This pair of sadly rusted classics underscores Richard Dawkins‘ sentiment that “Nature is not cruel, only pitilessly indifferent.” Outdoor storage took its toll on nearly every visible panel of these 1972 Jensen Interceptors near Wood River Junction, Rhode Island. Offered for “parts or restoration” here on craigslist, they wear an asking price of $5000 for both. Only a true optimist would view them as more than conveniently palletized parts in a pseudo-car shaped form. Nevertheless, they may live on by happily donating parts to a similar sidelined ride. Thanks to reader AMXBrian for spotting the once flashy two-fer.
Ouch; it hurts! Only 4255 of these Jensen Interceptor MK III vehicles found their way to the U.S. between 1971 and 1976. Parts may be readily available for the Chrysler-sourced 440 cid (7.2L) V8, but finding panels for a low-production hand-built body will test your Internet and swap-meet mettle.
Billed as the “Gentleman’s Express,” the Interceptor’s sporty European body and big American V8 appealed to those with a flair for something different and a fat wallet. Priced at the equivalent of $60,000 today, the Jensen made a statement at the discotheque or country club.
My daughter’s boyfriend Jenson fancies owning one some day as they’re nearly his namesake. My advice to him would be to take a hard pass on this pair, and I extend that advice, unless your Interceptor needs parts you see here. Would you consider restoring either of these far-gone foreigners?
LOVE these cars but hard pass on these two piles.
They are asking too much money for that pair of parts cars. Their pedigree as quasi super cars doesn’t justify the price in their condition.
Steve R
If you’ve found a rust free chassis for one of these buying this pair might be worth it for parts, but not at that price. Junk with probably some good mechanical parts.
“Gentleman’s Distress” Ugliest rear window treatment in the history of mankind.
Ran when sunk.
Both available for a bucket of clams.
Seller should be scalloped.
A real mussel car?
Me thinks snot.
When one considers how expensive these cars were when new, how why were they ever allowed to deteriorate to this condition? Yet we see it frequently. Has always been this way. I remember seeing an old Mercedes gullwing rotting away behind a gas station in Prescott, Arizona years ago. And for the guy who referred to these cars as only quasi-super cars obviously doesn’t remember the automotive environment when they were new. Apart from the Lamborghini Miura (THE ORIGINAL SUPERCAR OF ALL TIME in my book) these were about as good as it got if you wanted to be able to carry four adults. But now, obviously beyond economic salvation. Interesting thought – if these were Plymouth Superbirds, would people be clamoring to restore them? Back in the day, the Jensen was the rarer, more desirable, almost “exotic” car – and I can attest, they drive superior to any contemporary Mopar of the period, particularly if you like to go around corners or stop quickly!
Run away, run away.
I just saw the 1972 movie version of Tales from the Crypt. One of these features prominently in the segment titled “Wish You Were Here.”
And it was driven by the late Richard Greene (television’s Robin Hood).What a nasty film!
Sorry, thought this one had patina…
What do you mean you can’t get body parts for them??
I’m shure I could graft the rear section from an AMC pacer to the back of them and it would look just fine!!!
Spray can primer always hides nastiness. Move along, nothing to see here.
Nope; and I prefer the convertibles, mostly because of the back window treatment on the coupes.
Put them outta their misery
Interceptor values have been increasing, but they aren’t anywhere near making these viable restoration projects.
Parts are readily available. Martin Robey in England makes most body panels new. Predictably, they aren’t cheap, and you’d basically need to build a complete new shell for either of these cars.
These are parts cars. I don’t think they could even be made safe enough to use as LeMons racers. Sadly, because that would be awesome.
Gotta stop using that brine wax!
Sadly, rust is all too common in Jensen built cars – from the early Volvo P1800 through the Jensen Healey, rust was the Achilles heel of many British assembled cars, but the Jensens seem to have fared the worst.
I prefer the convertible over the rear green house coupe. But these GT touring car’s are excellent drivers. Granted it’s not going to sip petrol, but with the 440 ci engine, and 727 trans your going to have boat loads of torque, and plenty of lookylou’s staring. Yes there are still people that have no idea what they are looking at,some might ask, but majority will just look. These are overpriced parts car’s, nothing else in my opinion. So if you already have a Jensen, then negotiate a deal and keep yours running for years to come.
Tons of good parts there though. I used to part those out and made enough off 2 to buy a decent one that was mostly rust free and just needed paint and some wiring. Sold it due to a relocation, but it’s still on the road