1973 Jensen Interceptor Mk III for sale Complete car for total restoration

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This vehicle is now sold - thank you.
 
 

 
This is a decidedly rare (1 of 424) and desirable hand-built 1973 Jensen Interceptor Mk III. Most enthusiasts agree that the Jensen interceptor reached it’s pinnacle of development with the 1971-1973 Mk III production. These cars epitomize what Jensen motoring was all about. They were comfortable, high speed Grand Touring cars that competed price-wise with the most expensive and exclusive cars of the day. Utilizing Chrysler’s big block 440 cubic inch engine and Torque-Flite 3 speed automatic, they were capable of 0-60 times of 7.1 seconds. The 440 Chrysler power plant produces massive torque and the Interceptor is still a rapid car even by today’s standards.

The Jensen Interceptor was hand-built at the Kelvin Way Factory, West Bromwich near Birmingham in the United Kingdom by Jensen Motors between 1966 and 1976. The Interceptor styling with its “fish-bowl” rear hatch glass was a joint effort between Italian design studios Touring and Vignale.

Jensen’s TOTAL worldwide production of all 1971-1973 Interceptor Mk IIIs in both right and left hand drive configurations, was only about 2,500 cars. 1973 production totaled 1142 cars, with only 424 of them being left hand drive.

We purchased this car with the intention of doing a full nut and bolt restoration as our company principal has a particular fondness for Jensen Interceptors. Unfortunately, given the volume of customer projects in the Classic Jaguar workshop, the Jensen is not a project that we are likely to get to any time soon. For that reason, we are going to pass this rare car along to a new owner with the time to restore this wonderful piece of automotive history to its former glory. The odometer indicates 21,894 miles, although we have no way of knowing the actual mileage.

Please take time to look at all of the photographs. You will note that the bonnet/hood is badly corroded at the leading edge, and will require either replacement or extensive repair. Asd nasty as the bonnet is, thankfully it is clearly the worst part of the car, in terms of condition. Overall, the car is relatively sound. The bodywork at the leading edge of the bonnet opening shows signs of surface corrosion, although it appears to be solid beneath. The rear boot or trunk area behind the rear seats also appears solid, although as you can see in the pictures, there is some insignificant surface rust. If you look carefully at the photos, you will also note that there is evidence of corrosion under the vinyl top, again, very common on these cars. Looking under the car, the floor boards look to be remarkably solid (see pictures). Worthy of special note, the rocker panel areas and the rear C pillars, which are generally problem areas in these cars, appear to be extremely solid. There is a bit of cracking over the driver’s side rear wheel arch, which may well be a sign of corrosion beneath, or may just be some poorly applied bondo.

The car has been completely repainted (including all door jambs and the visible body sheet metal areas around the rear hatch) in the current shade of bright red. Looking under the dash panel, there is evidence of what is probably the original factory color, a darker shade of red, or possibly even burgundy.

All of the glass is in good condition, as are the original Jensen wheels. As far as we can tell, the car is absolutely complete.

We do have some invoices for parts and some service work dating back to the early nineties, with the bulk of the invoices being from the late nineties. One invoice apparently relates to a transmission rebuild. It appears that the car was last on the road in 2001, as witnessed by the California registration sticker of that date.

The car also comes with a stack of miscellaneous documentation, including numerous notes from a prior owner, electrical schematic diagrams, some Interceptor club newsletters, a workshop manual and companion “Tech Tips” hand book.

You now know everything we know about this car. This car has not run in many years and is very much a restoration project. Prospective buyers are very welcome to inspect the car., although we will be happy to answer any questions you might have to the best of our ability.

Price: $5,000 obo.

This vehicle is now sold - thank you.

Interesting trades considered, cash either way.

Inspections are welcome and actively encouraged. Interested parties please call Brian Collins at Classic Jaguar on (512) 288 8800 or email questions to customerservice@classicjaguar.com.

This car is being sold 'as is, where is', with no warranty of any kind being offered by the seller. We have clear, unencumbered title in hand.