Lot 194 - 1974 Jensen Interceptor Mk. III
| Lot Number | 194 |
| Registration | RPN 8N |
| Chassis Number | 9782 |
| Engine Number | 4C13089 |
| Odometer reading | 4,327 miles |
| Estimate | £67,000 - £75,000 |
- Only one owner from new
- Has covered a mere 25,000 miles in 48 years
- Restored to an extremely high standard
The Jensen Interceptor was launched in 1966 and the all steel body shell broke away from the company's traditional method of construction that used GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic). Designed by Carrozzeria Touring, the early cars were built by Vignale before production eventually was carried out at the Jensen works in West Bromwich. Power was delivered by the Chrysler 6276cc, V8 through a TorqueFlite automatic transmission and final drive being a Salisbury axle with limited slip differential. A manual gearbox was offered as an option. 1968 saw the addition of power steering and, in 1969, the Mk. II was introduced with detail upgrades that included a revised front end and ventilated disc brakes. 1971 saw the introduction of the Mk. III; the engine size was increased to 7212cc and, it was at this time, the most powerful engine Jensen had produced. The imposing presence, power and distinctive shape that included the wrap around glass rear hatch drew the rich and famous to the marque and famously, Princess Anne owned one. Production ceased in 1976 with a total of 6408 Mk. I, Mk. II and Mk. III Interceptors built between 1966 and 1976.
This Jensen Interceptor was originally registered on 1st August 1974 and has only had one owner from new. It has covered a mere 25,000 miles throughout its 48 years on British roads and having been restored, presents in beautiful condition. It was dry stored since 1981, hence the low mileage, prior to the restoration. The bodywork was stripped to bare metal before the body was put on a rotisserie, clearly no stone was left unturned. The bronze metallic paintwork is to a very high standard and the tan leather interior, to be expected is unmarked. One of the best ways to tell the quality of restoration work is by the panel gaps, the ones on this Jensen are exceptional. Fire-up the 7212cc V8 engine and the smoothness of this engine is immediately apparent. With everything working as it should, including the air conditioning, this Jensen is as close to being faultless as one could expect. Whilst the odometer currently reads 04,327 the speedometer was changed and the old one is supplied with the car to confirm the mileage. Supplied with a V5 document, confirming the one owner and a history folder with several invoices. There is also a USB stick with full details of the restoration. These iconic cars of the seventies are aesthetically superb, coupled with the 7.2 litre V8 soundtrack this Jensen really is something special.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.