1974 Jensen Interceptor Mk3

Lot details
Registration No: HLT355N
Chassis No: 9931
Mot Expiry: May 2012

Jensen's striking replacement for the slant-eyed C-V8 first saw the light of day in 1966. It broke some of the firm's established traditions in that the design was outsourced - to Carrozzeria Touring - and the bodies were made of steel rather than glass reinforced plastic. The early shells were also built in Italy, by Vignale, prior to a production line being established at Jensen's plant in West Bromwich. Power was initially supplied by a 6276cc Chrysler V8, driving through either a four-speed manual or three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission to an LSD-equipped Salisbury rear axle. The MKII model of 1969 brought revised frontal styling and ventilated disc brakes. Introduced at the October 1971 Earl's Court Motor Show, the Interceptor III was visually distinguished by cast headlight surrounds, GKN cast alloy wheels and a comprehensively revamped interior and was produced in four Series - G, H,J and S4. By May 1972 the engines on RHD cars had been increased in capacity to a whopping 7212cc. A total of some 6,408 Interceptors were produced between 1966 and 1976. These distinctive-looking Grand Tourers were bought by celebrities as diverse as Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, British Foreign Secretary Lord Carrington and World Motorcycle Champion Phil Read.

The previous owner of this J Series Interceptor III purchased it from marque specialist Cropredy Bridge Garage in 1980, with a guaranteed mileage of 12,000. The vendor acquired it in December 2010 but, like his predecessor, has covered very few miles in the car - as a result, the odometer currently still reads just 13,200 miles. In recent times £12,000 has been invested in new sills, a bare metal respray and gearbox overhaul. 'HLT 355N' comes complete with 17-inch Jensen alloys (plus the unmarked originals), rare factory-fitted sunroof, original first aid kit, unused toolkit, unused factory supplied gloves for changing the spare wheel, service history, documented mileage and an MOT into May.