BF Auction: 1970 Jensen Interceptor
UPDATE – We spoke with the seller and it turns out that he knows the car’s original color scheme! It left the factory wearing Berkley Brown paint with a tan leather interior.
There is something undeniably appealing about owning a genuine hand-built GT car. The fortunate few with a healthy bank account can still afford new ones, but they must be prepared to spend a hefty six-figure sum for the privilege. However, there are alternatives for those with a more modest budget. A perfect example is this 1970 Jensen Interceptor. It requires a total restoration, but its rarity means you are unlikely to stumble across many similar cars in your travels. If you are sorely tempted, the owner has listed it exclusively at Barn Finds Auctions.
Jensen rolled its first Interceptor out of its West Bromwich facility in 1966, and the car’s styling caused an immediate sensation. Penned by Carrozzeria Touring, early bodies were manufactured by Vignale in Italy before Jensen moved its entire production in-house. The defining feature of the Interceptor was its enormous rear window, with this car retaining that piece of glass in good condition. If that doesn’t make the interior feel light and airy, the electric glass sunroof should seal the deal. The remaining tinted glass looks excellent, while there are no issues with the trim or Jensen wheels. The existing matte black paint isn’t original, and an in-person inspection, which the owner encourages, would be the quickest way to determine the correct paint shade. This would be important for a faithful restoration, although if the new owner elects to pursue the custom path, they could apply the shade or wrap of their choice. The panels sport a few repairable bumps and bruises, but the best news is the lack of significant rust. The winning bidder is set to benefit from a classic that spent its life in the dry California sun. The exterior is clean, while the seller states there are small rust spots in the floors. They don’t look bad, and well-crafted patches should render them a distant memory. Additional photos at the end of the gallery below provide insight into how this Interceptor would look if restored to a high standard. It is undeniable that it would garner attention for the right reasons.
I would be equally comfortable describing the Interceptor as a Personal Luxury Car or a genuine GT. Its interior would have been jaw-dropping in its heyday, with acres of leather on almost every upholstered surface. Air conditioning was standard, as were power windows, a rear defogger, and an AM/FM stereo radio. Most buyers went the extra yard by adding a tape player, and who can blame them when it added little to the original sticker price? A previous owner stripped the Interceptor’s interior, intent on performing a modern update. Unfortunately, they ran out of money early, leaving the interior as it stands. The dash is largely intact, housing its distinctive Smith gauges. Most of the switches are present, as are items like the vents. It needs a retrim, but the required parts are readily available from various UK suppliers willing to ship internationally. If time isn’t a factor, It is also worth scouring the usual online auction sites. A brief search revealed some restorable parts like seats and other smaller items. That approach could save a few precious dollars on this restoration.
The Jensen may have been hand-built in England, but it contained plenty of American know-how under the skin. It derived its power from a Chrysler 383ci V8, which sent 330hp to the limited-slip rear end via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. With a curb weight of 3,501 lbs, the Interceptor could gallop through the ¼-mile in 14.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 135mph. Both figures earmarked this classic as something special, but the drivetrain configuration meant maintenance was straightforward and inexpensive. The previous owner didn’t merely dismantle the interior but removed the engine and transmission. A more modern combination was planned but never eventuated. Sourcing a date-correct engine and transmission is possible, although a crate engine and an updated four-speed auto might be a viable alternative. The car requires a new wiring harness, but modern reproductions are available from some companies that supply interior trim. That could make them a one-stop shop for the new owner.
Returning this 1970 Jensen Interceptor to its former glory will require dedication, but whipping its panels and paint into shape will be no more complicated than with any other classic from this era. The difference is that the finished product will be a hand-built vehicle offering comfort, performance, and exclusivity. That could prove its greatest strength because anything assembled by human hands can be dismantled the same way. Compared to vehicles made by robots, this project could be significantly easier. With values climbing steadily, it could also represent a sound long-term investment. I can’t think of anything negative in that scenario. Can you?
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Mileage: 81,550
- Engine: 383 V8 (Missing)
- Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic (Missing)
- VIN: 1255151
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
heath bid $5,700.00 2023-03-29 11:02:55
Samuel Silva bid $5,600.00 2023-03-29 11:02:35- heath bid $5,500.00 2023-03-29 10:58:14
- Samuel Silva bid $5,000.00 2023-03-29 10:57:47
- heath bid $4,500.00 2023-03-29 10:57:28
- Samuel Silva bid $4,050.00 2023-03-29 10:54:56
Randy Durante bid $3,850.00 2023-03-29 07:31:30- heath bid $3,750.00 2023-03-28 19:17:09
richard bid $3,650.00 2023-03-28 09:25:20- Randy Durante bid $3,450.00 2023-03-28 08:48:35
- richard bid $3,350.00 2023-03-28 08:46:57
- Randy Durante bid $3,150.00 2023-03-28 08:35:45
- richard bid $2,750.00 2023-03-27 14:56:26
Scottmandula bid $2,650.00 2023-03-23 08:47:39- Randy Durante bid $2,000.00 2023-03-23 08:42:16
- Scottmandula bid $1,750.00 2023-03-22 19:40:21
Car-lover bid $1,200.00 2023-03-22 18:50:50- Samuel Silva bid $1,100.00 2023-03-22 18:37:33
- Car-lover bid $950.00 2023-03-22 18:29:55
CORNERNFOOL bid $850.00 2023-03-22 17:16:55- Scottmandula bid $750.00 2023-03-22 07:47:03
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Comments
Looks like a Baracuda Avanti lol!
