1972 Jensen Interceptor SP
1 of only 25 Reef Blue cars made

Registration No: KAE 7L
Chassis No: 131-4916
MOT: April 2023

• 1 of only 25 Reef Blue cars built (from a total SP production run of 232)
• The fastest ever Interceptor with more power and torque than a Ferrari 365GTB/4 Daytona or Lamborghini Miura P400SV
• Previously supplied and fettled by renowned marque specialist Cropredy Bridge at a cost of £71,000
• Believed but not warranted to have covered just 54,600 miles from new with an extensive history file (including copy factory build records)
• Power steering, air-conditioning, electric windows, Radiomobile 8-Track player and LED interior lights

“If the Jensen SP can be summed up in one word, then that word unquestionably is “relentless”. This big, beautiful car seems to flatten hills, ignore bends, smooth out bumps and just keeps pounding on and on” (Sports Car Road Tests, Volume 9, 1972)

Rarer than the FF which preceded it as Jensen’s flagship (232 vs 320 cars built), the SP was further notable as the fastest and most potent 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 and 490lbft of torque 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. Visually distinguished by its blue badging and heavily louvred bonnet, most were specified with a vinyl roof covering. Never destined to be a long-lived model on the basis that Chrysler stopped making the ‘Six Pack’ motor due to ever stricter US emissions legislation, the SP was only in production from September 1971 until July 1973 but occupies a deservedly special place in Interceptor lore.

One of just twenty-five SPs to be finished in Reef Blue Metallic, chassis 131-4916 was supplied new by Auto Scuderia Ltd of Bristol to J. Haskins. A letter on file from second keeper L. Moore to his successor B. Warr reveals that Mr Haskins found the Jensen ill-suited to his half-mile daily commute and so traded it into Harris Motors of Wells against a more soporific Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow during October 1974 at which time it was said to be ‘very low mileage and immaculate’. Tasked with recommissioning the SP following a period of dry storage, Anthony Thompson contacted marque guru Richard Calver in October 2002 for help and advice. Subsequently treated to inner sill repairs and new outer sills on both sides plus an overhaul of all three carburettors and polybushed front suspension etc, ‘KAE 7L’ was further improved after entering Mr Warr’s ownership during July 2008 including a repaint and rejuvenated brightwork. The current (fourth) registered keeper bought the SP from renowned marque specialist Cropredy Bridge for £71,000 five years ago with the purchase price encompassing some minor bodywork renovation, a thorough brake system overhaul and upgrade (Fosseway Performance front discs) not to mention a full engine service and attention to the suspension, steering, fuel system, automatic transmission, electrics and air conditioning. Given the low number of owners, period of immobility and condition of its original Black leather upholstery, the 54,600 miles shown by the odometer are highly credible. Starting readily and running well during our recent photography session, this decidedly rare and handsome SP is offered for sale with a V5C Registration Document, extensive history file and fresh MOT certificate.

PLEASE NOTE: Following conversations with several of the Jensen's previous owners and taking into account the time it spent in dry storage, the vendor is happy to warrant the current odometer reading of 54,600 miles as representing the total covered from new.