1969 Jensen Interceptor Mk1

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the October 1966 Earls Court Motor Show, the Jensen Interceptor Mk l had a model life of just three years, before being superseded in October 1969 by the Interceptor Mk II.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

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 1 6.3-litre, making it a late-production example of the original Series and was first registered in April 1969. It was restored at some point during the mid-90s and a few years later it was put into long-term storage, finally emerging in 2016. At that point the cylinder heads were rebuilt, the brakes fully overhauled and the 'Jenny' was once again on the road.

Purchased by our vendor during 2019 with just four previous keepers, the paintwork was showing signs of micro blistering so it was duly stripped right back. The cars grey finish was not original and, after some investigations, it was found to have started life in Crystal Blue and therefore it was decided to finish it once again in its original lustre. The cost was an incredible £12,000 and the car now looks absolutely stunning with an inviting Ivory leather interior.

Moving on to today, the rebuild was finished in the early part of 2022 and then treated to a set of slightly wider, original style Rostyle sports wheels giving the car a real purposeful stance. The Jensen is supported by an interesting history file from its early days through to the mid-70s and then a little after that with more recent bills from our vendor. These early Mk1s are becoming increasingly rare on todays roads and this particular example in its Crystal Blue finish will be a superb addition to any collection of landmark British GTs.