1976 Jensen Interceptor Series 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.

Chassis 2240/1887 is offered for sale from the home of one of Silverstone Auctions most respected clients. We have been fortunate in the past to offer cars from this collection and each car, including this, has been carefully and sympathetically enhanced to maximum effect. Not to be confused with other inferior examples of the marque, this Jensen presents beautifully and has mechanical and structural prowess to boot. Stripped back, mostly to bare metal, the car was found to be in exceptional order, though, where necessary, repairs were made before the paint was applied. On first inspection you will most likely be taken aback by the sheer depth of the solid black paint and the significant effect it has to lift the chrome-work. Looking stylish and perfectly executed the paint has been polished to deliver a deep shine and gleam.

The vendor, now satisfied with the paint turned his attention to the four-seater cabin. Fresh carpets complement the re-connolised tan leather seats and the original simple leather steering wheel which is situated on the right. The cars wiring loom has been thoroughly tested to ensure the electrics throughout the car are functioning perfectly, and the air conditioning has been serviced. This combines to make the interior of the car a very comfortable place to be.

A full mechanical service and a clean bill of health for the suspension, brakes, gearbox and clutch mean that this stately, and often overlooked, GT is ready for the road. The immaculately restored and re-chromed alloy wheels (including the spare) complete the look and since Jensens are definitely a drivers' car with a nod to comfort, style and performance, they are eminently comparable with their GT competition.

This example further benefits from a host of previous MoT's throughout the cars claimed 70,000 miles, a three-inch folder of invoices, documents, paperwork and even 16 invoices from Jensen