1970 Jensen Interceptor II

The Interceptor was as much Italian as British, designed as it was by Carrozzeria Touring with the bodyshells built by Vignale before being delivered to the West Bromwich factory to be paired with the inimitable 6.3-litre Chrysler V8 and mechanicals. When new, the Interceptor cost substantially more than an Aston Martin and was double the price of an E-Type Jaguar. One would struggle to find a connection between Frank Sinatra and Sir Matt Busby but both drove an Interceptor. The celebrity ownership list is extensive whilst the Interceptor's appearance on a slew of glamourous TV action series during the period, gave the car a certain louche, playboy image.

Production of the Interceptor II, occasionally called the Mk II or Series II, commenced in October 1969 and lasted for two years. This particular car has a chassis prefix, #123 and is one of the 694 right-hand drive UK-cars powered by the E-Series 383ci V8, generating around 330bhp. It was first registered in the spring of 1970 and supplied new on 6th May of that year to British actor, Robin Ellis, best known for playing the leading role in the original version of the BBC series, Poldark. Purchased for just under £8,000 or the equivalent of £150,000 in today’s money, this Jensen was a statement car for a jobbing actor who was yet to gain international success until five years later, and is surely a testament to the Interceptor’s attraction, as 'the' car to own at the time.

Several enthusiastic owners enjoyed the Jensen over the years and in 2015, the decision was made to completely restore it, as detailed in the file. Less than a decade later, the car’s restoration has 'bedded in' nicely. The Interceptor’s early history is supported by a large file containing the factory pre-sale inspection documentation, older paperwork and historic MOT Certificates. The Heritage Certificate is filed with a wealth of maintenance invoices, with the most recent service carried out in January 2023.

Purchased from us in May 2023 and subsequently fitted with a new power steering set up, the car was initially intended to be upgraded by Jensen International Automotive with their full Corvette engine and running gear conversion, at a cost of some £200,000. However, having viewed and successfully bid on one of the earlier Corvette-engined upgraded JIA cars at our Iconic Auctioneers sale in November 2023, this car therefore became surplus to requirements.

Finished in a lovely shade of a very pale grey with a black leather interior that is reminiscent of luxury GT cars of the era. Subtly upgraded with a dash mounted starter button that is to be pressed once the ignition key has activated the fuel pump at half-choke following three pumps of the throttle. It is recommend to allow the car to burble for a few moments before selecting drive and setting off for a jaunt.

Estimated keenly with a celebrity provenance that perfectly matches the glitz of its era, few compare in this condition.