"It’s not often a car company is started with the help of a movie star but when in 1935 Clark Gable sent the Jensen brothers a new Ford chassis to fit one of their sleek four-seat bodies to, as they say the rest was history. After the war Jensen resumed low volume car production but prospered as the coachbuilder for Austin Healey and others until in 1963, they introduced the C-V8 with a Chrysler V8 engine, succeeding it with the Interceptor in 1967 with a Touring-designed body and power from a 383 Chrysler V8 unit. A modified and updated Interceptor II followed in late 1969 and was succeeded in 1971 by the Interceptor III which was joined in 1974 by a convertible version both powered by Chrysler’s 440 cubic inch engine. The Jensen Interceptor combined powerful, reliable American V8 power and smooth-shifting automatic gearboxes with British coachbuilt quality and luxury. They were built for a discerning clientele willing to pay a premium for their performance and exclusivity. In 1974 and Interceptor III cost 60% more than a Jaguar Series III E-Type Roadster.
Registered on 1st August 1974, this Jensen Interceptor comes from over two decades of single family ownership. Throughout its 48 years on British roads and having been restored multiple times, it presents in very good condition and has been dry stored ever since the vendor acquired the vehicle. In 2002 this Jensen was treated to a comprehensive restoration, including stripping the bodywork to bare metal along with an extensive respray. The engine was also completely overhauled at this time and as such it runs very well. In 2018, the car was once again treated to a comprehensive respray at huge cost, which complements the superb cream leather interior. Notable upgrades included the fitment of a Holley Fuel injection system fitted in 2002. Other additions include a recently fitted oil cooler, uprated fans, new radiator, uprated alternator and water pump, new HT leads, new lamda sensor, and a new master blaster coil. As a result, the car is highly reliable and most importantly doesn’t overheat even in extremely hot ambient temperatures. In recent years the suspension has also been improved with new front springs and coil over shock absorbers at the front and back. The Jensen is currently showing 49,165 miles on the odometer, however the odometer unit has previously been changed and the true mileage is circa 116,000. Supplied with a substantial history file detailing its multiple restorations, every invoice from the past 42 years amounting to well over £100,000, many old MoT test certificates and its current UK registration document. These iconic cars of the seventies are aesthetically superb and this lovely example is no exception.
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