth-changing and unburstable Torqueflite three-speed automatic transmission. 0-60mph in 7.3 seconds is a very respectable figure for a big GT – then and now – and a top cruising speed of 133mph and roomy cabin made it an ideal distance coverer.

A heady mix of American muscle, Italian flair and British craftsmanship, the Interceptor just oozed jet set glamour and was an immediate hit with Sixties high society, Lord Carrington, Henry Cooper, Dusty Springfield and Tony Curtis all being early owners.

This beautiful Crystal Blue with cream leather example has the fabulous wooden centre dash that was only fitted to the MkI cars before being replaced with boring black plastic in subsequent models in the vinyl-obsessed 70s.

First registered in October 1968, it has been in the current ownership since 1995 and has been regularly used throughout that time, clocking up some 17,000 trouble-free miles including a tour of Switzerland. Restored to concours condition in the 90s it has won many prizes since and has twice been featured in depth in Classic & Sportscar magazine (copies on file).

A long standing and senior member of the Jensen Owners Club, the vendor knows these cars inside out and has incorporated many practical upgrades and improvements during his long ownership, the aim being to always keep it in “go anywhere, any time” condition.

The cooling system has been modified with separately wired Bosch fans – probably the most important upgrade on any Interceptor – and the front Dunlop brakes replaced with modern Coopercraft calipers. The car is also fitted with fully chromed 6-inch Rostyle wheels in place of the original 5-inch ones. The engine was bored 30 thou oversize in 1997 by Huddard Racing Engines, now offering “outstanding performance with utter reliability”.

The cream leather interior was retrimmed in 1995, though the carpets are possibly original and still in good condition, the new set acquired at the time of restoration ultimately not deemed necessary and included with the car. A correct black painted air box is also included although the car is currently fitted with a chromed item for show purposes. An extensive history file pre-dating the current ownership by many years is also present.

It is impossible to overstress the importance of knowledgeable ownership with these cars. This lovely example ticks all the right boxes and will bring almost as much pleasure to anyone lucky enough to see it rumbling by as it will to the fortunate new owner themselves. It is only being sold because the vendor also has an FF and finds that his advancing years make it too onerous to keep both machines in the fine condition upon which he insists. Bid vigorously and his loss could be your gain!