Many years ago, I heard a low rumbling outside my place of business. Walking outside, I saw a client of mine, a wealthy surgeon, climbing out of a Jensen Interceptor. Knowing that I was a “car guy”, he stopped by and asked me to explain the car to him. As he related it, he had purchased it during dinner with the former owner the evening before after more than a few cocktails. He kept saying over and over, “boy, is this thing fast!” It was relatively new and in great condition, but he was never comfortable driving it (he was more of a MB customer) and he sold it soon after. That was my introduction to this marque.
Wow, i need free shipping to montreal, canada .
Engine (missing) transmission (missing)
I’ll bet this is specifically in Encino or Tarzana. ‘Nuff said . . .
These ARE lovely cars! they need to receive the 727 OVERDRIVE TRANSMISSION later used on mopars and a lower differential ratio. They were supplied with a very tall ratio for high speed touring in Europe so they wouldn’t smoke their tyres while getting underway AND were rev limited on top end. these changes significantly change everything for the best making them a much higher quality Barracuda with your choice: a 360,383,426 or 440 Chrysler engine This gives you a super car without the hassle of getting someone that knows how to work on them @ $250/Hr. and the ease of obtaining any parts needed! Any competent upholstery shop can replicate the original interior! All this done will result with a car that will STILL pass CONCOURS judging AND run with the big dogs!
440 six pack just to take it to the top shelf with a pistol grip shifter to give true colonial flair ! With that done I could leave the rest of the car in death star black primer while I slowly gather the rest except the air conditioning that is a must down south & no sense in being too barbaric with such a lovely ride!
Perfect LS swap candidate! These were amazing hand built cars. I have a friend looking to unload his 440 Interceptor. I am considering it with no room for storage currently!
Oh yeah man!!! Gotta be an LS swap!!! Whoop Whoop Whoopty Do!!!
Gads the LS evangelicals are even crushing high end hand built sport cars for followers! Go away I say! Damn thie to new cars and trucks for your mixed make and era needs.
The world needs more Jensen Interceptors!
This would be a great car to set up for one of the great international rallies! Paris to Dakar or something similar. You need a stout 383 Chrysler built for durability an automatic would be just fine, a race car style interior with a cage racing seats and safety gear would be much less expensive than restoring what it was built with. And after you do the event, leave it in Rally trim and street license it as a vintage car….which it is. Trust me, where ever you would drive to with it….you would be the only one there with a full Rally trim Jensen! And set up properly, it would probably make a good rally car!
But no with an automatic trans! This is the chance to creat without hurting value a true GT car that is also fun to drive
I always preferred the convertible version over the large rear window. A great cruising car, either with the 383 or the 440 engine.
‘Hellcat’ Interceptor!
That would work; it would be a sleeper configured that way.
My first thought as well, but I figure that a 392 Hemi should still fit the bill without snapping all of the drivetrain bits downstream.
(It does have me wanting to see a Gymkhana video featuring a Red Eye’d FF, though!!)
From the spray pattern I would bet that is compliments of Krylon.
Stunning vehicles , the AWD FF version would be awesome but very , very rare
Lovely looking car. Assuming parts are available, I can imagine this car being an awesome candidate for a resto or possibly a restomod. If I bought something like this, I’d keep as much original survivor as possible, while also upgrading some things. I don’t exactly what.
I was just looking at Martin Robey’s site, they are a Jensen parts supplier and have all the factory records. It looks like they have just about every part you’d need to make this car perfect (I think at one point they were making new bodies!). Here’s the link to their site: https://www.martinrobey.com/jensen/interceptor/interceptor-ii
What? I’m guessing that the post you are responding to was taken down. Concerned about accuracy of that post because I have so little financial common sense that I am considering buying this (would be my third British car, if that gives you any indication of my level of insanity).
In order to keep the scales balanced in our household, my wife drives a Toyota and I drive British vehicles. That way, I know that she will be available to pick me up when something fails.
You can buy new and used parts for a Jensen Interceptor here in the US from K&D Jensen in Maryland.
And many Jensen Interceptor used parts on eBay UK.
Also Jensen Interceptor parts in the UK at RICHARD APPELYARDS Derby England.
I hope this helps, as there are many other Jensen Interceptor outlets in the UK.
I have to many project or I would out bid everyone on this who ever takes it home , please good god restore it original it’s a hand built car, not a Chevy or Ford no resto mod’s no rally cars take it back to its original glory
My friend had one of these but a 75-76. I think it had a 440 Pi in from the factory (not sure) But it did have jag suspension on it and the lovely lucas wiring harness.