Even though this rare (1,128 built between 1969 and 1971) Jensen Interceptor Mk. II has been stored for many years, it runs quite nicely. It’s listed for sale here on eBay and is located at the Grand Prix Cafe in Southampton, New York. Rather than put an artificially low starting price with a higher reserve, the seller has started the no-reserve auction just below $15,000.
As with most limited-production steel cars, the main issue when purchasing a Jensen Interceptor is rust. The body shell is quite complex and has a tendency to rot, especially around the edges of the trunk and hood as well as anywhere around the lower panels. Those stainless steel sill covers (factory fitment) can hide a huge amount of rust, so purchase carefully. A pre-purchase inspection of any Interceptor is highly recommended. This one looks quite complete and is unusually still wearing its factory wheels.
This rust problem location diagram comes from a great Interceptor buyers guide courtesy of Classic & Sportscar. You’ll notice there’s not a lot of the car that isn’t listed! I recommend reading the buyers guide closely if you’re considering purchasing one of these interesting cars.
It’s reassuring to see a lack of accident damage at the rear and an intact glass hatchback; the most polarizing feature of the car. I happen to like the styling and would love to have one of these Aston-Martin competitors in my garage. I’ve come close twice but each time there was just too much rust for me to comfortably take it on. Does anyone else besides me know what that license plate light assembly is from?
Thanks to the seller showing plenty of close up photos and a video of the car running, you are able to see some issues with the sheet metal in the front, including a shallow depression just to the right of the center of the very front panel. I believe those are rust bubbles at the edge of the hood and I can see some cracks in the finish as well. While those may just be in the paint, they could also be indicative of filler underneath. Again, check it out before purchase.
The underside of this car is absolutely spectacular compared to the two Interceptors I’ve looked closely at purchasing. Okay, I’d route the red hose a little differently too, but at least someone tie-wrapped it out of the way! But I don’t see any of the usual rust and even the exhaust system looks sound.
Interceptors were almost all fitted with automatics and this car is no exception. However the dash seems to be intact for the most part and some simple cleaning would go a long way towards restoring its appearance.
The sellers have included a link to this video of the Chrysler-sourced V8 engine running and it actually sounds really good; the clean appearance of the carburetor and air conditioning compressor are also encouraging. What do you think, readers — is this a good place to start for a gentleman’s express?
One of my favourite cars ever. The perfect combination of Italian styling, British engineering, and a classic American V8.
Love these. Tried to buy one left to rot outside a local body shop place back in the 90’s.
Not for the faint of heart – I owned one back in the mid 80’s and already then it had already had a full body restoration. As they were fully hand built, no body panel will fit from one car to another but they all require a lot of individual fitting.
I was told that a common mistake is to start cutting away all the rusty metal. Once you’ve done that you have no reference points anymore and it gets very difficult to get it all back together again. Instead you needed to start at one point and then work your way around the car.
Despite the dependable Chrysler engine and gearbox, the rest of the car is decidedly British so it was always a bit of an adventure to see if you could get to where you were going without any breakdowns. When running it was a nice car, but I have never pined for owning another one!
I’m guessing it has the infamous Lucas electrical system. I’ve heard by some that this is overrated. Try telling that to my brother that own a MG and MG Midget. Never seen these with a manual trans.
That’s the most restorable looking Interceptor I’ve ever seen. Even in 1984, most of the less-than-perfect ones were far rustier than this.
TR6 for the light
Score one for Kevin! 69-72 to be exact.
Oh, the number plate light :)
My dad owned an FF when I was young. He bought it with a cracked block from memory. I think he sold it that way too. Mesmerising to me as a young lad.. it’s looks.. and an engine from an American car! Cool
I have a 75 convertible,and 71 coupe, so it’s safe to say I’m a fan.This one is too expensive ,even if free.They are extremely expensive to restore (think 10 to 15 grand for the interior vs $3500 for Mustang or Camaro),and the rust that’s NOT shown will kill you,based on what is visible.It’s an Interceptor so worth building,but the entry point needs to reflect the needs.
It’s 1978, high up in the hills of Northern California. Hiking to visit a friend who’s gardening in a remote area of Mendocino. On the road to his place sits an early ( 1971?) Interceptor blocking access to his place. It was almost in the ground then.
Its probably still there.
mainlymuscle is quite right. The car needs a close inspection, and the starting figure is too high. It won’t be cheap to save, and although the results will be very gratifying one needs to start at a lower figure.
According to Haggerty’s, a #4 is worth $15K. $32K for #3 and $50k for #2 condition. Maybe that’s what he is going off of. I always liked these, my neighbor had one in about 1974 or so. Good luck, no shots of the underside, that would really tell.
https://www.facebook.com/yargnitram/ my jensen 1975-76 jensen interceptor page,rear number plate light is from TR6 here is one for sale in usa.
https://www.bpnorthwest.com/number-plate-lamp-tr6-up-to-1972.html?fbclid=IwAR2sNNtP2IdA7twKs_5R6UW8hBk93XCte2oEXcsLkdIyQiC7m6K0294GTJY
Seven grand after inspection
Here is my question
Rather than put an artificially low starting price with a higher reserve, the seller has started the no-reserve auction just below $15,000.
How can it be a no reserve auction if the starting bid is 15k
It is then a reserve auction because of the 15k
A no reserve auction would start at 0 , wouldnt it ?