1974 Jensen Interceptor Series III

This Jensen is one of those final manifestations of the ‘classic’ Interceptor. Classic, as the model was dusted off and given another shot at glory on two later occasions – the first in the late-1980s, then again in 2011 (both attempts proving unsuccessful).

This example found its way to Toronto, Canada where it resided from the late 1990s until 2015. Here it is reported (by the vendor) to have received what’s presumed to be its first major restoration, though sadly, any paperwork itemising this reconditioning work hasn’t made it back across the Atlantic with the car.

Repatriated in 2015, the vendor reveals that the car has been used sparingly, taking in shows and occasional weekend outings but nothing more strenuous. It’s said to start keenly, thanks to the addition of a high-torque starter motor and runs well, with plenty of power still available.

There’s a clue in the history file that the car’s current shade of Argento Nürburgring isn’t its original. The owners book pack from Jensen has a handwritten note (crossed out) stating that the colour was Royal Blue. Not that it matters really – unless you’re a concours aficionado – as the car looks resplendent in its current hue.

Once again, according to the vendor, the car was treated to a bare-metal repaint and total engine rebuild in 2013, shortly before leaving Canada. There’s certainly plenty of visual evidence in the car’s current condition to suggest that this was the case. The chromework, which is extensive on these glorious machines, remains highly reflective and presentable. Only very minor marks and dents can be found here and there, oh and there is a bit of carbon build up on the rear bumper from being in the line of fire from the rear exhaust tips.

The paint finish is generally good but there is a spot of rot poking through the lip of the tailgate that will need addressing. It has forced the paint surface to crack and has separated the chrome trim (offside corner). This is the main mark against the car’s outward appearance. Having said that, and being picky now, there are some light marks to the wheels and some of the window rubbers look a little untidy (chiefly the top nearside corner of the windscreen).

Dark blue Connolly leather adorns the cabin and it remains in good condition with lovely patina to the seats, really adding to the classic experience. There are a few marks and stains to the centre console armrest that might be worth recovering. A small mark in the dash is all that’s left to report in here. The carpets, headlining and switchgear all appear in fine order. The vendor reports that almost everything works too – rather unusual for one of these – but he also points out that during its Canadian restoration, the opportunity was taken to redo the wiring, so that likely explains it.

The ‘gadgets’ that aren’t behaving are limited to the clock and air-conditioning. There’s a clue in the history that explains why the latter might not be working. The bearing on the compressor (likely making a racket) was replaced in June 2019 (at a cost of over £700) and a note on the invoice says ‘leave out clutch’. The air-conditioning system doesn’t function as a result, but we have to conclude that it wasn’t working before this either. On the plus side, there’s less mechanical drag on the engine, which means even more power!

Other than this, the passenger side mirror adjuster has broken off and there’s a patch of rippling to the passenger door card. Generally, however, the cabin remains as presentable as the exterior.

There’s plenty of evidence of work carried out underneath. We couldn’t help but notice the shiny front brake lines, ball joints and the accompanying nuts and bolts holding them all on. The anti-roll bar fasteners have a similarly fresh look. There are new jubilee clips and fasteners all around the engine bay and underneath, which is all lending credence to the recent restoration theory. However, we did see a couple of areas still in need of a little light work. There’s an earth strap on the offside of the motor that appears a little frayed but is clearly still performing its function; we’d probably swap this as a preventative measure.

On the nearside rear there appears to have been some careless jacking at some point in the past as the sill to floor join has a bend in it and some accompanying surface corrosion. As is probably the norm in Canada, the underside has been dosed in a copious amount of underseal. Its rather liberal application has meant that some has got onto the exhaust. The leaf springs have been smothered in the stuff. We also saw a little rot in the nearside corner of the radiator crossmember but it’s not advanced and doesn’t seem to affect its function. There’s surface rust elsewhere, but other than that, there doesn’t seem to be anything else to cause concern.

As we’ve mentioned, any evidence of that bare metal respray and engine rebuild no longer accompanies the car. The vendor does however, report the following work has taken place. He also adds that ‘all the electronics were upgraded along with an additional cooling fan and new stainless exhaust in 2012/13.’ There are a few documents with the car that show some care has been lavished upon it since its arrival in the UK in 2015. There’s a bill for a substantial £1873.22 from I.K Classics in West Yorkshire from June 2020 listing the fitting of a comprehensive collection of service items. This is far beyond the usual bits; we’re talking bushes (anti-roll bar), brakes (front & rear flexi hoses), belts (PAS, alternator & water pump) and well as a battery and the usual plugs, fluids and filters. The vendor mentioned that this Interceptor was ‘fantastic to drive’ and with all these new parts, we can well believe it. 

Clearly, by now, you’ve made up your mind whether or not the lack of a detailed history or the remaining cosmetics will bother you enough to look elsewhere. If you’ve got this far though, you’ll have no doubt reached the same conclusion as us, that this Interceptor is 90 (or more) sorted and offers a remarkable car for the money.

It’s powerful, beautiful and has had every conceivable service item replaced. The vendor reports that it starts keenly and drives faultlessly. These big GTs are eternally popular and considering the condition that this one presents in, we’re certain that between £39,000 and £49,000 will be needed for it to find a new owner.

Viewing is always encouraged, and as stated this car is located at THE MARKET HQ near Abingdon; we are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’