1976 Jensen Interceptor III

The Jensen Interceptor was a sporting GT-class car, hand-built in the UK by Jensen Motors between 1966 and 1976. The car broke with a Jensen tradition by having a steel bodyshell instead of a glass-reinforced plastic one and by having the body designed by an outside firm, Carrozzeria Touring of Italy, the firm more recognisably associated with the likes of Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Maserati and Alfa Romeo.

The engine was a Chrysler V8, initially of 6276cc, with optional manual transmission, but the more common choice was the TorqueFlite automatic transmission, drive was via the rear wheels through a limited slip differential and a conventional Salisbury rear axle. The engine grew to 7212cc in late 1971 and it acquired 4-barrel carburation.

The Interceptor took its styling cues from the Brasinca Uirapuru, a little known Brazilian Coupé, but one that sported that distinctive large, curving wrap-around rear window that doubled up as a tailgate. The original specification included electric windows, reclining front seats, a wood rimmed steering wheel, radio with twin speakers, reversing lights and an electric clock. Power steering was included as standard from September 1968.

The Mark II Interceptor was announced in October 1969 with revised frontal styling and vented disc brakes, and shortly afterwards, in 1971, came the Mark III. It had revised seats, fully cast alloy wheels plus some other improvements. The car offered here must not be confused with other inferior examples of the marque. MVF 303P has been the recipient of one of the most exacting restorations we have ever seen and is now significantly better than it was in new condition. Having sourced a two-owner and just 25,000 mile from new donor car to form the basis of his restoration, the vendor set about building what was to become possibly the best Jensen Interceptor anywhere in the world. Stripped back, the bare metal engine-out re-spray, in stylish and perfectly suited British Racing Green, has been immaculately executed to deliver a deep shine and gleam. The vendor, using skilled craftsmen, a sympathetic eye and a determined agenda, set out to build the best Jensen in the world, but soon found himself with £1000's worth of bills, but the quality of the task was always paramount. A full mechanical overhaul was to follow and this included an engine out rebuild, gearbox restoration, new clutch and refurbished rear axle. To counter the 7.2 litre power (330 bhp), new improved brakes were added to ensure stopping. A three-fan cooling system and heavy duty alternator all combine to improve the usability of this enormously capable motorcar.

To the four passenger cabin, fresh carpets compliment the restored, but original, Biscuit leather seats and the original simple leather steering wheel. The beautifully veneered and deep leather topped instrument panel benefits from discreet modern upgrades including an air condition system which rivals the efficiency of those in many modern cars, plus an unbranded classic Porsche radio head unit with a in-built satellite navigation system.

Whilst they fortunately do not command the premium in the marketplace as their competition from the likes of Aston Martin, Jensens are definitely a drivers' car with a nod to comfort, style and performance and as such they are eminently comparable with the competition. Given that the restoration costs for this car exceeded £75,000, this is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of the Jensen marque currently available anywhere in the world and it really has to be seen to be appreciated. It is truly exceptional and offers incredibly good value for money today in comparison with other lesser GT's on the market, or alternatively building another one to this specification...