The ad for this 1974 Jensen Interceptor Mk. III states that it was stored indoors for 20 years until recently in the desert area of California. It’s now listed for sale here on eBay, with a buy-it-now of $22,995 but lower offers are welcomed. The car is now located in Torrance and some of the refurbishment work necessary to get the car driveable has already been completed. Let’s delve into what exactly an Interceptor is and whether or not you think it’s worth the effort to put it back on the road!
Yes, we’re going to start with the elephant in the room; that giant glass hatchback. Even when introduced in 1966, the styling of the Interceptor was extremely polarizing. Intended to compete with other Grand Touring cars such as the Aston Martin DB series, the Carrozzeria Touring styling was extremely distinctive. The front needed to be somewhat blocky to house the series of Chrysler V8s that were used to provide “effortless” power, but the rear…ah, the rear…was intended to wow the observer. That huge expanse of glass is even more impressive if you get to see an Interceptor in person!
One thing Interceptors are known for is rust — but this example appears to have escaped most or all of those issues. We are told in the ad that the hood (bonnet) was replaced, and that could either be due to a fire at some point or that they have a major propensity to rust, especially around the front edge and louvers. I remember looking at a tatty one for sale that was solid except that the hood was so rusty I could see the valve covers through it! I’m really encouraged by the under car shots of this particular vehicle.
As you can see from this 1974 Interceptor brochure, Jensen was very proud of the 440 cubic-inch Chrysler V-8 engine fitted to late Interceptors (previously, the 383 had been used). The upgrade (?) to the 440 returned some punch to the car that had been lost as the Mopar V-8s were strangled by EPA emissions requirements. I’ve heard that the Jensen 440s received some special assembly versus standard engines, but I was unable to verify that through research. Do any readers have insights on this point?
Although the leather appears a bit dry, probably from the long storage period, it was an extremely high-quality material, to begin with and can probably be rejuvenated to some level of adequacy for a driver-level car. It’s also unusual to see the original steering wheel still in place as most enthusiasts replace it with something more sporting. I don’t blame them.
Some mechanical work will be required before the car can be street-driven, although the seller states that the brakes would be okay for a “storage lot drive.” I am pleased not to see a huge level of previous owner “bodges” in place and that the air conditioning compressor still has a belt on it (certainly not a guarantee of condition, but at least it wasn’t seized when the car was taken off the road). What do you think of this Anglo-American GT? How much do you think it’s worth?
Do a complete rust proofing and change the AC compressor to something that won’t rattle your teeth out and you might have something unusual and fun. My question is how many folks like me would not pay that kind of money for a car that color?
Great car if rust-free or minimus. Agreed on color – baby poo just doesn’t exude class. It reeks of 2:30AM wakeups. SO glad those days are long gone.
Those of us who were around in the ’70s remember lots of cars in that unattractive color. Like you, we called it “baby-s*** brown”. Started out ugly and the decades haven’t improved it.
I can’t find the reference now, but I’ve read that the engines were bought from Chrysler industrial in Canada. That was partly to reduce the duties because Canada is part of the Commonwealth. The engines were said to have forged connecting rods (and crank, but all 440s had that). There may have been other premium components. As for the color, well, it was the ’70’s. Mine was originally a sort of metallic bluish purple. I wish I’d kept the color now, but in 1985, when we did the bare metal repaint, I opted for a more conventional Regal Red.
I had a pale yellow 73 with dark brown interior back in the mid 70’s. Great road car, rock solid at 90 mph. Used Michelin XWX tires which were excellent for that period. Unfortunately the 440 engine generated a ton of heat in the tight engine compartment which fried the wiring and the battery on a regular basis. On the plus side, women absolutely loved this car. Comfortable leather seats, burl walnut dash and console and good A/C. Of course another nice thing about the car – nobody else had one !!
Looks like a good deal, sellers name is Bricklin261.