Vehicle Description
For the well-off car enthusiast in the late 1960s, there was no
shortage of stylish, high-performance grand tourers available to
them. Aston Martin, Ferrari, or Maserati may have been the obvious
choices, but their exotic engines required specialized and costly
maintenance. A Jaguar might have seemed too commonplace for some
customers, a Rolls-Royce too ostentatious, and a Citroen SM too
complex. But quietly nestled somewhere in the middle of all those
options were Jensen of West Bromwich, England, with their Italian
designed, American powered, and British engineeredInterceptor.
Evolved from the glassfibre-bodied CV-8, the Interceptor was
extensively redesigned with stylish new steel bodywork penned by
Carrozzeria Touring. Like the CV-8 before it, the Interceptor had
Chrysler V8 engines stuffed under the bonnet, which gave the
Interceptor exotic car performance and near-bulletproof
reliability. While the body was designed in Italy by Touring,
Jensen built all Interceptor shells (save the first few) in their
British factory. The shape was crisp and muscular, with understated
aggression. Initially, Jensen only offered the 2+2 'saloon' with
its distinctive fish-bowl rear hatch, though a convertible followed
in 1974. All Jensen Interceptors were lavishly appointed with
leather upholstery, wool carpet, wood trim comfort, and plenty of
equipment to ensure occupants arrived at their destination
unflustered. As Interceptor production rolled into the mid-1970s,
the company experienced financial problems as sales struggled to
recover after the fuel crisis. Jensen used up their supply of
saloon shells, so company owner Kjell Qvale devised a plan to use
the remaining convertible bodies and convert them into a new
hardtop coupe, which debuted in prototype form at the 1975 Earls
Court Motor Show. The body was a standard Jensen Convertible shell,
adapted with permanent hard top that featured a tinted glass "targa
bar" and was wrapped in padded vinyl, as was de rigueur for the
mid-70s. Jensens subcontracted production of the tops to Panther
cars, who also handled the fitting and final assembly. In these
latter days of Jensen Cars, record-keeping was spotty at best, but
marque expert Richard Calver has extensively researched these cars,
coming up with 46 known examples, making them among the rarest of
all Interceptor variants. Of the 46 known survivors, this 1976
Interceptor Coupe is likely one of the best. It has been in the
care of one passionate marque enthusiast since 1986 and has enjoyed
no-expense-spared care and maintenance since its high-level
restoration. Presented in a striking shade of Nevis blue with a
beige roof, it is beautifully detailed and superbly finished inside
and out. Documents show the body was treated to a bare-metal
respray in 2007, including removing all glass, trim, and the
engine. The paintwork remains in superb condition, with straight,
crisp panels and high-quality finish work all around. Exterior trim
and brightwork are also in excellent order, restored, or replaced
as necessary during the restoration. Likewise, the top has been
totally overhauled and retrimmed in the proper vinyl and retains
the original dark tinted glass banding. Few cars of this side of a
Rolls Silver Shadow compare to the Jensen Interceptor for outright
luxury. The front seats are remarkably comfortable, with plenty of
room for taller drivers, with the addition of occasional rear seats
and a generously sized boot. This car boasts gorgeous parchment
leather seats with diamond-stitched inserts, contrasting navy
piping, and navy carpets. Diamond stitching repeats on the door
panels, and the dash is covered in charcoal leather. Switches,
controls, and instruments are in excellent order, and the audio
system is updated with a modern Alpine head unit and speakers. All
the interior work is finished to a high standard and is presented
in concours-quality condition. Mechanically, no expense has been
spared in its maintenance and upkeep. The correct-spec 440
cubic-inch Chrysler V8 was entirely rebuilt in 2012 and updated
with a new comp cam, MSD distributor, new pistons, bearings,
valves, and stainless hardware. While upgraded for better
performance, the engine is properly detailed with correct Jensen
valve covers, factory-type air cleaner, and other accessories. The
few apparent updates include a high-efficiency Sanden a/c
compressor and an updated radiator and cooling fan assembly.
Looking beneath, the undercarriage is fully detailed, with
stainless exhaust, rebuilt brakes, and suspension components. A
Jensen Coupe in any form is a rare sighting, and this car's superb
restoration makes it even more of a standout. Few have received
such enthusiastic care and attention, and its outstanding quality
was recognized with invitations to several prestigious events,
including the Eyes on Design Concours and St. Johns Concours. It
remains in impeccable order and will undoubtedly put a smile on any
Jensen enthusiast's face. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6991-1976-jensen-interceptor-coupe/
