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Jensen Interceptor MkIII

Jensen Interceptor MkIII

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Jensen Interceptor MkIII Jensen Interceptor MkIII Jensen Interceptor MkIII Jensen Interceptor MkIII Jensen Interceptor MkIII
Jensen Interceptor MkIII Jensen Interceptor MkIII Jensen Interceptor MkIII Jensen Interceptor MkIII Jensen Interceptor MkIII
Jensen Interceptor MkIII
Lot number 12
Hammer value £4,000
Description Jensen Interceptor MkIII
Registration XEN 99M
Year 1972
Colour Silver
Engine size 6,276 cc
Chassis No. 1284406
Engine No. J26931289
Documents V5 only

One of the most handsome and distinctive sports tourers ever made, the Jensen Interceptor was a fabulous amalgam of Italian style, American muscle and British craftsmanship.

Styled by Touring of Milan with some subtle tweaks by Vignale (who also made the first bodies), it was hand-built at Jensen's Kelvin Way Factory in West Bromwich between 1966 and 1976 and instantly catapulted Jensen into the echelons of the supercar club. Initially powered by a 6,276cc Chrysler V8 driving the rear wheels through a TorqueFlite automatic transmission and a limited slip differential in a conventional Salisbury rear axle, the Interceptor had dragster-like performance, sprinting to 60mph in 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 137mph.

When unveiled to the public, it immediately attracted the glitterati of Sixties society, early owners including Dusty Springfield, Tony Curtis, Cliff Richard, Henry Cooper, Harold Robbins and Lord Carrington.

The MkII cars came out in 1969 and featured many detail improvements, including improved front suspension and brakes, different front end styling and a more modern dashboard. Power was also up slightly to 330bhp and 425lb/ft of torque. The last model of the line was the MkIII which came out in 1971 with an even plusher interior, central locking, improved dual-circuit brakes, new GKN alloy wheels and a bigger 7.2-litre engine, although the larger engine didn’t’ make it into any UK cars until May of the following year.

By 1975 Jensen had fallen on hard times due to the world-wide recession and problems with its Jensen-Healey sports car. Production of the Interceptor ended in 1976 by which time 6,408 examples had been made and survivors are increasingly prized today, with just 721 Interceptors of all types still UK registered according to DVLA figures.

The Jensen Interceptor MkIII on sale today was first registered in January 1972 and as a consequence is fitted with the 6.2-litre Chrysler engine. It has been in the hands of the current registered keeper since 2006 and as can be seen, has been part dismantled to begin the restoration process. The vendor believes this exciting project to be complete, although prospective buyers are advised to satisfy themselves of this on close inspection of the vehicle, which will undoubtedly provide its new owner with plenty to do over the coming summer months.

As rare as any DB Aston, better made and far more potent to boot, the Interceptor is perhaps the classic car bargain of the modern age. At the modest guide price suggested, this MkIII should amply reward the remedial works now required.

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