1975 Jensen Interceptor Convertible

Manufactured in 1975 and one of only 456 convertibles, as confirmed by the Jensen Museum

Imported from the US. Purchased by our vendor in 2007. Professionally converted to right-hand drive

Superbly repainted in Dark Cherry. Fully rebuilt engine. Restored interior and a new hood

The odometer shows some 68,000 miles, with the bulk covered in Continental touring since 2009

Superbly presented. An absolute delight

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. It retained the same independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a 'live' rear axle and four-wheel disc brakes. Powered by 7.2litre Chrysler V8 mated to a 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 and Bentley Corniche convertible which it undercut in the UK by almost £7,000 at £9,863, the open Interceptor soon attracted a following among the international jet set.

Only in production for two years, during which a mere 456 are thought to have been built, the vast majority headed to the continent and the United States. As such, the Convertible remains the rarest and most sought after Interceptor variant especially in right-hand drive, with some 87 produced for the British market. When our vendor found this left-hand drive 1975 Interceptor in 2007, sourcing it directly from the United States, he immediately set about having the car converted to right-hand drive. To complement the conversion, the car was fully resprayed in a delicious shade of Dark Cherry, with a retrimmed Red leather interior, refurbished Walnut facings, and a new hood. Mechanically the attention included an engine and suspension rebuild amongst sundry other works.

Upon completion in 2008, this stunning car was entered into the Concours d'Elegance competition at that year"s Jensen Owners Club International event with its sophisticated colour combination generating lots of admiration. Subsequently, our vendor used the car for continental touring, covering thousands of miles over the years, just what the car was built for. Somewhat regretfully, our vendor is offering his Jensen for sale due to his advancing years and an imminent move to a smaller property. Presented to auction in fine fettle with a fresh MOT and ready to cruise elegantly into Spring.