1975 Jensen Interceptor Series III Convertible

The Jensen Interceptor was a sporting GT-class car, hand-built in the UK by Jensen Motors between 1966 and 1976. The car broke with a Jensen tradition by having a steel body shell instead of a glass-reinforced plastic one and by having the body designed by an outside firm, Carrozzeria Touring of Italy, the firm more recognisably associated with the likes of Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Maserati and Alfa Romeo.

The engine was a Chrysler V8, initially of 6276cc, with optional manual transmission, but the more common choice was the TorqueFlite automatic transmission, drive was via the rear wheels through a limited slip differential and a conventional Salisbury rear axle. The engine grew to 7212cc in late 1971 and it acquired 4-barrel carburation.

The original specification included electric windows, reclining front seats, a wood rimmed steering wheel, a radio with twin speakers, reversing lights and an electric clock. Power steering was included as standard from September 1968. The Mark II Interceptor was announced in October 1969 with revised frontal styling and ventilated disc brakes, and shortly afterwards, in 1971, came the Mark III. It had revised seats, fully cast alloy wheels plus some other improvements. Latterly, a convertible with a powered soft top was introduced in 1974, this was mainly intended for the American market but also sold in Europe. Just 267 convertibles were made, and here is possibly the best!..

First registered in January of 1975, correspondence with the Jensen's Owners Club confirms that this car, chassis #2311/1328, was immediately exported to the USA. After an unknown period to this cataloguer, the car returned to UK shores, and importantly, retained its matching V8 powerplant that is still present today. The car was purchased by the vendor at a considerable sum from Cropredy Bridge Garage, Banbury - a retail business synonymous with the Jensen name - as a complete car which, to many of us, would suffice as a good usable example in running order. To our vendor however, this car represented the best possible donor from which to undertake his own painstaking restoration.

Some of you may remember the beautiful Jensen Interceptor sold with Silverstone Auctions at our Spring Sale for a record sum? This beautiful convertible Series III has been restored under the watchful eye of the same vendor, so you understand what we mean when we say it is another "best of breed' example...

The subject of enormous restorative works and significant financial contribution, the result is faultless. What first strikes you is the result of the bare metal respray in attractive gunmetal metallic paint, the depth of which is incredible and flawlessly executed to complement the gleaming chrome work and correct badging. As you approach the car, you next spot the accurate Interceptor wheels, immaculately refurbished and shod in the best Pirelli Corsa tyres. The black hood, if up, is a brand-new insulated mohair item which is of course power-operated from the cabin. If down, you'll be taken by the stunning new red leather interior and bespoke matching tonneau cover which shrouds the convertible hood behind the heads of the rear passengers. The cabin is a fine place to be, incorporating the beautifully refurbished seats , the felt headrests in the front are affixed by Velcro as was correct in 1975, the new carpets are in matching red, the original dashboard has been refurbished and there are seat belts for each passenger.

Turning the key fires the enormous V8 engine to life at the first time of asking. As with everything else on this car anything that wasn't in perfect order was either replaced or renewed. The engine for example was fully rebuilt, as was the gearbox. The result of these two tasks, each a mammoth undertaking, is a hugely competent engine perfect for Grand Touring with effortless acceleration and responsive gear changes. To the underside of the car, the back axle and drive shaft were refurbished, the front suspension received some remedial works to improve the handling and comfort of the drive, and the brakes were rebuilt to help match the power so as to give some chance of stopping the car!

Now offered for sale in undoubtedly better-than-new condition, the vendor's inability to cut corners and the fastidious way in which every task was undertaken to absolute perfection means the total cost attributed to the build of this car exceeded £90,000! This is an enormous amount of money, but then, it is an enormous amount of exceptional motor car.

UK registered, the car is offered for sale with V5C registration certificate, MoT to 2013, a letter from the Jensen Owners Club confirming the history of this car and its matching numbers status, plus a host of invoices documenting the restoration. We're well aware the monetary levels that these cars have achieved in the past, but we challenge anyone to find or build a comparative Jensen to this in the world today for less than the guide price presented here...