Simply Stunning: 1974 Jensen Interceptor III – SOLD!

August 16th Update – While updating our past Malaise Monday listings, we confirmed the private seller deleted their Craigslist post, so we’re calling this rare Interceptor “Sold!”

Our long wait is finally over.  For what, you ask?  For us finally finding a simply stunning Jensen Interceptor III like this Burgundy over White Leather 1974 example listed on Craigslist in Millsboro, Delaware with an asking price of $32,900.   Checking the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his Interceptor priced $900 above the current #3 “Good” estimate of $32,000.

The Jensen Interceptor was a grand touring car hand-built at the Kelvin Way Factory in West Bromwich, near Birmingham England, by Jensen Motors between 1966 and 1976.  Jensen Motors used Chrysler V8 engines for the Interceptor, starting with the 383 cubic inch mill typically mated to a TorqueFlite automatic transmission driving the rear wheels through a limited slip differential.  Since this engine was detuned by Chrysler for use with regular gasoline and only produced 250 horsepower SAE net in 1971, Jensen chose to use the larger 440 cubic inch big block Chrysler engine starting in 1971.  By 1974 the 440 cubic inch V8 produced 255 horsepower SAE net.

The Mark III, introduced in 1971, revised the front grille, headlamp finishers and bumper treatment. Mark IIIs now came equipped with GKN alloy wheels and air conditioning standard and featured revised seats.

Jensen fell on hard times by 1975, owing to the then world-wide recession, problems with its Jensen-Healey sports car, and the U.S. Oil Embargo forcing many American buyers to look away from thirst, big V8 equipped cars. The company was placed into receivership, and the receivers allowed production to continue until the available cache of parts was exhausted. Production of the Interceptor ended in 1976.

One of our favorite Jay Leno’s Garage episodes is this one featuring a similar 1974 Interceptor III in which the Massachusetts-based owner traveled cross-country in his Jensen in order to have it featured on Jay’s show:

With a stunning color combination and a seller providing an honest description and willing to have his car inspected by your PPI professional, this is a stylish exotic equipped with a virtually bullet-proof, albeit very thirsty, Chrysler power train that will be a comfortable drive to every show you decide to take it to.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Stunning 1974 Jensen Interceptor Series III in great condition. Burgundy exterior with white / black interior, 7.2 liter V8 engine. Paint is in great condition with the exception of a blemish on the front passenger fender (see picture). Car runs beautifully.

Unlike many older cars, the air conditioning blows cold. Even the clock works. This car gets comments everywhere I go. It is a beautiful, exotic-looking vehicle. Recent maintenance includes changing oil, filter, transmission fluid and internal filter, master cylinder and brake booster.

Even though the car is in great condition, it is a 46 year old British car. No warranties expressed or implied are provided. Buyer is responsible for shipping.

Please feel free to ask any questions you may have, to come see the car, or to have it inspected.”

(Payment by wire transfer. Neither title nor car will be delivered until all funds have cleared the bank)“

Do you have a Jensen Interceptot story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!