1968 Jensen Interceptor MkI

First shown in London at the October 1966 Earls Court Motor Show, the Jensen Interceptor had a model life of three years, being superseded in October 1969 by the Interceptor II. Only 1,024 of the original cars were built and, of these 923 were right-hand drive automatics.

Jensen started as a coachbuilding firm in the early 1930s, and after a period putting their distinctive bodies on other manufacturers products, the company started producing their own sports cars. Oddly enough for a company experienced in both design and coachwork, the Interceptor was designed by Carrozzeria Touring in Milan and the early cars were bodied by Vignale in Turin, however production returned to West Bromwich before too long. The Interceptor has become one of the classic GT cars, favoured by Royalty and Rock Stars alike, and known to be smooth, quiet, very refined and easy to drive.

This rare right-hand drive, automatic, Mk.I Interceptor is an original UK car first registered on 5th March 1968. The car remained in the UK until 2007 when it was exported to the continent where it currently resides with our Belgium vendor and former owner of Raidillon Watches.

It has clearly lived a much-cosseted life and whilst it was still in excellent condition, the decision was taken by our vendor to treat the car to a sympathetic restoration in 2014/15 at a cost of approximately €30,000. The car was subject to a mechanical overhaul with the fitting of many new remedial parts in the engine bay including a new radiator with dual fans to cure the occasional overheating issues of the early cars. The engine was also partly dismantled and checked for any damage or wear.

At this stage in the car's life, it was finished in a non-original shade of Red and so the choice was made to fully strip the incorrect paint and return it to its original colour of Crystal Blue. Whilst the car was being painted, all of the brightwork was removed and refinished, and when returned to the newly resprayed body the results were simply stunning. The wonderful Italian-styled cockpit presents very well with what, at first glance, appears to be the original interior showing only nominal signs of wear.

While the car was previously UK registered, it's currently registered in the EU so it will have a NOVA identity applied for at the time of sale, and will be accompanied by its history file containing many past invoices.

A striking blend of Anglo-Italian with a dash of Americana under the bonnet, the Interceptor Mk.I certainly ticks all of the boxes.