1973 Jensen Interceptor III

77 Bids Winner - idnax
1:14 PM, 26 May 2022Vehicle sold
Sold for

$22,373

Winner - idnax

Background

Constructed between 1966 and 1976, the Jensen Interceptor is 2-door 4-seater grand tourer from England. The car was designed by Carrozzeria Touring of Italy and is now known for being a remarkably good-looking vehicle despite its strange shape. The first Interceptors were built in Italy as well by a different company named Vignale, but this stopped relatively early and production was moved back to the Kelvin Way Factory in West Bromwich, England to be done in-house by Jensen themselves. Jensen was well known at the time for using glass-reinforced plastic to make body panels; however, the introduction of the Interceptor saw a return using a more practical steel body-shell instead.

  • 1408184
  • 93571 TMU
  • V8
  • auto
  • Metallic Copper
  • Light Burgundy
  • Left-hand drive

Vehicle location
Los Angeles, CA, United States

Background

Constructed between 1966 and 1976, the Jensen Interceptor is 2-door 4-seater grand tourer from England. The car was designed by Carrozzeria Touring of Italy and is now known for being a remarkably good-looking vehicle despite its strange shape. The first Interceptors were built in Italy as well by a different company named Vignale, but this stopped relatively early and production was moved back to the Kelvin Way Factory in West Bromwich, England to be done in-house by Jensen themselves. Jensen was well known at the time for using glass-reinforced plastic to make body panels; however, the introduction of the Interceptor saw a return using a more practical steel body-shell instead.

Overview

This specific Interceptor is a 1973 model meaning it is a Mark III. The difference between Mark Is and Mark IIs were some exterior tweaks, and the Mark II interior received a heavy overhaul in order to satisfy US safety regulations. The jump from Mark II to Mark III is equally reserved. The Mark IIIs front fascia was tweaked again, GKN alloy wheels and air conditioning became standard equipment, and the seats were redesigned. A new 7.2L 440ci V8 was also introduced to replace the prior 6.3L 383ci V8.

Exterior

This interceptor is finished in a metallic burnt orange. While it may look fantastic, there are some problem areas worth addressing. The passenger side of the hood has a handful of bubbles underneath the paint. There is a hairline scratch near the Jensen logo up front as well. The chrome front bumper has a sizable dent in it, but the chrome itself is not corroding. The driver’s front quarter panel has a sizable white scuff mark on it, and there are some chips in the paint between the driver’s door and the body. The rubber trim around the trunk, and on the rear bumper is starting to crack in multiple areas and will likely need replacing within the next year or two. The chrome mounts around the rear license plate are both bubbling and will likely need to be rechromed at some point. The Jensen logo on the back could use some polishing. Lastly, the passenger side front quarter panel has 3 scratches in it as well. The glass around the car is free of chips and cracks and all appears to be clean. The wheels have no major curb rash damage, and all of the tires are in fair condition, though a new set could do wonders.

Interior

The inside of this Interceptor was finished with oxblood leather, and cream carpeting. The inside as a whole isn’t in the best shape, but it is not significantly weathered either. The driver’s seat looks fair, but some of the leather has been loosened thanks to prior use. However, there do not appear to be any holes or tears. The same can be said about the passenger seat, and the rear seats as well. The footwells up front are both clean, but the carpets for each don’t fit particularly well in either area. The door panels are good, the dashboard and steering wheel are clean, and all gauges are neat and easily readable. Overall, the interior is in good condition, but looks tired. We suspect some deep cleaning in a few areas would easily get this car back into proper shape.

Mechanical

We are pleased to report that the underside of this Interceptor is free of any major damage. The frame has a minor amount of surface corrosion on it, the exhaust exhibits minimal discoloration, and all of the suspension components are neat and tidy. Under the hood, things get a little dustier, but the overall trend continues. There is no visible major damage in the engine bay, and everything appears to be in its proper place.

History

Unfortunately, this Jensen’s travels are a bit of a mystery to us. From what we can gather out of the documents available to us, the seller acquired this vehicle around November of 2012.

Summary

Among famed British sports cars, the Jensen Interceptor is a rather obscure one. However, great styling, even better power, and seats for four eared the Interceptor a cult following. Today’s example has a few dings around the exterior, a sleepy interior, and no red flags underneath. It might take some extra elbow grease and a little TLC to get it back into showing shape, but nevertheless, the underpinnings are solid. All factors considered; we are confident that this Interceptor will reach its estimate of $30,000 - $50,000.


IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS


It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.


We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.


Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.


About this auction

Seller

Private: undefined


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

d8af55dd-a231-4133-8e64-8eff32c91dbd/5a716e32-9b55-4074-9c23-cae23ddd3412.jpg?optimizer=image&width=650&format=jpg image

Thinking of selling your Jensen