1971 Jensen

This is probably the finest Interceptor MK ll in existence, it is regarded as a ‘reference’ example by Jensen cognoscenti and has won every available Jensen Concours award in the hands of a devoted owner for thirty years.

Finished in its wonderful period and original specification of Metallic Fawn with Tan leather it retains its matching numbers as confirmed in the original build sheets and Jensen Motors Statement of Origin on file. It was supplied when new to a doctor living in Wales by his local Jensen agent, ARD Garages Ltd, on the 20th of April 1971.

In 1989 the Jensen was purchased by motoring engineer and collector Mr Stewart Kelsey from his friend, the sales manager of London car dealers Colin Grant International from whom he had previously bought an Aston Martin DB5. It was in good shape with just two previous owners and showing only 42,000 miles. After a year enjoying the car on the odd nice day, Kelsey sold the car due to other life commitments. Moving forward to 1998 an acquaintance turns up in a Jensen he is test driving with a view to purchase. You can perhaps guess the rest, it is the very same car and of course Kelsey insists on buying it back. It remained nice and well maintained having covered only 1,400 miles between his ownerships.

The Jensen was enjoyed for the next six years until 2004 when some rust on the tailgate area was noted. What began as a local repair turned into a four-year concours full restoration to the very highest standards. In the owner’s words ‘not a nut remained untouched’. Extensive invoicing on file from 1989 details the work completed as does a fascinating illustrated article on the restoration by the owner over two issues of The Jensen magazines, again on file.

Following this work the Jensen completed a shakedown club tour without incident and then in 2013 the car appeared at the Jensen International Show where it won the Silver Class in the concours, not being allowed to go straight into the Gold Class. The following year however it cleaned up in the JDC concours winning first place in the Gold Class, The Presidents Cup, Best Interceptor, Chairman’s Choice and Members Choice Award. These concours awards continued to rack up as noted in the Concours Mark Sheets and Certificates on file.

In 2021 the MK 11 was bought by a regular and fastidious Hairpin client who will only entertain the very best examples. He already had a fabulous Interceptor FF and MK lll in his collection but could not resist the opportunity to buy such a renowned Jensen.

Following purchase it was decided that the colour was not correct and a full strip and repaint was completed by the highly regarded Riverbourne Coachworks. Invoicing on file exceeding £30,000 details this work. Further fettling and servicing has continued in recent years.

Suffice it to say this Interceptor remains in fabulous order throughout. The detail is fantastic and it drives beautifully and precisely with none of the bagginess or reliability issues that afflicts so many Interceptors. It comes with two above-mentioned extensive history files, even an original sales brochure, together with original toolkits. A truly special car.