Jensen Interceptor Mk 1 6.3-litre-Auction Lot, 1969
Jensen Interceptor, I
Jensen Interceptor, I•
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Chassis No.: 1153523
Engine No.: 176815E
- Transmission: Automatic
- Body Colour: Bronze
A very well presented example of the consummate British GT.
A desirable late Mkl model fresh from a recent restoration. Very genuine, and offered from a private collection by our diligent vendor with a real passion for classic cars. Recently painted in the correct colour, whilst retaining a charming patina. Good history file, parts invoices, DVLA vehicle records, and a small photographic compilation of its restoration. Smartly presented in this colour combination, the Interceptor is a credible contender to an early Aston V8. First shown in London at the October 1966 Earls Court Motor Show, the Jensen Interceptor Mk l had a model life of just three years, before being superseded in October 1969 by the Interceptor Mk II.
Only 1,024 examples of the original car were built, with 923 being right-hand drive automatics, and just 30 or so are believed to survive today. Jensen started as a coachbuilding firm in the early 1930s, and after a period of putting their distinctive bodies on other manufacturers products, the company started producing their own sports cars. Oddly enough, for a company experienced in both design and coachwork, the Interceptor was actually designed by Carrozzeria Touring in Italy and built by Vignale, with the all-steel bodyshell arriving in the Midlands to then be paired with the inimitable 6.3-litre Chrysler V8 and automatic transmission.
The Interceptor has rightly become one of the classic GT cars, favoured by Royalty and Rock Stars alike, and known to be smooth, quiet, very refined and easy to drive. When new it cost substantially more than an Aston Martin and was double the price of an E-Type Jaguar. The car presented here is a 1969 Jensen Interceptor Mark l 6.3, making it a late-production example of the original cars, and was first registered in September 1969. It's in lovely genuine condition and is very solid, having been known to the registry since 2013. Our vendor, a keen classic car collector, searched high and low for the most sound example he could find.
Not content with its former paintwork, he had it repainted in the correct and original Metallic Fawn. It suits the cars lines perfectly, contrasting nicely with the box-fresh black interior upholstery from M-Trim upholsters of London, and leaving behind patinated accents of interior trim which retain the vehicle's character. The Jensen comes from a very recent and complete bare-metal restoration, including looking after all its mechanical needs, suspension, brakes and drivetrain, with parts supplied from Martin Robey. The odometer currently indicates a mileage of 70,739 and, looking at the historical information in the owners history file, this would seem wholly credible.
The car runs and drives very well with good oil pressure. A striking blend of Anglo-Italian with an American heart, the Interceptor Mk l certainly ticks a lot of boxes. Our diligent private vendor is a real classic car enthusiast and looking at this lovely early car, it shows. A rare opportunity today and viewing is thoroughly recommended.
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