UPDATE 11/12/2024: It isn’t unusual for an owner to fail to sell their classic at the first attempt, and such is the case with this 1974 Jensen Interceptor Mark III. We previously saw this British Grand Tourer in August, but I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting that it has hit the market again. Its details remain the same, and from its long hood, American V8, and distinctive back window, there is much to like about this classic.
08/27/2024: An excellent 1974 Jensen Interceptor is up for sale in San Diego, California. Priced at $37,500 here on Craigslist, this rogue was built with British chassis engineering, Italian design, and an American V8 powerplant, bringing the best of three countries to the road. Painted in a beautiful shade of red, this dashing car is ready to hit the road in style.
Jensen is not a marquee name in the classic car community, but when you take a closer look at the specs on these cars, you have to wonder why they don’t get more attention. With reasonably low production numbers, these cars are not standard at local car shows. But when you look at all the specs on these cars, a special vehicle starts to emerge. Starting with the exterior styling, we get some shooting-brake vibes. Carrozzeria Touring captured a striking design for these Interceptor models, at least by my eye. I can see this car being used to advertise British woodsy-smelling cologne or a dapper sports watch.
This specific Interceptor is an excellent example from the limited pictures. The color is striking, and the alloy wheels have a great sporting look. The tube grill continues with a clean design, and you won’t have trouble seeing out of the back window! The interior has the British elegance of a cigar lounge with black leather and wood accents. Under the hood is a de-tuned Chrysler 440 with about 285 ponies in stock form. This is a reliable V-8 that can be livened up with some aftermarket goodies. Putting this power to the road is a 3-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission, which is, again, another reliable mechanical component. Don’t overlook the chassis, though. This is a well-designed and well-handling (for its vintage) chassis that can manage the American V-8 power well.
I have always thought the Jensens were beautiful cars, but honestly, I did not know much about them. This is one of the reasons why I was excited to write this post and do a little research on a marque that I was unfamiliar with. But what about you? Have you owned an Interceptor or any of the other Jensen models? What was your experience with them? Can any former mechanics who have worked on these tell us about their experience? After learning more about Jensen, I will watch them closely whenever they cross my path. They seem a great way to get into British luxury without spending Aston Martin money or dealing with Jaguar reliability.
Looks great and mighty clean, i would rather have a manual, but a automatic might be better for some. I hope it sells.
Manual interceptors are rare as hen’s teeth (something like 22 of them made, I’m guessing all RHD.) There was also the FF, an early AWD version that is pretty rare also and sells for a big premium.
Imagine wheeling up to the hill 🎿 in a blizzard, booting along in an awd Jensen ❄️ too cool.
I like the autoloader application here actually. GT car w easy power. The 440 and Torq-flite are an excellent combination.
The Torqflite was popular with the drag racers of the era. Hard to beat off the line and very durable. Same with GM’s 4 speed Hydromatic..
Something about the name “Interceptor” is just cool to me.
Maybe from “The Road Warrior”?
His car was the “last of the V8 Interceptors.”
I’ve got a 2003 “Interceptor” with a V8
A few images of the undercarriage would be nice as well.
This one looks surprisingly well kept, or restored. Most you find on the market have or are suffering from the tin worm or a deep electrical issue. They only came in automatic form, with either a 380 or 440 MOPAR engine. I have heard it takes several hides to redo the interior, which is very comfy from my experience. I prefer the convertible, but that massive back glass might make it feel more open, just better make sure the AC is up to snuff prior to cruising on a sunny day.
I helped a buddy restore his Interceptor. his had the 440 and it was a perfect but tight fit in the engine bay. We replaced the entire seating surfaces and all interior panel. the seat covers alone were $2500 and this was in 1988! Remember that this is still a British car with Lucas electronics and that was the worst part of the car. Once that was straightened out the car was bulletproof. We also restored his Sunbeam Tiger. that was a hoot to drive.
Carhag.. Chrysler did not make a “380”.. did you mean 360?
