1969 Jensen Interceptor Mkl 6.3-litre

A desirable late Mkl model with sought-after Italian dashboard. Restored some years ago

Very genuine. Just three former keepers; the previous owner for 20 years

Recently painted in the correct colour, whilst retaining a charming patina

Well-known to the Owners Club; large history file

Mklll wheels fitted to accommodate uprated Coopercraft front brakes

First shown in London at the October 1966 Earls Court Motor Show, the Jensen Interceptor Mkl had a model life of just three years, before being superseded in October 1969 by the Interceptor MkII. Only 1,024 examples of the original car were built, with 923 being right-hand drive automatics, and just 30 or so are believed to survive today.

Jensen started as a coachbuilding firm in the early 1930s, and after a period of 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 actually designed by Carrozzeria Touring in Italy and built by Vignale, with the all-steel bodyshell arriving in the Midlands to then be paired with the inimitable 6.3-litre Chrysler V8 and automatic transmission. The Interceptor has rightly 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. When new it cost substantially more than an Aston Martin and was double the price of an E-Type Jaguar......

The car presented here is a 1969 Jensen Interceptor Mark l 6.3, making it a late-production example of the original cars, and was first registered in January 1969. The car is in lovely genuine condition and is very solid, having been known to the owners" club for several years. Our vendor, who works in the exacting aviation industry, searched high and low for the soundest example he could find. Not content with its former paintwork, he had it expertly repainted in the correct hue of Old English White (whilst also having some parts re-chromed). It suits the car"s lines perfectly, contrasting nicely with the very original black interior, which is gently patinated and still retains a characteristic smell of quality leather.

The odometer currently indicates a mileage of 71,000 and, looking at the historical information in the owner's file and the car's overall condition, this would seem wholly credible (but is not verified). The car runs and drives very well, with good oil pressure and the addition of twin electric fans and a reserve electric fuel pump alleviates two of the model's known weaknesses. The car was purchased with the bigger (and better-looking) Mklll wheels fitted, which accommodate uprated "Coopercraft" brakes. The Jensen has recently been serviced by the local specialists who have been looking after its mechanical needs for some time. A reconditioned gearbox was fitted just 1,000 miles ago, and that continues to work well

A striking blend of Anglo-Italian with an Americana heart, the Interceptor Mkl certainly ticks a lot of boxes. Our diligent private vendor is a real classic car enthusiast, who"s move abroad necessitates this car now being offered for sale. A rare opportunity today and viewing is thoroughly recommended.