1975 Jensen Interceptor

In the seller’s care since 2002, this Jensen Interceptor has been the subject of a multi-decade rebuild with the aim of creating “a modern classic that is reliable while still retaining all its classic features.”

We think he can call it mission accomplished because ‘KBJ 122N’ is a TNT-engined, Edelbrock-tweaked, fuel-injected, air-conditioned, earthquaking, seventies dream machine that would as happy wafting you around Europe as it would be pressed into use as a daily driver.

The seller estimates he’s covered no more than 200 dry miles a year since finishing it, which means it’s been no more than gently broken in and comprehensively shaken-down.

He restored the bodywork around six years ago, which included stripping the Interceptor down to a shell before having any rust cut out and replaced by a Jensen Club-recommended welder. This work included new inner and outer sills, four new wings, and repairs to the bonnet.

As you can see from the shutlines and the way the pinstripes align, he did a magnificent job in reassembling it.

The Interceptor was then treated to a bare-metal respray in Aston Martin Metallic Silver, a colour that suits the Interceptor’s lines so well we can see more being finished in the same colour when jealous owners see how good this one looks.

And, just as impressively, its long-term good looks have been assured using cavity wax to protect it internally, and stonechip guard externally.

Stainless-steel bumpers were also fitted, and these include front and rear parking sensors.

The owner clearly had longevity on his mind as well as style.

As you’d expect, the chromework was extensively refurbished and rechromed, and it still gleams in an unholy way – and, in one of those easily overlooked flourishes, the black-and-silver pressed aluminium numberplates reinforce the Jensen’s understated, monochromatic theme.

True, the rear has a little more colour, but the demands of legislation have been met by way of flawless Lucas rear lamps supported by perfectly aligned exhaust tailpipes and spotless badges.

Speaking of the lights, the four headlamps are from Cibie, while the indicator/sidelights are also by Lucas.

The glazing is all good too, and new door and window seals were fitted where needed.

The Webasto sliding sunroof slides smoothly fore and aft, and it is free of any marks much less physical damage. Heck, even the mounting screws are bright and free of corrosion. As for the condition of the black vinyl roof, well, let’s just say we can’t recall seeing a better one.

If there was a budget, we suspect it was soon abandoned.

The 17-inch alloy wheels are recent, and their open design allows passerby to appreciate the uprated four-pot brake calipers that have been fitted to the front axle.

Tyres are Avon ZV7 on the rear and Sumitomo HTR Z5 on the front. The former were made in 2016, while the latter are only a year old.

Flaws are few but include a couple of stonechips to the front of the car, a crack in the paint to the nearside front wing and offside door, a scuff to the nearside rear wing, some scratches and a chip around the rear numberplate, a rust spot on the offside rear wing at the end of the rain channel, a chip to the offside front wing near the edge of the bonnet, one cracked wheel centre cap, an area of touched-up paint where the offside front wing meets the sill, some rusty mounting screws, and a few bird poo stains to the bonnet.

The Interceptor is unusual in being fitted with 'Sherpa' seats, a factory option where leather was used for the outer panels, but sheepskin used in the centre.

It sounds weird until you realise that commercial pilots have used sheepskin seat covers for years because they are comfortable and insulating and let your butt and back breathe; warm in winter and cool in summer, we cannot ignore the fact that they’re also fantastically stylish.

These ones are in great shape too, the fluffy centres providing a striking contrast to the lightly creased leather bolsters.

The headrest rolls are present, and the individual rear seats have been trimmed in the same way. The elasticated pockets in the back of the front seats are also nice and taut, and the carpets, including the vulnerable heel protectors, are excellent.

The wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheels adds even more stylishness, but then this cabin isn’t short on desirability; with the unmarked and unfussy dashboard hosting an unusually clean set of instruments and switches, this is the automotive cockpit you’ve been dreaming of since you were a kid.

Well, actually it might be even better than you one you’ve spent your life fantasising about because the heating system has been upgraded with a modern air-conditioning system including a Sanden compressor and a new dryer, radiator, and pipework.

Everything we tested worked as it should, but we did notice scuffs behind the driver’s door pull, wrinkly leather on the offside door card, one unused mounting hole on the switch panel to the right of the steering column, and slightly different colours of sheepskin on the front passenger seat.

You could live with those, couldn’t you?

Because the headlining is clean and taut, the boot is as capacious as it is well trimmed, and a suitably understated Blaupunkt Toronto headunit plays through high-quality JBL speakers.

The reconditioned short-block engine, which was shipped all the way from the United States, has been built up with a full Edelbrock top-end kit, including:

· E-Street 5090 75cc cylinder heads

· Edelbrock performer camshaft and manifold, which produces 427lb.ft of torque when used with #2191 intake and stock iron cylinder heads on a 440 engine

· Edelbrock water pump

· Edelbrock timing chain / sprocket kit

Other juicy bits include:

· Comp cams magnum roller rockers and heavy duty pushrods

· Holley sniper fuel injection with a swirl pot

· Full ignition upgrade including MSD pro-billeted distributor and quality plug leads

· Zircotec ceramic-coated four-branch headers from Delta Motorsports leading into a Robey big-bore stainless-steel exhaust system

· A remote oil cooler

While we’re on the subject, as you’d expect, the cooling system hasn’t been neglected:

· New and upgraded aluminium radiator from Martin Robeys

· New super-high-power custom fans provided by a marque expert

· Advanced, gradual fan controllers

The gearbox was rebuilt, including a deep sump kit, by a chap recommended by the Jensen Owners’ Club in 2022. A Gearvendor overdrive is also fitted, which the seller tells us improves fuel consumption by between 22-28%, plus improved performance thanks to the six gears that are now available.

Of course, power is nothing without control, so potential bidders will be pleased to hear that the suspension system is all new too, with the metal components having been powdercoated for longevity.

The braking system has been upgraded with Jensen-branded four-pot BCC aluminium brake calipers on the front, and fully refurbished calipers at the rear. A new brake servo has also been fitted.

The electrical system benefits from a new wiring loom, an uprated alternator, and double-dip headlamps controlled by the correct relay. The battery has also been relocated to the rear of the car to get it away from the damaging heat radiated by the engine.

Given the amount of work that’s gone into it, you’d have every right to expect the engine to start, idle, and rev perfectly. Which it does, even if the battery was a bit sluggish when we filmed it.

The fuel-injection system plays its part in kicking the TNT V8 into life, giving the greedy 7.2-litre V8 the precise amount of petrol it needs rather than the deep gulps it would take given half a chance.

Of course, there are few better ways of converting dead dinosaurs into noise than this, the gasp from the air filter being complemented by the rumble from the twin exhaust system.

The presentation of the engine bay reflects the amount of time and money that has been invested, as does the clean, strong, and neatly protected underside.

The Jensen doesn’t have a current MoT certificate.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and the history file includes photos of the car being restored.

We’ve sold more than a few Interceptors over the years, from barn-find project to potential concours winners.

Few have impressed us as much as this though; whereas even recently restored cars generally have a small To Do list to work through, this one is finished and can be used without any further fettling.

Which means it isn’t going to be the cheapest you’ll see for sale but then we counsel trying to shave a few quid off the purchase price invariably works out to be false economy.

Besides, our guide price is between £40,000 and £50,000, a sum that’s considerably less than it would cost you to restore one to this condition.

Buy once, cry once – or for the classicists among you, quality remains long after the price is forgotten.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.