1971 JENSEN INTERCEPTOR II - FULL RESTORATION

This 1971 Jensen Interceptor II is a restored example of the handsome British sporting GT, which has competed in multiple concours events around the UK over the last six years, scooping the top Jensen Owners Club award for ‘Best Interceptor’ in 2015. Its rebuilt 6.3-litre big-block V8 engine produces 335bhp and is paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. The odometer currently indicates 52,025 miles.

First registered in April 1971, this Jensen Interceptor has five previous keepers on the log book, but it has been in the current vendor’s collection on two occasions. They first acquired the car in 1989 before selling it two years later, and have now owned the vehicle for 22 years, having bought it back in November 1998.

The Interceptor was first stripped and resprayed around the late 1970s or early 1980s, when the colour was changed from Fawn to Metallic Brown. During the vendor’s latest period of ownership, the body has been fully restored, and fresh paint applied. Today, the vendor notes only some slight discolouration on the rear centre panel to the left of the Jensen badge, which is only really visible in certain lighting conditions. There are also a few chips to the paint next to the door tread plates, visible when the doors are open.

Some marking is also present to the underside of front side light pods, visible from underneath the vehicle. The windscreen is also reported to have some minor delamination at the bottom corners, as well as a few chips, but as it is original the owner decided to keep it rather than replace. These minor imperfections do not detract from what remains a stunning example of the breed, forming part of Jensen Owners Club displays at numerous concours events around the country, and being recognised with several awards by the club in recent years too.

Inside, the tan upholstery is believed to be original, and if so it has been remarkably well preserved. There are a few minor imperfections as you would expect with a car approaching its 50th birthday, including some slight wear on the driver’s seat and a small tear to the leather on the trim panel beneath the nearside rear window. The dashboard remains in superb condition, with a light patina visible, but with no damage to any dials or switches. The interior features a switchable twin dip/main headlight system, and the radio has a connection port for an external device. The owner has reported no faults present with any controls or electrics, and no warning lights present on the dashboard.

As well as the body restoration, the car has also been treated to a mechanical rebuild, including a new crankshaft, shells, and piston rings for the engine, as well as refurbished carburettors and fitment of new electronic ignition. The engine was also upgraded to suit unleaded fuel. The rear axle was sent for a specialist rebuild, while a new fuel tank, level sender, stainless steel exhaust with tubular headers, and a new wiring loom were fitted. The rear springs and all shock absorbers have been replaced, while the suspension and brakes have also been fully rebuilt.

The most recent service was undertaken at 51,800 miles in February 2019, which was carried out by the vendor. They removed the engine and gearbox before replacing the rear main oil seal, gaskets, rocker cover, exhaust manifold, valley gaskets, fuel pipes, torque converter, transmission sump gaskets, rear transmission yoke seal, heat barrier and sound deadening measures.

The engine and gearbox were then re-fitted, all fluids were replaced, and lubricant was applied to the necessary areas. The brake callipers were removed for a thorough clean and the brakes were bled, before finally replacing the rear axle differential gasket and drive belts. The vendor notes the vehicle receives similar maintenance each winter, when any issues are rectified.

The last MOT was on 20 August 2020, which resulted in a clean pass. The vendor notes the Avon Motorsport Turbospeed tyres have at least 80% of their tread left, with one tyre having a small mark to its sidewall. All tyres are approximately eight years old.

The vehicle comes with the original workshop manual, parts catalogue and engine/transmission manual. It even has around 25 pages of factory records, the Jensen statement of origin, wiring diagrams, and paint colour and code information. A file containing most MOT certificates during the vendor’s ownership is also present, as well as their original sales invoice from 1989. The vendor reports all tools are included with the vehicle along with the original fire extinguisher and first aid kit.

Far from being a show field contender that is trailered around the country, this car is a wonderful driver, performing faultlessly both to and from the recent show at Hampton Court. Its concours record includes 1st place in the Silver class in 2014 at the Jensen Owners Club International event, as well as winning the Chairman’s Cup at the same time. It received the 1st place prize in the Gold class the following year, securing the ‘Best Interceptor’ Cup and the prestigious Strathcarron Trophy. In the 2018 club concours, it took 3rd place overall, proving the enduring quality of its restoration.

This Jensen Interceptor II is undoubtedly a wonderful British classic, presented in excellent condition throughout, and making for an exceptionally smart continental GT or weekend cruiser. Benefiting from a substantial investment in both resources and time by the vendor, it would make a great addition to any collection of top-quality classics, and is sure to delight its next owner whenever they choose to slip behind the wheel for a characterful drive.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.