Lot 226 - 1968 Jensen Interceptor

• Fully ‘nut and bolt’ restored
• Bespoke exhaust with ‘loud’ button

The Jensen Interceptor was launched in 1966, utilising an all steel bodyshell, breaking 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.

The imposing presence, power and distinctive shape that included the wrap around glass rear hatch drew the rich and famous to the marque attracting the attention of esteemed owners such as HRH Princess Anne, Sir Cliff Richard, actors John Thaw CBE and Tony Curtis, ex-heavyweight boxing champion, Sir Henry Cooper OBE KSG. Oh, and Eric Morecambe OBE once told Parky that his Jensen Interceptor ‘brought him sunshine’. It has often been said and many would rightly argue that 1966-1976 Jensen Interceptors were, and remain, a realistic alternative to the Aston Martin V8 of the same period.

This fabulous Jensen Interceptor was originally registered in 1968 and early in its life was shipped to South Africa where it resided for 32 years being repatriated to the UK in 2000. After searching for a good solid chassis our vendor purchased this car in 2006, he was impressed after shot blasting the chassis and panels to find the quality enabled him to keep the car completely original with no replacements necessary. The plan from our vendor, a mechanic by trade was to fully restore the car in his own time and thus this was seen as the best possible start point. Since that start point our vendor has spent over a decade fully nut and bolt restoring his Mk. I Interceptor at a cost that he would care not to calculate. The net result of this substantial investment in both money and time is a Jensen that presents in fabulous order throughout.

The metallic grey paintwork is finished to a very high standard after the rotisserie treatment, as is the new black leather interior trim and new carpet set, given it has all original panels the shuts are very good indeed. Open the bonnet and the 6276cc engine is gleaming having been rebuilt starting on the button and purring upon inspection. After the engine was stripped and rebuilt an aluminium radiator with twin electric fans was added at great expense coupled to an upgraded water pump and a later oil pump and filter. Start the engine and the evocative sound of a powerful V8 cannot fail to impress and a delightful addition is the stainless steel exhaust which has a ‘loud’ button opening up the exhaust to really turn heads. We are informed that everything works on the car which was treated to a full new wiring loom apart for the clock, the owner jokes that time stood still when it required restoration and it is the only thing he hasn’t ever attended to but its correct twice a day! The Dunlop brakes were fully rebuilt with new stainless steel pistons and we could of course go on, a real labour of love and as good underneath the car as it is on top.

Supplied with a V5C registration document together with a very good history folder including the original build documents from 1968 and a fully photographic history of the restoration and its original wheels which are in need of refurbishment. The condition and quality of this outstanding Jensen must be seen to be fully appreciated.