1974 Jensen Interceptor

‘GFM 849N’ is a rather nice Jensen Interceptor III from 1974. Its first owner was completely on brand being a steel stockholder from the Black Country who bought it from Wilmslow Jensen, the dealer that seems to have sold the bulk of that year’s production.

The seller grew up not far from the Jensen factory, and we suspect his desire to own an Interceptor has been a lifelong affair – and he eventually found this absolute gem.

Rebuilt in the nineties when it was repainted in its current hue, it stayed with the Devon hotelier who commissioned the work until 2022, at which point it moved into our seller’s hands via a classic car dealer.

Mechanically fettled at great expense only recently, the seller is a man who understands the romance of owning a classic and the importance of maintaining a car’s provenance; while he insists his cars are ‘on the button’ mechanically, he loves the hard-won patina they develop.

If that sounds like you, then you can call off the search and come along to see this one.

The bodywork restoration might be 27 years old, but the panels continue to fit very well and are still in great shape.

Which is doubly impressive when you read the long list of what work was carried out. You can read it for yourself in the ‘Documentation’ section, but it seems to have been a comprehensive job and getting it all massaged into place as neatly as this must have taken uncommon skill.

The metallic blue paintwork still looks good too. It’s got a healthy shine to it as you walk up, and it’s supported by some very good chromework.

The lamp lenses, window glass, and badges are all good too, as is the black vinyl roof, which is surely the epitome of seventies’ cool.

The tyres are also matching Avon Turbospeeds, which wouldn’t have been cheap. They are getting on a bit now and starting to develop age-related cracks to their sidewalls but there’s probably still life in them yet.

And we will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly.

Which means their presence simply confirms our impression of a well-restored car that’s been the pride and joy of its two owners since being restored.

A closer inspection does reveal some flaws to the paintwork, which is a little flat and has some light scratches to it, the latter primarily on the bonnet and the top of the front wings.

The owner says he thinks that “a flat and polish of the paint would go a long way”, an assessment we think is probably accurate.

There is a larger blemish on the offside front wing, and a circular dent on the nearside door.

The offside door handle has seen better days too, and the alloy wheels would also benefit from being refurbished.

All of these are, however, very much a job for Future You.

We think the owner might be a touch more fastidious than he admits to as he describes the interior as needing “bit of renovation”, going on to explain that it’s been left that way because he likes its originality.

However, we think most folk would be happy to leave it as it is, titivating and upgrading it as and when money and motivation collide. Until then, any cosmetic work could be put on the backburner while you attend to more pressing jobs like the air-conditioning system and central door locking, neither of which work.

And the fact we’re mentioning its faults so early should give you a clue as to how good everything else is.

Like the leather front seats, which are plump and comfortable and in need of nothing other than continued cleaning and feeding. Sure, they’re perhaps a bit softer than they were fifty years ago, but then aren’t we all?

As is usually the case, the rear seats are in an even better condition. Firm and free of the light creases the front ones have developed, they’d be a great place to nurture your grandchildren’s love of classic British sportscars.

The pleated headlining is also in great shape being taut and clean. The carpets are pretty good too, and the top of the dashboard is free of UV-damage.

The headunit is a Pioneer radio-cassette player, and there’s a matching CD-multichanger in the boot.

The boot also contains a comprehensive selection of hand tools in a roll, a jack and wheel brace, and a steering lock. A spare alloy wheel lies beneath the boot in a cradle.

As for that non-urgent cosmetic work, the driver’s door card is probably the place that shows the most wear, so you could make a start there, perhaps by initially sourcing a door mirror adjuster to replace the damaged one.

But, as we said right at the beginning, we think it’s better than the seller thinks, which reflects very well on his honesty and the care with which he looks after his cars.

Speaking of which, he’s carried out the following work since he’s owned it:

• New Edelbrock carburettor
• New distributor, coil, HT leads, and control module
• New steering rack
• New radiator
• Refurbished braking system and suspension

It was also set up on a rolling road, and while the engine might take some coaxing into life – instructions on the sequence needed for starting it are included – it idles and revs nicely and has a cracking exhaust note.

As for how it goes, the seller reports that it “drives well” with a “strong engine.” He says the “gears change okay” and that he would “drive it anywhere.”

However, he does report a knock from the nearside front suspension.

As for the underside, the exhaust system is in a very good condition, the MoT tester didn’t mention structural corrosion (although there is a small amount on the front valance) and there is a good coat of underseal.

Despite not needing one, we’re delighted to see the Jensen has a current MoT certificate – and a long one at that, as it doesn’t expire until October 2025.

The tester did identify a few bits and bobs you might like to take a look at – side lamps dim, main beam intermittent, horn tone incorrect, nearside rear handbrake reading low – but there doesn’t seem to be anything too onerous on the list.

The recent Vehicle History Check shows outstanding finance but when you look more closely, the fact it shows no fewer than five such occurrences relating to Asset Finance, it appears to be an error. On highlighting this to our vendor, he carried out extensive investigation with all the companies listed and they have confirmed that no outstanding finance relates to the Jensen and/or they have no further interest in the vehicle. Apparently, the Chassis number is very similar to a financed piece of plant machinery! 

The history file also includes the handbook, expired tax discs and MoT certificates, a wiring diagram, a list of Jensen dealers and distributors (which may need some updating…), a workshop manual, a selection of books on the model, a photographic album of its restoration, and a large number of current and historical invoices.

With a guide price of between £27,000 and £32,000, we think this Mark III Jensen Interceptor offers an awful lot of car for the money.

Recently mechanically fettled and apparently strong, the cosmetic issues it presents aren’t urgent, which leaves you free to pick them up when you feel like it – and if that ends up being in a few months, or even a few years, we don’t think you’ll be embarrassed to be seen driving it in the meantime.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.