1973 Jensen Interceptor III 'S' by Jensen Automotive International

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 exhaustive whilst the Interceptor's appearance on a slew of glamourous TV action series during the in period, gave the car a certain louche, playboy image. An Interceptor III was even presented as a prize to the 1975 winner of the Penthouse Pet of the Year.

Uniquely, for an expensive British car, the Interceptor wasn’t burdened by the historical baggage of past Le Mans glories or the stigma of a large chromed grille, it was accepted but stood apart, the raffish cousin at a society event. The Interceptor was more likely to be seen outside a nightclub than a theatre, and was impervious then, as now, to snobbery.

Registered in the UK to the first of just two former keepers on 17th September 1973, the car's programme of transformation works started in 2007 to our vendor’s specification, taking some 1,000 plus man-hours just to get the bodyshell up to scratch. With the panel work restored and repainted in black Tarantelle Schwartz, the original brightwork was refurbished. The interior was retrimmed with Bridge of Weir leather in wine red and new Smiths instruments, carpets, and trim with a new Moto-Lita Mahogany steering wheel fitted. A brand-new GM powertrain comprising a LS3 supercharged engine (435bhp) and 6-speed electronic automatic gearbox originally intended for the Corvette, all ECU controlled with new wiring throughout, was fitted.

The rear suspension was re-engineered with a bespoke independent rear setup, including a limited-slip differential. The front suspension was entirely rebuilt with upgraded rack, and modified geometry, all to improve ride and handling. The heavily modified brakes had 330mm front rotors and AP 6-pot callipers with Jaguar-sourced 280mm rear discs and callipers. The exhaust system was custom-built in stainless steel. The 17" x 7" wheels were based on the original 15" Jensen 5-spoke design and accommodate larger, modern tyres. The finished car was capable of 0-60mph in around four seconds, a testament to the engineering skills and dedication of Jensen Automotive International Ltd.

This very car was driven by Jeremy Clarkson for his Sunday Times Driving column (although the photographs feature Carphone Warehouse’s Charles Dunstone’s Interceptor S) published on 17th April 2011. He concluded 'What we have here is one of the most beautiful cars ever made, stripped down to the bare metal, repainted, retrimmed and fitted with just enough mechanical components to make it handle properly, ride even better and go like a b*****d.'

Presented to auction with a shade under 17,000 miles since completion, used little but often when able to escape central London, our vendor regretfully concedes it is time for someone else to enjoy the car. The detailed history file includes the original order forms, copies of the aforementioned article and receipts. Keenly estimated, we are informed a similar car built to this specification will cost in the region of £400,000 today.

Please note - this vehicle will be presented to the Auction with a fresh MOT.