The Interceptor ll came with the 383
He meant 383. (or so I assume) Never could get a small block in these, or at least that is how I remember it. I went to school with a girl named Jensen and I tried to impress her by showing her one in a car magazine. The car impressed her, but I did not. Story of my life.
I have probably had as many Jensen Interceptors as anyone. I had some contacts in Anchorage Alaska and I helped them buy cars in the lower 48. It was a unique time, they were making a lot of money in Alaska ,but they were stranded ,almost like living on an island. They wanted cars ,but there was no inventory in Alaska and they couldn’t take the time to go find a car. I started with one guy and once I established a reputation, I had a growing business. They wanted Corvettes, Mercedes, Jaguars, Porsche any high end exotic. One guy really liked Jensen’s and I got very familiar with them. They certainly are an oxymoron. I had a love hate relationship with everyone of them. Mostly because of the Prince of darkness. This B/F car looks like a good car, one I would have certainly considered.
Please explain that reference, went over my head (my small small head) Also, were the buyers oil men? Also again, is there any decent roads to even drive a great car in Alaska?
Lucas electrics. Prince of darkness.
Similarly, I bought a 67 Fairlane station wagon in San Jose, CA from a New Zealand ex-pat who was buying as many classic cars as he could get in California and shipping them to well-heeled buyers in Australia and New Zealand. They apparently love 50s-70s cars there.
I bid on a contract to provide a fire apparatus to the Forest Service in Alaska. As a part of the contract, we would have had to lowboy it to the port (USFS policy), load it on to a barge and then lowboy it in Alaska to the end user. And, it had to be completely slathered in rust preventative coating to prevent damage while at sea. I’m glad that we were not awarded the bid. I have to imagine that the successful bidder did not do well financially on that contract.
I know I said it in a former post; It’s a good looking car and very rare, it’s British with Lucas corrosion however, I can’t get excited about an automatic transmission. I know when they came out it was geared to the American ‘non stick’ driver. I wouldn’t need to own one but I would like just one drive in a RHD British manual version. It’s a very similar dilemma to me regarding older 80’s 7 Series BMWs. I have absolutely no interest in a 733i with an automatic. There were a few made with 5 speeds and they were beasts and fun to drive. I never got to own one, came close but the deal didn’t happen. I found one in Vermont last year sitting in a garage. It ran great and looked good but alas, Mr Rust did his job on the undercarriage and that made it a ‘no go’!
These beasties were geared for European Carriage ways: very high so they lacked the tyre smoking expected of that drivetrain, The popular mod in the Jensen owners club is to fit the OVERDRIVE VERSION OF THEIR 727 TRANNY AND MUCH LOWER DIFF 4:27 GEARS giving the beast the best of both worlds!
A luxurious hand built British Grand tourer ,with Big Block power ,that sells for small block dart money,ergo I have both a coupe and a vert .
These came out just when I was graduating high school. Imagine my surprise getting out of my ’73 Capri and my friend pulls up in his dad’s brand new Interceptor!! What a car!! I have always thought that they are one of the most beautiful autos ever designed. This one looks great. I rarely ever see one anymore. There used to be a Jensen mechanic in Culver City CA and he had quite a business. But he retired and closed the shop and I could no longer drive by and drool!!
I had a friend who drove a Dodge Dart with no AC. She would complain to her coworkers about the heat in Sacramento driving in traffic. They would ask “Don’t you have AC?” She would reply that Jensen Healeys were built in England and they don’t need AC there. At least she thought it was funny.
a fine ride for a British performance car, V8 Auto , very nice or me, certainly much better than any Japanese vehicle. Would one on with pride.
From the pictures it looks nice and the price isn’t shocking for the condition. Driver seat bottom cushion in much better condition than passenger seat cushion, may have been recovered. Last time I got a chance to get close to an Interceptor was many years ago while hiking in Canada, it was in the Banff National Park . . . I remember it was a dark metallic bronze or copper color . . . and older couple who were enjoying the scenery as they cruised thru the park.
Great, another “sports car” with a press & go transmission. IMHO, a mini van with no storage or extra passenger room.