1971 Jensen Interceptor Mk. III

This specific Interceptor is a 1971 model meaning it is a Mark III. The difference between Mark Is and Mark IIs were some exterior tweaks, and the Mark II interior received a heavy overhaul in order to satisfy US safety regulations. The jump from Mark II to Mark III is equally reserved. The Mark IIIs front fascia was tweaked again, GKN alloy wheels and air conditioning became standard equipment, and the seats were redesigned. A new 7.2L 440ci V8 was also introduced to replace the prior 6.3L 383ci V8.

This Interceptor is a light silver metallic, and is mostly in good condition. Glass around the car is clean and free of cracks and chips, and the chrome wire wheels - although they would benefit from a polishing – are free of any curb rash. There does appear to be bubbling in the paint at the bottom of the driver’s door, corrosion marks leaking down from the fuel door, and some extra bubbling around the rear windshield. Almost all of the chrome has been excellently preserved, most pieces are clean and straight. Chrome pieces that could use some touching up would be the ‘Jensen’ logos on each of the C-Pillars. Overall, this Jensen’s exterior is in decent shape. The leak from the fuel door and the bubbling will need to be addressed, but everywhere else this is a solid example. The paint is evenly applied, chrome is clean, and glass is clear.

The interior is vanilla leather. The front seats could use some detailing, but they show no signs of creasing, tears, or holes. The black dashboard is clean and features several gauges, all of which are clean and easily readable. The wooden trim on the center console has been nicely preserved, all the dials and switches are tidy, and a former owner added in an aftermarket Eclipse stereo for modern convenience. The two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel is in fair condition, with the black leather portion of the wheel looking rather tired. Both door panels are in good shape, but not as good as the rear seats. The back seat in this Interceptor looks fantastic, no holes or tears, no creasing, just some slightly loosened material and a ton of clean leather. Carpets in the car need detailing, but they are structurally sound. Both sunshades operate as intended and the headliner is clean and hangs tight.

The underside of this Interceptor harbors no major damage. The frame and floorboards appear to be solid; suspension components are clean, and the exhaust shows minor discoloration. As for the engine bay, everything looks to be in its proper place aside from the battery. The engine bay is clean, and there are not many chips in the paint worth noting either.

This Interceptor has prior history with Bonhams. The earliest seller we at The Market by Bonhams are aware of is a gentleman from Rhode Island who purchased the car in 1999. Ten years later, that gentleman consigned this Interceptor with Bonhams to go to live auction at the ‘Vintage New England, Important Motorcars and Automobilia’ sale in Brookline, Massachusetts, in September 2009. Today’s seller was present for the auction, which is where he purchased the vehicle. Since that day in 2009, the Interceptor has remained with the seller on static display until now where it once again crosses a Bonhams auction block.

Among classic British automobiles, the Jensen Interceptor is often unfairly overlooked. Italian styling by Carrozzeria Touring and a wonderfully raucous 7.2L V8 come together to create a both gorgeous and quirky four-seater that is an absolute pleasure to drive. Today’s example has some question marks around the outside, but the interior is in solid shape. This Interceptor won’t take much to get back into proper condition, and that leaves us confident that it will have little issue reaching its $30,000 - $50,000 estimate.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS

It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.