Jensen Interceptor MkIII
ENGINE 7212cc/V8/OHV POWER 330bhp@3600rpm TORQUE 350lb ft@2400rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 135mph 0-60MPH 7.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 10-16mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed auto MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 87,107 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This Jensen starts easily from cold and behaves impeccably, with none of the sloppiness that these cars can develop in old age. It feels tight and lively, with no play in the steering, sharp brakes and no hesitation when idling or accelerating. The power on offer is immense but the automatic transmission handles all that muscle with smooth changes and no untoward noises. Oil pressure is a healthy 60psi at idle. The stainless steel exhaust adds an attractively metallic tone to the V8 soundtrack.
BODYWORK CHECK
In silver-grey with a black vinyl roof, this is a striking-looking, purposeful machine. Bodily, it’s little short of superb; the worst imperfections that we could find were a touched-in pinprick ding on the left-nearside of the bonnet and a tiny patch of missing pinstriping on the offside front wing. The vinyl roof is excellent, with no crustiness under the material. All chrome is immaculate and panel fit very good. The vehicle has been undersealed and cavity wax-injected – even the rear leaf springs are protectivelywrapped. However, we did spot an area inside the offside front wheelarch where the underseal is peeling off. The GKN alloy wheels are undamaged and the Grabber GT 205/70 R15H tyres, which date from 2014, have plenty of tread remaining.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
Very smart. Cream leather usually doesn’t wear too well but it’s all in very good order, aside from light creasing and a few grubby bits around the door handles. The wood-trimmed centre console has no issues and neither do the carpets, which are protected by Jensenbranded black overmats. All the gauges work properly, aside from the clock. The passenger
sun visor keeps dropping down but the vendor says that this will be addressed before sale. The passenger door window is a little lethargic, but everything else worked as it should. The Panasonic radio/cassette player is too modern for this 1973 model but its black finish means that it doesn’t look too out of place.
UNDER THE BONNET
The packed engine bay is well detailed. Although there are a few grimy spots and signs of age, it’s nothing you wouldn’t want to show off. Fluids look clean and at their right levels, with no evidence of leaks.
THE CCW VIEW
The Interceptor offers a similar experience to the Aston Martin V8, albeit at somewhat less cost (aside from the fuel bills). This MkIII is about half the price you’d expect to pay for a Newport Pagnell V8 in similar condition, yet is definitely not half the car. With a huge history file, including books and magazine articles on the model, this example seems to justify its top-end price.