22nd Jul, 2009 13:20
The Pavilion Gardens
1973 Jensen Interceptor Mk3
Estimated at £6,000 - £7,000
Lot details
Registration No: XTJ800L
Chassis No: 1368421
Mot Expiry: July 2010
Introduced at the October 1971 Earl's Court Motor Show, the Interceptor III was among the first models to be launched since American importer Kjell Qvale had taken control of Jensen Motors the previous year. Sharing the same striking Touring-penned sheetmetal and advanced tube and welded sheet chassis frame as its predecessors, the newcomer was visually distinguished by cast headlight surrounds, GKN alloy wheels and a comprehensively revamped interior. Although initially powered by a Chrysler-sourced 383ci (6.3 litre) engine, the model was soon upgraded with an even larger 440ci (7.2 litre) V8 - a change that happened in November 1971 for LHD cars and May 1972 for RHD ones. Boasting Torque-Flite automatic transmission and four-wheel disc brakes as standard, the 2+2 seater coupe was both pleasingly refined and viciously quick. Something akin to a Detroit-iron fist in a velvet glove, the 7.2 litre versions were reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds and 140mph. Becoming more luxurious over time (for example, gaining air-conditioning, Sundym glass and Town & Country air horns in August 1972), the Interceptor III was bought by celebrities as diverse as Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, golfer Peter Butler, British Foreign Secretary Lord Carrington and World Motorcycle Champion Phil Read. Judged by some to represent the Zenith of Interceptor production, the 1973-model year / J-series cars are particularly prized among enthusiasts.
Finished in white with beige leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good overall" condition with regard to its engine, automatic transmission, electrical equipment, interior trim and bodywork. Reportedly beginning life as a company car registered to Jensen House of Lytham St Annes, 'XTJ 800L' then passed to local man David Lawrence and is understood to have remained in his family ever since. Apparently benefiting from a Ziebart rust-proofing treatment when new, the last thirty-six years are said to have seen the Interceptor cover a mere 68,000 miles (an average of circa 1,800 miles per annum). The subject of a colour change from blue to white, we are further informed that 'XTJ 800L' has "just had a fresh repaint". Riding on alloy wheels, this appealing Jensen is accompanied by numerous old MOT certificates.
PLEASE NOTE: The vendor has informed us that the mileage showing on this vehicle is 68,000 and not as stated in the catalogue.
Registration No: XTJ800L
Chassis No: 1368421
Mot Expiry: July 2010
Introduced at the October 1971 Earl's Court Motor Show, the Interceptor III was among the first models to be launched since American importer Kjell Qvale had taken control of Jensen Motors the previous year. Sharing the same striking Touring-penned sheetmetal and advanced tube and welded sheet chassis frame as its predecessors, the newcomer was visually distinguished by cast headlight surrounds, GKN alloy wheels and a comprehensively revamped interior. Although initially powered by a Chrysler-sourced 383ci (6.3 litre) engine, the model was soon upgraded with an even larger 440ci (7.2 litre) V8 - a change that happened in November 1971 for LHD cars and May 1972 for RHD ones. Boasting Torque-Flite automatic transmission and four-wheel disc brakes as standard, the 2+2 seater coupe was both pleasingly refined and viciously quick. Something akin to a Detroit-iron fist in a velvet glove, the 7.2 litre versions were reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds and 140mph. Becoming more luxurious over time (for example, gaining air-conditioning, Sundym glass and Town & Country air horns in August 1972), the Interceptor III was bought by celebrities as diverse as Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, golfer Peter Butler, British Foreign Secretary Lord Carrington and World Motorcycle Champion Phil Read. Judged by some to represent the Zenith of Interceptor production, the 1973-model year / J-series cars are particularly prized among enthusiasts.
Finished in white with beige leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good overall" condition with regard to its engine, automatic transmission, electrical equipment, interior trim and bodywork. Reportedly beginning life as a company car registered to Jensen House of Lytham St Annes, 'XTJ 800L' then passed to local man David Lawrence and is understood to have remained in his family ever since. Apparently benefiting from a Ziebart rust-proofing treatment when new, the last thirty-six years are said to have seen the Interceptor cover a mere 68,000 miles (an average of circa 1,800 miles per annum). The subject of a colour change from blue to white, we are further informed that 'XTJ 800L' has "just had a fresh repaint". Riding on alloy wheels, this appealing Jensen is accompanied by numerous old MOT certificates.
PLEASE NOTE: The vendor has informed us that the mileage showing on this vehicle is 68,000 and not as stated in the catalogue.
Auction: The Pavilion Gardens, 22nd Jul, 2009
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