For Sale: 1974 Jensen Interceptor in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1974 Jensen Interceptor III

"The Interceptor, which premiered as a somewhat stodgy convertible in 1949, bloomed in the late '60s and early '70s with the production of more than 6000 pretty machines. Several versions of the second generation Interceptor-Mark I, II, and III-were built from 1966 to 1976 for a total of 6408 machines. Each new series was slightly modified and improved, but all shared the same basic shape, and all were equipped with Chrysler V8s." Hagerty, Jan. 2024

For consignment, a 1974 Jensen Interceptor III showing 53,270 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This example has been restored and retains its numbers matching engine. Hagerty continues, "The second gen Interceptor was a great combination of sexy Italian design, refined English luxury, and brute American power.

Exterior
This car takes the pony concept to its limits courtesy designer Vignale, with the long bonnet which is louvered, and rear glass that is curved downward, wrapping the back B pillars in greenhouse form, unique in every way, presenting here in two stage white. Dual headlights and horizontal ribs make up the grille while on the front quarters, we find the angled vents. The upper portion of the car leans the other way, rearward, as the A-pillar sets the angle for the B-pillar and rear window, accentuated by the flat roof that meets a triangular C-pillar. Curved tail lights hug the rear fascia and big dual exhaust give additional hints to the potential power. Imperfections include scuffs on the cowl, various crack in the paint, bubbles on the hood and bottom edge, curb rash, de-plating on both bumpers and a dent on the rear, random chips, evidence of body filler and a ding in the rocker trim,

Interior
Long doors are smartly dressed in clean, black leather panels with an armrest almost as long, leading to robust black leather bucket seats in front with some slight wear on the driver's side along with patina creasing. But overall presenting in nice condition, bettered only by the passenger seat and inviting rear 2+2 configuration with their center, leather armrest. A Lecarra steering wheel fronts a fantastic instrument cluster with black faces and white tipped needles. To the right, the sporty nature of the car is in full effect with a row of gauges canted towards the driver over a row of equal sized round vents and a central clock. Moving down, we have a uniform row of toggles, then an AM/FM/Cassette/CD radio and climate knobs framed by a burlwood faceplate which cascades onto the center console to house the shifter and more controls including an MSD digital panel. There's some cracking in the laminate, but it's in otherwise good condition. Black carpet lines the narrow footwells and a white, tuck and roll headliner lights up the ceiling with class. The rear cargo area is also finished in black carpet and houses the CD changer.

Drivetrain
Here's the brute, a numbers matching 440ci V8 is in the busy engine bay, rated at 280 horsepower and fueled via MSD Atomic electronic fuel injection. It's backed by a period-correct A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission which routes power to the rear axle with 3.07 gears. The car is equipped with power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning and the bay is relatively clean and driver quality, featuring valve covers engraved with the Jensen name. As we shut the hood, we note some rust near the hinges.

Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with a decent amount of grime build up throughout and a spot of invasive rust on a passenger's floor pan. Other than that, things look solid as the dual exhaust runs into MagnaFlow mufflers on its way to the dual rear exit. Power disc brakes are supplied to all four wheels and suspension remains standard as front coil springs and rear leaf springs.

Drive-Ability
The cabin happens to be a comfortable place to be and with a turn of the key, the monstrous 440 puts out a bellow that will have the Mopar boys quaking in their boots. We haven't heard an Italian bodied car sound so good since we started a Pantera! Good ole American hardware does the trick and provides plenty of power for this sport tourer which also tracks straight and handles well. The power locks and air conditioning are not working but all other functions on board operate as they should and it's time to bring the unique ride back inside! While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

"It's like a Dodge Coronet that went to college at Oxford," Jay Leno said after viewing a restored 1974 Interceptor on his show. This is a rare and unique handmade car with an Italian body and American engine. What more could you ask for?

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!