1969 Jensen INTERCEPTOR Mk1

This Interceptor is one of just 1024 early Series 1 6.3-litre cars produced, and as such highly desirable. Want to hazard a guess how many are believed to survive? Less than 50! That’s one hell of a high attrition rate, but it means that these early big beasts and now very few and far between.

Over the last decade and a half it’s been subject to a full restoration and is presented in excellent condition – 9/10, in the vendor’s opinion. During this time one or two discreet upgrades, all of which help improve its driveability and appeal, were fitted.

These include up-rated adjustable dampers, an up-rated alternator, electronic ignition, a high-torque starter motor, twin cooling fans and a stainless steel exhaust. Importantly, the cylinderheads have also been converted to run on unleaded fuel.

It’s a matching numbers car, still bearing both its original engine and Torqueflite automatic gearbox. In addition to this it’s presented in its original factory colour scheme, the evocative sounding Moorland Peat, and full Champagne leather interior.

The included V5 document shows 11 former owners (12 in total) and there’s an extensive and impressive history file, which includes the original factory quality control sheet and the bill of sale from Phillip Mist (Autos) Ltd of Birmingham.

It surely doesn’t get better than that.

Classic cars don’t get any more imposing than this generation Jensen Interceptor; it’s one brutal, purposeful and menacing looking vehicle.

This example’s Moorland Peat paintwork is period perfect and its finish is very smart indeed. It retains a lovely deep lustre and it’s one of those colours that change depending on the angle of the light hitting it: dark, brooding brown of the moors, through to a smoother lighter Galaxy chocolate bar tone.

There are one or two very small paint imperfections, including a bubble just under the nearside door handle and some at the top of the front wings, but they’re only noticeable if carrying out a close visual inspection. The lower valance also has some bubbles and flaking, and could benefit from being re-painted.

These cars have seriously long flanks, but they appear straight and dint-free. Panel gaps look very good, and there’s no evidence of any sagging in the doors – although if we’re being uber picky, the gold coachline on the offside door sits a couple of millimetres higher than that of the rear wing. Although a bit of door fettling may rectify that.

The brightwork (and again like everything on this car, there’s a lot of it) is very good and all door and window rubbers look fresh and supple. Down below, the wheels are reasonably smart but the next owner may decide that they’d benefit from a touch of TLC and the Pirelli P4000 tyres all look to be in good condition.

The rear hatch lifts smoothly and secures easily.  

It’s an epic cabin that seems to utilise a whole herd’s worth of leather. For anyone thinking of restoring a Jensen Interceptor it’s always worth checking out the interior, as the cost of replacing it will run to the cost of an engine rebuild on many other cars!

No such worries here, it’s very nice. There is a small rubbing mark on the driver’s seat bolster but that aside, it’s a lovely picture of mark-free supple leather, care and quality. The Champagne coloured hide contrasts beautifully with the walnut dashboard, its evocative chrome toggle switches and original radio.

All electrics function as they should and you’ll find black overmats protecting the sand coloured carpets. It’s a lovely cabin from which to unleash all those North American horses.

“It drives very sweetly,” says the vendor. “And sounds beautiful.” A quick play of our video below will confirm the latter (just how good does it sound?) and, having had the car at Abingdon for a few days now, we can confirm the latter.

It’s a very sharp thing. Torque is provided effortlessly in one constant long surge, and the Torqueflite automatic gearbox shifts as it should. It brakes well and the suspension feels nicely damped. Best of all? The sound, it’s pure machismo escaping those twin tailpipes and we could listen to it all day long.

Pop the bonnet and you’ll find a clean and well-finished engine bay. The twin cooling fans are in place and an engine cut-off has been fitted for security.

Underneath, there’s plenty of protective underseal in place although it’s starting to chip in one or two places.

As mentioned previously it’s lovely to find an original bill of sale right at the start of a car’s history file – provenance doesn’t get any better than that. However, that’s not the end of the story. You’ll also find the supplying dealer’s guarantee form, which shows that a Mr E.J. Gallagher purchased the car on 13/8/69 and another form showing that the chromework was replaced under warranty on 27/4/71.

There are a huge number of invoices from various decades that can be viewed in our photographic gallery below, as well as numerous MOT certificates and a collection of Jensen magazines. There’s also a heritage certificate (courtesy of Martin Robey Sales Ltd) confirming the car’s various serial numbers and original order colours.

If we tried to list all of those invoices then we’d be here all day and night. Again they are available to view below, and suffice to say that the total runs into many thousands of pounds – to restore a Jensen Interceptor is no cheap endeavour.

Also included is a full list of the car’s owners, which lends an appealing insight as to its history and where in the UK it was located at any one time. This also notes that the engine was rebuilt on 24/5/04 at 84,186 miles.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of the paperwork to support our claim that this car has been restored and maintained to the highest of standards.

The vendor gives this car a 9/10. And that’s in all areas: exterior, interior, mechanicals and driving experience. There’s no doubt it’s been restored well over a period of time, and that it provides and epic GT experience.

There are one or two areas that could benefit from a tidy up (front valance, underseal and wheels), and that would further smarten up an already very substantial package.

Restoring a Jensen Interceptor will always cost more than the resale value, so it’s only for those with a very strong financial constitution. And it’ll take years of your life!

The good news is that here the hard graft has been done, so the next owner can sit back at the wheel and benefit from it. Factor in the rarity value of this Mk1 and desirability comes as standard. We think £49,000 to £59,000 will secure the services of this Sixties bruiser.

Time to crack out the bell-bottoms, affix medallion to your chest, slap on the Brut and revisit 1969.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located at The Market’s Abingdon headquarters; to arrange an appointment 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, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.