1973 Jensen Interceptor III
Supplied new to Charles Follett Ltd and then owned by Viscountess Bearsted

Registration No: LRP 75L
Chassis No: 136-8087
MOT: September 2026

• 1 of just 735 'J Series' RHD examples made
• Reputedly 1 of only 2 Interceptor III models to be upholstered in Olive leather
• Formerly the property of the Viscountess Bearsted
• Supplied new to Charles Follet Ltd of Mayfair and first registered as '18 PF' (so presumably the personal car of the famous Jensen concessionaire's then MD Pat Follett)
• Subsequently registered as '1 NKR' and 'ERB 1E'
• The subject of much past improvement work including engine and gearbox overhauls, repaint in BRG and rewiring etc

Introduced at the October 1971 Earls Court Motor Show, the Jensen Interceptor III shared the same striking Carrozzeria Touring-penned sheet metal and advanced tubular-chassis frame as its predecessors, but was readily distinguishable by its cast headlight surrounds, GKN alloy wheels and comprehensively revamped interior. Initially powered by a Chrysler 6.3-litre V8 engine, the model was soon upgraded with an even larger 7.2-litre unit. Boasting Torque-Flite three-speed automatic transmission, power steering and four-wheel disc brakes, the four-seater Coupe was both impressively refined and seriously quick. Indeed, the 7.2-litre versions were reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds and 140mph. The model 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. Central locking, air-conditioning and electric windows all came as standard, while options encompassed a louvered bonnet, vinyl roof, three-spoke steering wheel and whitewall tyres etc with Jensen even offering a 'paint to sample' service. Of the 2,477 Interceptor IIIs made, just 735 were RHD 136-series cars.

According to its accompanying copy green logbook, chassis 136-8087 was supplied new to renowned marque concessionaire Charles Follett Ltd of Mayfair. First registered as ’18 PF’ on January 1^st 1973, it is presumed to have been the then Managing Director, Pat Follett’s personal car. Initially finished in Silver Grey, the Jensen is further notable for reputedly being one of just two Interceptor IIIs to be trimmed with Olive leather upholstery. Sold to Jean Agnew, The Viscountess Bearsted when it was just over a year old, the four-seater is understood to have remained in her possession until 1977 (albeit registered to different companies during that time). Changing hands several times thereafter, the grand tourer had been re-registered as ‘1 NKR’ but was less than pristine when Anthony Herbert Esq acquired it during November 1991. Entrusted to James of Surbiton Ltd, the Jensen emerged in 1993 having been rewired and had its automatic transmission and engine overhauled. The 7.2 litre V8 being rejuvenated via a rebore, reground crankshaft, replacement oil pump, exchange cylinder heads and new pistons / rings / bearings etc. Resprayed British Racing Green, the Interceptor III also had its original leather upholstery re-connollised. Andy Thomson of Woking was responsible for fitting a reconditioned steering rack and new ball joints during 2006 but towards the end of his twenty-two year tenure Mr Herbert utilised the services of the Methold Motor Company to replace the starter motor and fettle the brakes etc. Believed but not warranted to have covered some 20,000 post-refurbishment miles, ‘LRP 75L’ has further benefited from attention to its brightwork, wheels and interior lights etc since being acquired by its last registered keeper in 2013. Kept as part of a small private collection and exhibited at various classic car shows, the Jensen started readily and ran well during our recent photography session. Not long fitted with new electric cooling fans, the four-seater is due to be freshly MOT tested ahead of the sale and comes with a V5C Registration Document, handbook, workshop manual and history file.

PLEASE NOTE: This lot possesses a MOT certificate valid until September 2nd 2026 and passed its test with 'no advisories'.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737