This 1972 Jensen Interceptor MKIII has an interesting paint job and an even more intriguing back story, with the seller claiming its low mileage is due to spending years in a police impound. More on that later, but in the meantime, this is a tidy-looking example of one of the more well-executed mash ups of luxury and performance. The Interceptor stuck Chrysler V8 power under the hood with a healthy helping of luxury in the cockpit and styling that still stands apart from the crowd decades later. All told, it was probably a horrible choice for a drug smuggler to use such an eye-catching coupe! Find it here on Facebook Marketplace for $29,000.
The Interceptor is one of those classic cars that seems to offer a ton of value for the money. For me, the styling is still on point, looking absolutely fierce while still providing heavy doses of refinement in the cabin. With styling by Carrozzeria Touring, it’s no accident that it still looks fresh decades later. The GKN alloy wheels also represent an understated but handsome design, and really, the exclamation point is that gigantic rear glass canopy. I would hate to crack it, but outside of such trauma, the hinged glass hatch is worth its weight in stress. The seller doesn’t tell us what color this Jensen was originally, but I do dig the yellow.
This is a true ROW example with its standard right-hand drive configuration. While plenty of these Interceptors were allocated for U.S. market distribution, this one is made all the more interesting for being sold in the UK and exported stateside. If the drug trafficking story holds weight, what was happening with the prior owner they arrived here in a RHD Interceptor stuffed with illegal contraband? This is all fantasy, obviously, since even the seller can’t tell us for sure if being locked up in impound is the reason for its low mileage, but it is an entertaining anecdote all the same. The interior is in wonderful shape, and looks the part of a low-mileage car.
The MKIII Interceptor arrived with a beefy Chrysler-sourced 440 V8, good for a robust 330 horsepower. Given this is a European-market example, I do wonder if it has less restrictive emissions equipment, or if it was later retrofitted when imported. Regardless, this engine will serve you well, along with the reliable Chrysler TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission. The biggest concern on Interceptors is typically rust, and this car looks quite clean down the sides. You’ll want to perform a more robust inspection in-person to assess if there’s any crustiness hiding underneath, but overall, this looks like an intriguing Interceptor, albeit at a price that’s slightly optimistic in today’s market.
Looks great, but only four photos?
Seems like it would have gone to the police auction long before the indicated mileage added any significant value.
I was alway intrigued by them in their day, however I was turned off by the automatic trans. I know there were a few with sticks but this car was destined to the American market where shifting is not the order of the day! It’s a cruiser!!
That’s a stock color??
Whatzat? “…albeit at a price that’s slightly optimistic in today’s market.”
Really? I think you and I have a different definition of “Slightly”!
Clean, low mileage Interceptors start at $35,000 and pop up to near $100,000. This car is actually is a bit under market, at least in the EU. There would be a discount buying one here in the states just due to the domestic markets lack of knowledge. It’s priced right.
“The seller doesn’t tell us what color this Jensen was originally, but I do dig the yellow.” Curious as to why a car with (less than) 10,000 miles would be repainted???
Jeez, a 440 on a roller skate??? That thing would be fun any way you look at it!!!
Always liked these but would need to verify if a factory color, original paint. I think the seller might do better selling in England, Australia or any other ‘right-hooker’ market.
Very cool car , 440 and 727 trans a stong, available really good fit for this car.
Maybe a 4spd auto depending on rear gear .Besides the danger of rust any Jensen guys out there have any idea of how much if even available rear glass would be ? I have to admit that does scare me.
These cars were quite limited in production with the early ones powered by the 383. Both the 383 and the 440 were “export” versions of the Chrysler domestic engines. Along with plenty of power, they also were no slouch either when it came to handling, feeling like a much smaller car.It was sad to see how many of these cars were so mistreated. Fit and finish were impeccable especially considering they were selling alongside Europe’s best at the time.
The rear glass is 29K. The rest of thr car is free. ☺️
Seriously, Google search shows one in England for 3950 pounds, or 5300 and change USD. Add shipping and you have over 20% of the car’s value hanging off the back end.
A plastic trash bag and duct tape would save quite a few pennies.
But it would make a gorgeous car look like a dogs dinner.
Be very careful These had awful electrical problems, from reading reviews on these. Nightmare electronics
Lucas?
The Prince Of Darkness.
These are cool cars and a nice one was used in one of the Fast and Furious movies where Letty raced Dom in his Daytona Charger.
Despite having a 440 in it, Google search reveals 0-60mph times were only in the 7 second range. Would have thought faster but I’m sure the ride is very visceral compared to a modern car that does 0-60mph in the same time.