Jensen Interceptor II (1971)
A gorgeous Interceptor II in a cracking colour combination which provides a lot of car for the money. Blending Italian design with American muscle and British heritage it is ready to drive away.
The Jensen Interceptor is one of those cars which seems to have made an impression wherever it appears. Beloved of wealthy sport, film and pop stars, it made a statement at the time and continues to do so today. With a 383 cubic inches (6276 cc) Chrysler V8 mated to a TorqueFlite automatic gearbox, rear wheel drive and a limited slip differential, there was never a shortage of power.
The Series II was launched at the 1969 Earls Court Motor Show and production lasted for two years. It was superseded in August 1971 after a total production run of slightly over 1100 cars. The last examples left the factory in September 1971, overlapping with production of the replacement model (inspiringly named Interceptor III). This car was first registered in August 1971, so is one of the very last Interceptor II models. This is confirmed by its chassis no. 123/4140 which identifies it firstly as an original RHD automatic - of which a total of just under 700 were produced - and, secondly, being close to the end of the numbering sequence which went up to 4244. The low survival rate makes them rarer than the later cars.
The Series II differed from the first incarnation of the Interceptor most visibly in the dashboard layout and details such as lights, but they also continued to benefit from the improvements made to the later Series I cars. These most notably included the fitting of better suspension, brakes and tyres, and the same power steering as the Jaguar XJ6 (power steering having first been introduced on the Series I model in 1968). This car was fitted with the optional air-conditioning first available on the Series II (although it hasn't been the time of year to verify if it's working!). Steel Rostyle wheels (with 6 inch rims, an inch larger than the Series I) were standard on the Interceptor II. Any cars with alloys will have had them fitted later.
This car is in a beautiful deep red colour - darker than the photos suggest - although we are not sure which of the several shades of red produced it is (Crimson? Cerise?). The body and underside are in astoundingly good condition with only a very tiny amount of bubbling at the rear of the body. The impressive glass tailgate, such a distinguishing feature of these cars, is perfect and in working order. The black leather interior is largely in fine condition for its age with only the driver's seat showing any real signs of wear with a small hole on the bolster. There is a working stereo. The glass manual sunroof opens and closes as it should. The engine bay is an impressive sight and has clearly been looked after.
The car has a file of invoices showing recent attention over the last few years, including many ones with the right names for a Jensen of Cropredy Bridge, Martin Robey and Rejen, as well as MoT certificates going back to the early 1990s.
MoT and tax (historic) to end of March.
Price - £15,950 ono
