It certainly seems like there’s been a rash of Jensen Interceptors popping up for sale lately, with most of them in barn find or project-grade condition. This Series II model supposedly has a connection to Hollywood given the original owner had a significant role in the 1930s television show Our Gang and it has been in that same family ever since. The California blue plates tell the tale about how long it’s been on the West Coast, and while it looks a bit tired, the seller maintains it runs well and was just serviced. Find it here on craigslist for $22,000 and thanks to Barn Finds reader Matt R. for the find.
The Jensen looks surprisingly good for an unrestored example that has likely been used as a driver for most of its life. It looks solid, but clearly not overly preserved, and that’s fine – it’s a car that has aged naturally, an ideal middle ground we so rarely see any more. The chrome bumpers look a bit dull, and the same goes for the wheels, but all of those details can be brought back to life with a weekend of detailing. The Interceptors always had expansive glass and the iconic rear hatch presents well. The seller notes the color as Cabernet Maroon and that it will need a respray to be perfect.
The engine bay is left in its grimy, as-used condition, with no evidence of major upgrades or modifications. In fact, all of the major components appear original, from the air cleaner assembly with its tired paint to the radiator that has clearly been in place for some time. The seller claims the Chrysler-derived powerplant works well and has just 36,000 miles on it, so it should have a decent amount of runway left before it needs a rebuild; of course, that all depends on how well it’s been maintained. The seller mentions that his mother’s name is on the title, and that a photo of the Our Gang cast and letter of documentation from the Davis family will be included.
The interior appears to be past the point of some simple cleaners and moisturizers, with the limited photos showing tired upholstery that is beige in color and quite dirty. You can just barely see it here, but the leopard spot floor mats are a very Hollywood-appropriate “upgrade.” Jensen Interceptors are at their most desirable in Series 1 form, but Series 2 cars aren’t a bad way to go, either, if you want classic British style and raw American power under the hood. The question is, with so many coming out of the woodwork, do you need to rush off to buy one?
Weren’t some of these powered by a 428 Ford? Also is the market soft on them? Kind of a neat car, the back greenhouse though is hideous (apologies to those that really really like them.)
Never heard of Ford power, always Mopar….
I think you’re thinking of the Iso Grifo or the AC 428 Frua, Chief
Monteverdi Hai used the 426 Hemi.
They were called interceptors due to utilizing mopar state police interceptor motors… I’d love to own one. Always thought they were Awsome luxury highway haulers…
Two Jensen Interceptors in 24 hours? With odds like these I may need to buy a lottery ticket
Very expensive cars to restore. My recollection is that, among other things, the original part was lacquer, so in order to repaint it needs to be totally stripped.
Although I wouldn’t call the rear window hideous, I do prefer the convertibles (much rarer) over the hardtops. Can’t beat British provenance, Italian styling, and American horsepower.
1930’s TVShow???
Perhaps it was Buckwheat.
Jensen started off using Nash Straight 8’s,Ford V8’s,then Austin,finally Mopar.
Beautiful looking car. I’ve only seen two of these in person, but I’ve always found the Interceptor the best looking car Jensen offered.
Front end looks like a old Mercury Capri…….I think AMC designed that HUGE rear glass!
Located in Playa Del Rey, CA
Were they not awd (4×4) ?
What system did they use ?
A few were four wheel drive – the FF model(Ferguson).
Most used the 440 or 383 Mopar engines.
No specs but this must be a 383? They still used the HiPo 383/ 335 HP motor in ‘71. A true West Coast survivor would have some mold, (unlike desert survivors) and salt water corrosion surface rust which this one has. All in all a believable 36k mile survivor! It should sell quick!
Interceptor 2 will be the 383 CID
the 440’s were in the 74’s and later.
Cheers
74 interceptor owner for over 20 years