1968 Jensen Interceptor MKI

KEY FACTS

• A handsome and rare British grand tourer, this Jensen Interceptor Mk1 is presented in a striking original colour scheme and benefits from an extensive restoration.
• It is powered by a 6.3-litre Chrysler V8 engine producing circa 330bhp, driving the rear wheels via a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission.
• This UK-delivered example was completed by Jensen Motors in November 1968, before being dispatched to Birmingham-based distributor Philip Mist Ltd.
• Its first owner was the founder of Southern Counties Car Auctions (later BCA), David Allen Wickins, who subsequently went on to be instrumental in the rescue of Lotus Cars in the 1980s following the death of Colin Chapman.
• The car had one subsequent registered keeper before being purchased by the current owner, meaning it has had just three keepers in total.
• The odometer indicates 1,356 miles since the restoration, and the old odometer included in the sale shows 51,174 miles.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The Mk1 (Series 1) Interceptor was launched at the London Motor Show in October 1966 and was produced through to 1969. Production totalled 1,024 cars, of which 923 were right-hand drive.
• Designed by Carrozzeria Touring and engineered by Carrozzeria Vignale, the first bodyshells were even built in Italy before being shipped to West Bromwich for completion. Tooling was subsequently repatriated to the UK so that production could commence in the West Midlands.
• The Mk1 is the rarest of the three Interceptor series and is considered by many as the purest expression of the Touring/Vignale design.
• A prior listing in the history file states that only seven of these cars were originally finished in Jet Black, of which this may be the only example still in that colour, and it is complemented by a striking red interior.
• Wire wheels (which had been fitted at the time of the restoration) were replaced prior to the present ownership with period-style Rostyle wheels, returning the car to factory appearance.
• This example is equipped with a leather-trimmed steering wheel and a period radio.
• Accompanying the car is an extensive history file, which includes copies of original records with the factory build sheets and line inspection reports, delivery advice note from Jensen Motors to its distributor, the invoice from Philip Mist Ltd for the sale of the car, a letter from Jensen’s marketing director to David Wickins congratulating him on his purchase, and the covering letter from the sales manager enclosing the guarantee. A 1969 service note from the service manager is on file, plus copies of original spares invoices from Jensen Motors to Mr Wickins through 1969 covering, among other items, red headrests, headlamp assemblies, the front-end panel and minor consumables.
• Also included is the factory’s guarantee/spare keys request card completed and returned by Mr Wickins, further correspondence from Mr Wickins describing how he had fitted the Interceptor out with “a little liquor cabinet, a dictating machine, a pair of Leitz binoculars, a small Rolliflex camera, to say nothing of maps and travel books”, and enquires about exchanging the car for an FF to drive to Australia together with the factory’s reply.

CONDITION

• Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.
• Specific notes from the seller include: a tiny paint blemish on the offside front wing and on the edge where the bonnet meets the screen, and two stitches requiring attention on the driver’s seat.
• Since acquiring the car the present owner has commissioned professional re-veneering of the centre console to return the cabin woodwork to a hand-finished standard.
• They have also had the door locks replaced with original Torino pattern locks and keys. One full set bearing the chassis stamped number is supplied with the car. A second matching set is currently being cut from original sourced Torino key blanks.
• The car is understood to be exempt from mandatory MOT testing.

Restoration summary

• Under previous ownership, a comprehensive body-off restoration was carried out by Longstaff Refinishing in North Yorkshire between 2020 and 2022. The work is documented in a detailed labour log of a vast number of itemised works.
• The highlights of the restoration include the following:
• Complete bare-shell strip down with the chassis, suspension, fuel tank and ancillary components shot-blasted and refinished in epoxy primer and two-pack black.
• Full body-off respray in the car’s original Jet Black, and re-chroming of trim.
• Front and rear suspension stripped and rebuilt with all new bushes and fulcrum pins; rear axle overhauled and refitted.
• Engine and gearbox refitted with new manifold studs, new exhaust mounts, new copper fuel pipework from tank to carburettor and new fuel-tank breathers.
• Brakes fully overhauled and calipers stripped and rebuilt with new seals, master cylinder re-machined, new fabricated brake pipes, full system bleed and pressure check.
• New power-steering pump with bespoke mounting bracket fabricated, system bled and shimmed.
• New wiring loom fitted.
• All glass re-bedded with new seals; windscreens front and rear renewed; doors stripped, frames repaired and a new mounting panel fabricated for the lower glass channel.
• Full interior retrim, carpets, kick panels, headlining, B-pillars, parcel shelf, sun visors, ash trays, boot lining and boot lid panel; rear seat arm rest re-covered.
• Steering wheel boss prepared and refitted with new adaptor.
• A copy of the schedule of works is included in the document section together with the original sale document from Jensen Sales following the restoration.

SERVICE HISTORY

• During the current ownership, a correct period twin snorkel air filter housing has been sourced and fitted.
• The seller also states that all fluids were drained down and replaced recently.

SUMMARY

The Jensen Interceptor Mk1 is a handsome and characterful grand tourer, blending muscular American V8 power with elegant British design. There is particular interest in the marque this year, being the 60th anniversary of the Interceptor’s launch at the 1966 London Motor Show, and following the revival of the brand with the announcement of the new Interceptor GTX. This example benefits from a comprehensive body-off restoration as detailed above and shown in the gallery, and is presented in an exceptionally rare Jet Black over Red colour scheme. The car also boasts intriguing provenance, having been first owned by the man who was both the inventor of the car auction, and one of those responsible for saving Lotus Cars from disappearing into obscurity. It should make an impressive addition to any collection of classic British cruisers, and promises to be a captivating weekend toy for its next enthusiast owner.

Descriptions are provided by the seller and, to their knowledge, are accurate and not misleading. Buyers must satisfy themselves of the description’s accuracy, and independent research is strongly advised. Enquiries should be raised in the comments section and any inspections arranged before bidding.

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