1974 Jensen Interceptor Convertible

Débuting at the March 1974 Geneva Motor Show, the Interceptor Convertible was based on the same tubular chassis as its fixed-head sibling (albeit with suitably strengthened sill sections and windscreen pillars). As such, it was equipped with independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a 'live' rear axle and four-wheel disc brakes. Powered by a 440ci (7.2litre) Chrysler V8 mated to TorqueFlite automatic transmission, the new model was supposedly capable of 0-60mph in 7.6 seconds and 126mph. Intended as a rival to the Rolls-Royce / Bentley Corniche pairing (which it undercut in the UK by almost £7,000 at £9,863) the open Interceptor soon attracted a celebrity following. Owned by the likes of Cher, Frank Sinatra, Lynda 'Wonder Woman' Carter and financier Winthrop P. Rockerfeller, it was upgraded in late 1975 with the introduction of the 'Qvale dashboard' (a full width wooden affair). Only in production for two years during which a mere 507 are thought to have been made (with 87 supplied to the home market), the Convertible remains the most sought after Interceptor variant.Of those 87 UK cars, according to records kept by the vendor the car offered for sale here was built on the 24th September 1974 and was supplied new by Charles Follett ltd and delivered new to a Mr Hines on the 1st of November 1974. We are informed by the vendor that the noises emanating from beneath this Interceptors fluted bonnet are all the ones you want to hear, and none that you don't. The roar from the 7.2 litre V8 engine is reported to be turbine smooth with no unseemly clonks, rattles or whines to spoil it.The condition of the doors and sills and the uniformity of the of the panel gaps all indicate that this is a car that has been very well looked after over the years, we are told there is supporting documentation indicating an almost complete rebuild of the car in the mid-nineties. The interior on this car really does pamper you in a sea of white leather and veneer wood that goes on for ever. All gauges are reported to work perfectly as do all electrics including the power roof mechanism.This particular Interceptor convertible comes with a substantial history file which interestingly includes copies of the original build sheets from the Jensen Motor Company in Birmingham and also copies of the warranty work carried out at the supplying Dealer all of which makes very interesting reading and offers a great insight to how these hand built cars were crafted together back in the 1970's. The vendor has collated all paperwork and documentation in a beautifully presented leather ring binder which includes previous MOT certificates, photographs, copies of Jensen factory paperwork, and other supporting bills and invoices.The car comes with a great history file with bills and maintenance dating back years. This suggests a series of caring and sympathetic owners for whom cost has not been an issue, something that is reflected in the way this car runs and drives. The MOT certificates show the current mileage of just under 62000 to be correct and with a current MOT until April 2015 and Tax until November this stunning car is ready to be driven and enjoyed for the summer season.