1974 Jensen Interceptor MK111

We previously sold ‘YED 199’, a Jensen Interceptor that was first registered on the 27th August 1974, back in March 2022. At the time it was a bit of a project and the winning bidder wasted no time in commissioning Cropredy Bridge Cars Limited to work its way through it, problem solving and fettling as it went.

The result, after an investment of another £31,500 on top of the original purchase price, is the car you see before you today.

Still in need of some cosmetic freshening up, the seller has done all the heavy lifting, leaving you with the more enjoyable elements to work your way through. 

The Jensen changed colour at some pointed, evolving from brown into the glorious maroon/cerise it wears today.

The panel alignment is excellent, with door shuts and the gold pinstripe highlighting just how good it is. The chromework is all excellent too, and it contrasts nicely with the colour of the body panels; we’re willing to bet that while it would’ve looked good in its original colour, its new colour highlights those iconic lines even better.

However, closer inspection does reveal some flaws. There are bubbles on the bonnet, doors, door shuts, and below the windscreen. There is also a patch of rust on the nearside, and microbubbles on every panel.

There are some marks on the front wings and roof too, plus various other bits and bobs that would be taken care of by a full respray. Cropredy has produced an estimate listing the work it thinks needs to be carried out, but we would point out that they’re perfectionists and you may be able to get a serviceable finish, even by them, for less if you pick and choose carefully.

The badges are good though, as are the light lenses and window glass, including the expensive curved rear screen.

The alloy wheels are presentable, but they do wear a light patina. Very much a #firstworldproblem, though and Cropredy replaced the tyres – and battery – in March 2024, so they are fitted with a matching set of 205/70R15 Riken 4x4 Road tyres.

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. 

The condition of the interior mirrors that of the coachwork; it’s nicely patinated and could be left as it is for a time before anything would need doing.

The front seats, by way of an example, are a little rumpled and show some colour loss but those with a romantic streak will appreciate that every rubbing point and crease tells a story – and given the front grille wears badges for the Lancashire Powerboat Racing Club and the Jensen Owners’ Club, it’s obviously got a long and interesting tale to tell.

And it’s not like they’re in a bad condition; Cropredy – yes, those guys again – might have assessed the seats as showing signs of wear and tear but concluded they need nothing other than a clean and a feed, although it acknowledged that course of action would not address the loss of colour.

Now clean they’re not only very presentable but are also still comfortable and supportive. The rear seats are in a good condition, and while door cards are a little rumpled, whether sorting them out is a priority will vary from person to person.

The rest of the leather – and there is a lot of it – is in good shape too, including the fabulous pleated headlining.

The top of the dashboard is also free of sun damage and cracks, the switches and controls are decent, and the carpets are protected by a set of aftermarket mats. Oh, and the classic Audioline radio-cassette player that’s fitted took us straight back to browsing in Halfords in the late eighties.

The boot is clean and nicely trimmed. 

As for other significant faults, the air-conditioning system doesn’t work, and it’s been suggested this is not easily repairable. 

As you’d expect, the engine bay and underside both bear witness to the recent £30k+ investment. This work is detailed in the paperwork from Cropredy but includes:

• Fit a new carburettor, distributor, Hi-Torque starter motor, and battery
• Find and fix an engine oil leak
• Service the engine
• Refurbish the braking system with reconditioned calipers, new discs and pads and new fixed pipes and flexible hoses 
• Recondition the power steering
• Find and fix a gearbox oil leak, and replace the rear pipes and differential seals
• Recondition the fuel tank and replace pump and hoses
• Replace the exhaust
• Upgrade the cooling fan
• Replace the suspension bushes, rear leaf springs, and dampers

All of which means the fact the engine idles so well and makes such a lovely noise when it’s being revved won’t come as too much of a surprise – and nor will the awesome exhaust note.

The underside benefits from a patch repair to the driver’s floor and looks to have been well protected by a coat of underseal. 

There’s a full-size spare wheel and cradle underneath the boot, and the new exhaust still gleams.

Despite not needing one, the Interceptor has an MoT certificate that is valid until March 2025. Even better, it was gained with no advisories too, just like its last, back in 2011.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear bar the marker for the change of colour, and the history file contains a wealth of paperwork including many, many pages from Cropredy for the recent work.

If you’ve got a Tesla in the garage this probably isn’t the car for you. 

But if you’re more interested in enjoying your daily driver than shaving a few pounds off your income tax bill - and prefer watching re-runs of The Sweeney to Strictly Come Dancing - then it definitely is.

Still the staple of many a middle-aged man’s dream, this iconic British muscle car could be yours for somewhere between £27,000 and £30,000.

Yes, it needs some further fettling but it’s strong and running like a champ, leaving you free to sort out the cosmetic stuff to whatever standard you like as and when money and motivation collide.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.