1973 Jensen Interceptor SP
1 of only 232 examples made

Registration No: DPX 76L
Chassis No: 138/8398
MOT: Exempt

Rarer than the FF which preceded it as Jensen’s flagship (232 vs 320 cars built), the SP was further notable as the fastest Interceptor ever offered by the West Bromwich marque. SP stood for ‘Six Pack’, a reference to the three two-barrel carburettors which sat atop the model’s high performance 440ci (7.2 litre) V8. Sourced from Chrysler’s Mopar division, the engine boasted some 385bhp / 490lbft and was thus some thirty percent more powerful than the 383ci (6.3 litre) V8 used in previous Interceptors. More highly strung than its siblings, the SP ran on its central carburettor for much of the time with a particular technique being rewarded when engaging (or disengaging) the auxiliary carburettors. The jump in performance from having two to all six carburettor barrels engaged could catch out the unwary to the extent it is estimated that some 25-30% of SPs were converted to a tamer Carter Thermoquad carburettor set-up in period. With more grunt than contemporary supercars such as the Ferrari 365GTB/4 Daytona and Lamborghini Miura P400SV, the Jensen was found capable of 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds and 143mph by Autocar magazine. Almost a thousand pounds more expensive than a standard Interceptor III at £6,976.87, the SP came equipped with an 8-track stereo, air-conditioning, Sundym glass and Town & Country horns as standard.

Supplied new to E.P. Martin Esq of L.M.E. Investments Ltd (London), plentiful correspondence on file suggests that chassis 138/8398 did not always meet his expectations. Changing hands several times thereafter, the Jensen was exported to France in 1996 where a more appreciative owner lavished a considerable sum on it. Contemporary bills, including those from marque specialist Cropredy Bridge, attest to overhauls of the engine, brakes and suspension plus a re-trim etc. Repatriated during 2015, the SP was treated to an automatic transmission refurbishment two years later. Enjoyed for the occasional road trip since entering the current ownership in April 2018 for £81,000, the four-seater pleasingly retains its original ‘Six Pack’ carburettor set-up and a second set of keys.

For more information, please contact:
Julian Pinkster
[email protected]
07889 223904