1974 Jensen Interceptor S3

This Jensen has barely seen the light of day since the mid 1980s. The vendor tells us that it was owned by a gentleman in South Yorkshire who passed away around 1986, though his widow lived on until much more recently and kept the car in the garage all that time. When she died, the car became part of an estate sale and at this point our vendor bought it. So far, no history has been found, but the vendor is still hopeful of acquiring the file.

He has had quite a bit of a work done in the year since he bought it, including new replacement sill and floor panels, and most importantly, a complete bare metal re-spray. The mechanical side has been recommissioned with new front brake calipers, water pump, gaskets and sundry other parts to make the car roadworthy. The total outlay for these works came to over £9,000. (see invoices in the gallery)

As such, it’s a highly presentable car with a very well-preserved leather interior and a good vinyl top. The mileage is showing at only 36,000 and with the car’s short life on the road and comparatively un-worn interior, it could well be genuine, but as stated there is no printed history (so far) to back this up. 

This car's history and condition also suggests it has avoided the fate of many Interceptors through the '80s and '90s which were patched up, bodged and generally kept on the road by fair means or foul.

You’re struck immediately by the impressive fresh coat of rich, almost indigo paint - it’s certainly more blue than purple and may well be close to Jensen’s original Royal Blue. The shine is consistent throughout, a compliment to the works carried out.

There’s a tiny blister trying to form on the tailgate frame, just below the Jensen Parts and Service sticker in the window which the vendor has assured us will be taken care of prior to the new owners collection. The vinyl roof doesn’t seem to have been disturbed during the respray and is still free from any bumps or bubbles. The Triplex Sundym glass - including that vast, domed rear piece - is all fine. The chrome is showing a little patina, but while it’s not new and perfect, it doesn’t let the car down either - it can still summon a good shine and looks right for its age.

The Series III’s GKN alloy wheels are in good condition but while the Avon 205/70 VR 15 tyres have a decent tread, they appear rather elderly and should probably be replaced by the next owner. Badges, lamps and even the shiny exhaust tips are all in good condition (bar a tiny crack in the offside rear brake light lens) and overall, there’s nothing about the car’s exterior appearance that needs work - just enjoy looking good!

The cream leather cabin is in really good shape, with the hide on the centre console and rear seats almost unmarked. The front seats are slightly mellowed and creased from use, but there are no scuffs, tears or stains. The Jensen’s headrests have soft cloth-trimmed pads attached to them by Velcro strips; the one on the driver’s side was a bit tired and is being re-covered. The other will apparently be re-done to match it.

The door cards are just as smart as the rest of the leather and the carpets are good too. The vendor states the electric windows and all over features work as they should.

There’s a large and useful lockable storage box between the front seats containing the car’s data plate and also a handbook. The dash is in excellent condition, with the black vinyl fascia and dials all presenting well. We couldn’t vouch for the period Maystar radio-cassette or the air conditioning, but the compressor is in place and driven by double v-belts, so if it’s not working already it shouldn’t be tricky to sort.

In the boot, the carpet is smart enough and the floors beneath look to be sound, though they’re still hidden under the panels of (original?) insulation material. There’s a tool roll containing a jack and wheel brace. The door apertures both wear a charming dealer plate from Charles Follett Ltd, an important player in the Interceptor’s story.

The Jensen starts quite promptly but doesn’t smooth out until it’s had a little chance to warm up, when it woofles away with the heavy beat you only get from a big-block V8. The three-speed automatic engages reverse and selects drive promptly, surging away and changing as it should. It stops well, and pulls up straight.

The outer sills, wheel arches, front and rear valances all look encouragingly sound with good edges, as do the door bottoms. There’s a spare wheel in a cage under the boot floor.

The engine bay is serviceable rather than show-standard, but the pretty Jensen rocker covers boost it up somewhat. A powerful-looking new Bosch battery has just been fitted. There’s a bit of an oil mist over the suspension and steering components closest to the front of the engine but we didn’t see any drips or leaks.

Here’s the car’s weak point - no written documentation other than a current V5C and invoices for the recent recommission and bodyworks. As stated above, the vendor still believes there’s a chance of locating it, but bidders should consider the car’s earlier life as a bit of detective work to enjoy since it left Charles Follett Ltd in August 1974.

The vendor had the works completed this year as he had intended to keep this Interceptor forever to go with his Jensen-Healeys. However now that it is back from the paintshop, he has decided that it is not a car for him, the Jensen-Healeys would always take precedence for a journey. 

We’re estimating this car will sell for between £26,000 and £35,000. That should represent significant value to anyone who studies the Interceptor market - the smartest standard cars are offered by dealers at £60,000 and more, with six-figure sums asked for perfect restored and upgraded models. Even project cars are advertised at between £10,000 and £20,000.

Our view (and we have seen the car as part of the photos and text write-up) is that it appears strong, well-painted, largely original, genuine and unmolested.  It has received a significant amount of mechanical recommissioning, but is yet to travel any great distance and there might be a bit more debugging to occur. This one should prove useable straight away, though it probably suits an owner prepared to tackle minor issues as they arise - it’s always the way with cars emerging from a long hibernation. But it is important to point out what this Jensen is not; it is not bodged or messed about with, it does not have the fingerprints of numerous careless, low-budget owners desperately trying to keep it going on a shoestring. This last statement is important for all cars, but even more so for an Interceptor.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Perth, Scotland; 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’.

This vehicle is not with us at The Market’s HQ, which means we have had to rely on the owner’s description of it, in conjunction with the photographs you see here, to compile the listing.

With this in mind, we would encourage potential bidders to contact the owner themselves and arrange to view the car in person, or to arrange a dedicated video call in which they can view the car virtually and ask questions.