Lot details
Registration No: XGU683M
Chassis No: 9832
Mot Expiry: Aug 2013

Jensen's striking replacement for the slant-eyed C-V8 first saw the light of day in 1966. It broke some of the firm's established traditions in that the design was outsourced - to Carrozzeria Touring - and the bodies were made of steel rather than glass reinforced plastic. The early shells were also built in Italy, by Vignale, prior to a production line being established at Jensen's plant in West Bromwich. Power was initially supplied by a 6276cc Chrysler V8, driving through either a four-speed manual or three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission to an LSD-equipped Salisbury rear axle.

The MKII model of 1969 brought revised frontal styling and ventilated disc brakes. Introduced at the October 1971 Earl's Court Motor Show, the Interceptor III was visually distinguished by cast headlight surrounds, GKN cast alloy wheels and a comprehensively revamped interior and was produced in four Series - G, H, J and S4. By May 1972 the engines on RHD cars had been increased in capacity to a whopping 7212cc. A total of some 6,408 Interceptors were produced between 1966 and 1976. These distinctive-looking Grand Tourers were bought by celebrities as diverse as Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, British Foreign Secretary Lord Carrington and World Motorcycle Champion Phil Read.

The right-hand drive J Series Interceptor MKIII on offer is no ordinary example, but one that's been awarded almost as many accolades as Team GB at London 2012. It was originally registered to Jensen Motors Ltd, where it served as transport for the company's then Managing Director, Kjell Qvale, before being assigned to demonstrator and road test duties. As a result it featured in such major motor magazines as Motor and Autocar and appeared in a national advertising campaign in connection with the P J Langford range of stainless steel exhaust systems. When Jensen Motors Ltd fell into receivership in May 1976, ownership passed via Jensen Parts & Service to the vendor, who remains the car's only private keeper to date. The purchase price was £5,500.

During his tenure, the Interceptor won the President's Cup International Concours Championship on three occasions (a feat that's never been surpassed) and was the Jensen Club's Champion of Champions - such was its dominance that the vendor felt obliged to retire the car from the competition after its third victory. No matter, it found plenty of other awards to win and became the outright victor of over 20 national concours championships and has been displayed at countless prestigious locations including Earls Court, Alexandra Palace, and the Brighton Metropole; not to mention the Biggin Hill International Air Fair on 10 occasions. The Jensen factory workers awarded it their own trophy for being 'the best Interceptor they had made' and the car features on the front cover and three inside pages of the book 'Jensen Interceptor' by Mike Taylor - a copy of which comes with the car. Another item included in the sale is the certificate that relates to the car's 1st-in-Class concours award at the September 1979 Biggin Hill Battle of Britain Day, which is signed by Squadron Leader Jock Maitland and confirms the prize was presented by none other than King Hussein of Jordan.

Unimpressed with the quality of the standard wheels, the vendor had them refurbished and equipped with white wall tyres and stainless steel wheel nuts. Apparently highly original in every other way, the Jensen is finished in Azure Blue Metallic and trimmed in Biscuit-coloured leather. The vendor informs us that it has covered no more than 50 miles per annum for the last 10 years and has been treated to a service in the last few months. He currently regards the bodywork, paintwork and interior trim as being in "concours" condition and the mighty 7.2-litre V8 engine and automatic gearbox as "very good". The Jensen is being sold complete with factory-fitted telephone, lambswool seat covers, Pioneer radio/cassette, comprehensive tool roll, sizeable history file and recently renewed tax and MOT. A truly splendid example of one of the most imposing of all British classics, that remains an appealingly unique combination of British engineering, Italian styling and American muscle.