1973 Jensen Interceptor MKIII |

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1973 Jensen Interceptor MKIII

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Sold Price

£40,000

Mileage~52,000
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine7.2L
LocationSaffron Walden

SOLD

1973 Jensen Interceptor MKIII

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Dom Ginn

Professional Consigner

The Interceptor offers all you need in a Grand Tourer. Razor-sharp Vignale styling with V8 power in a hand-crafted automobile.

Imagine the scenario in 1966, when the Jensen Interceptor was unveiled. As a genuine alternative to the Jaguar E-Type, the Jensen offered Italian styling and reliable V8 power, with the added dose of a British coachbuilder pedigree. Jensens brave attempt to take on the big boys with this elegant Grand Tourer, helped the bring the company on to the global state. The car went well too, handled impeccably and offered a level of practicality seldom seen in a GT car.

But its success was hampered by the onset of the '70's fuel crisis and ultimately caused the demise of the West Bromwich based company. However, it's legacy thanks to a loyal following and excellent after sales service has meant that surviving examples are well catered for by an extensive network of specialists.

As a smaller company, Jensen cars may have lacked the development of the bigger corporations, but Mikes stunning 1973 MkIII has benefited from decades of careful individual private ownership. One could even suggest that this cars extensive restoration background is arguably better than when the car left the factory.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Mike the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Along with covering some 12,000 miles in my ownership, I've also not spared any expense maintaining this Jensen.

Mike has owned the car for 12 years and during that time no expense has been spared on making this car mechanically sound, safe to drive and great to look at. Sadly this car has to go, as he is at a point of his life where a lack of agility takes its toll.

He bought the car back in 2008, the mileage sitting at ~35k, and has covered lots of miles in it since then. On top of this, he's had lots of important work carried out to leave it in the excellent condition you see today.

Mike

Vehicle Owner

Mike saved £7,200* when they
sold their Jensen with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Known as the 'Executive Express', the Interceptors were originally sought out by rock stars as well as captains of industry.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with the 5 spoke style wheel that came with the MkIII, they add that extra poise to the look of the car.

The alloys are in excellent condition and are just one of many parts that can be bought off the shelf. The Pirelli tyres are all in well above average condition with good tread.

Bodywork

That huge curved hatchback style rear end, contrasting the straight sharp front, two opposing styles perfectly balance. The shut-lines and panel gaps all look great on this example.

The bodywork is solid and has had Inner and outer sills replaced on both sides. It's not unusual for the complex bodyshell to rot almost anywhere, which is why the new owner can be assured that this car has well cared for. There was also rust around wheel arches, which were removed and repaired followed by a professional respray.

Paint

The car has been treated to new paint in the original tangerine colour, and as a result, the visual impact is simply stunning. The paint finish itself is of a very high standard, with even coverage and a deep lustre visible in the photos and video.

Glass and Trim

Classic cars are known for the vast glass vistas when compared to modern vehicles, the Jensen Interceptor took it a whole leap further with that beautiful wrap around rear window.

The Sundym glass is in good condition with no major issues. The chrome work in very good condition, but does have minor pitting on the front bumper.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The Italian design runs throughout the car, with the interior making a sizeable statement in taste.

Seats and Carpets

Executive Express indeed, sit back in the vast leather seats and command the road.

The sand-coloured interior is in exceptionally nice condition, with small signs of age-related wear. The leather upholstery has no major problems, no tears or splits. The front mats are new, with thick brown over rugs which cost Mike £350.

Dashboard

The interior presentation is nicely laid out and the facia styling compliments the dashboard condition, tastefully finished in Connolly leather. All dials and controls are said to be fully functional.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A Moto-Lita steering wheel, wrapped in contrasting black leather, and the same colour combination on the gearbox control too.

The steering and gear level are in excellent condition, as to be expected from a restored example.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Despite the 300BHP on tap from the big block V8, the engine also has the ability to be easy to maintain.

Engine and Gearbox

The Chrysler sourced 7.2L V8 440ci engines are durable but can suffer from neglect due to high running costs. The good news is that on startup there is no rumbling or uneven engine note, a high level of maintenance throughout its life.

Mike has had quite extensive work completed on the engine to ensure it doesn't suffer from overheating issues, these include notable items such as an aluminium cylinder head, water pump and radiator to name a few. The highly commended Torqueflite automatic gearbox is said to be in fine fettle too.

Suspension and Brakes

These are heavy cars, so the suspension and brakes need to work hard, but the even level stance of the car suggests no sagging. Furthermore, the evidence of recent brake and suspension work should assure the new potential owner that this Jensen has been kept in the best possible order.

The Drive

The Jensen really has it all. An exciting drive with good looks, excellent road-holding and handling in a cosseting relaxing interior. These ingredients make Mikes restored example a great everyday classic. Obviously, the V8 isn't tuned for economy but the car is from an era where a 140MPH GT car was seen as a wealthy status symbol. The car today represents a more stately and elegant solution to classic motoring, with a very active and extensive owners club.

Electrics and Other

All electrical matters are said to be fully functional, with all issues rectified swiftly - this is evident by the installation of a high-output 90amp alternator. All working parts for electric windows have been replaced on both doors, and a new starter motor, fuel pump and Kenlow fan installed too.

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History and Paperwork

A UK RHD MkIII Interceptor coming in excellent condition, lots of provenance, and in a beautiful tangerine over beige colourway.

The car was first purchased by Hepworth Tailors of Leeds for the Chairman in 1973, the car was only seen another three owners since then and has seen careful attention for much of its life. The current owner bought the car in May 2008 from the well know Jensen Specialist, Cropredy Bridge Garage. Over those 12 years ~12,000 miles have been added to the car. The expenditure runs into the thousands, all documented with receipts in a folder.

The car has benefitted from body panel renewals, including the arches and sills as well as extensive engine work carried out including an aluminium cylinder head, replacement fuel pump, steering pump and 6 blade aluminium water pump. The electrics have also seen substantial renewal covering a 90amp alternator, voltage regulator, aircon pump & clutch, starter solenoid, aluminium radiator, 14inch Kenlow electric fan, fast-wind starter motor and windscreen wiper motor. Several other sundry items have also been replaced.

Mechanical attention in Mikes ownership covers the steering rack, ball joints, joint covers and bushes, along with new front discs and pads and new handbrake pads.

We've carried out checks on the following; Seller ID, V5, HPi

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
15.05.2020	MOT	51,634
09.05.2019	MOT	50,983
30.04.2018	MOT	49,945
02.05.2017	MOT	48,237
18.05.2016	MOT	46,945
22.05.2015	MOT	45,583
07.05.2014	MOT	44,514
23.05.2013	MOT	43,411
09.05.2012	MOT	41,419
17.05.2011	MOT	39,531
21.05.2010	MOT	38,433
15.05.2009	MOT	36,766
18.06.2008	MOT	35,558