Jensen Interceptor
Discussion
Yes, I am both a fan and a former owner of the Interceptor.
I always wanted one and finally got to own one from 1986 to 1991. Loved every minute of ownership, except for calling into the petrol station on a regular basis (10mpg around town). The noise and the sheer opulence of the car were absolutely incredible. I only sold it because I was completing my course at university and needed an everyday car and to pay off the overdraft. Fortunately, I bought it relatively cheap and managed to double my money when I sold it.
I was gutted to get rid of it and thought that I would never be able to afford a “toy” car again. However, once I had got a house bought and the mortgage under control I bought a TVR, which I still have. One of the attractions of a TVR was the noise it made was very similar to that of the Jensen.
Would I have another one? Yes, in a heartbeat, but only if I got lucky with the lottery, as the fuel costs these days would be crippling. Although, I understand some of the restomod versions now have LS3 engines and so may be a little bit more economical. It would be nice/interesting to have the money to be able to find out!
I always wanted one and finally got to own one from 1986 to 1991. Loved every minute of ownership, except for calling into the petrol station on a regular basis (10mpg around town). The noise and the sheer opulence of the car were absolutely incredible. I only sold it because I was completing my course at university and needed an everyday car and to pay off the overdraft. Fortunately, I bought it relatively cheap and managed to double my money when I sold it.
I was gutted to get rid of it and thought that I would never be able to afford a “toy” car again. However, once I had got a house bought and the mortgage under control I bought a TVR, which I still have. One of the attractions of a TVR was the noise it made was very similar to that of the Jensen.
Would I have another one? Yes, in a heartbeat, but only if I got lucky with the lottery, as the fuel costs these days would be crippling. Although, I understand some of the restomod versions now have LS3 engines and so may be a little bit more economical. It would be nice/interesting to have the money to be able to find out!
I'd be wanting one with a manual box. A swap for an LS3 would be marvellous. I'm currently looking to replace my small coupe with a bigger one, but virtually everything is a turn off. These definitely have something about them, but virtually all of them look tired, or have been repaired badly. For a long time the economics of ownership haven't stacked up. I know you are lucky to see the money you put into any car back, but these are epic money pits.
seen this one, its in the Netherlands, but RHD and restomod, looks great with LS3 and so on, not cheap, but those restomods never are.
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1641747
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1641747
I have had a Mk II for the last few years. Are you looking for any information in particular? Brilliant cars and the easiest classic car I’ve ever owned. Very useable for long distances, supremely comfortable and still properly quick particularly in the mid range. Sound epic of course. Many have been restored by now, mechanics are very robust and the big block is a classic engine; no reason why they should be especially expensive to keep and personally I can’t see the attraction of restomods/ engine swaps.
Sebring440 said:
How do you know?
Having personally restored 4 classics, both humble and exotic over the last 20 years, doing everything but body paint. I can never afford to buy a finished one, so always have to get into projects. Saving money when I can by fabricating myself rather than buying new bits. The cost to do an Interceptor properly outweighs the restoration investment. Probably best to find one for sale that someone else has spent the money on.I have worked on a fair few Jenson’s at a local specialist, hence driven several. I can confirm, with a suspension “refresh” new springs, poly bush etc they drive VERY well for an older car, certainly better than DB5/6 which I have also spannered on and driven, the Jenson’s are easier to work on too.
Not hard to see the resto costs, you try re-assembling just one door and making it fit and work correctly, that can take several days alone!
Lovely motors so long as its someone else’s fuel
Not hard to see the resto costs, you try re-assembling just one door and making it fit and work correctly, that can take several days alone!
Lovely motors so long as its someone else’s fuel
I'm a fan - why wouldn't I be? It's the best looking (and named) car ever made!
Came very close to buying one about 20 years ago but practicality and good sense prevailed - I could afford it and could afford to run it (I think...) but we only had allocated parking near our house at the time - no driveway of our own, so I didn't want to take the risk.
Sadly I'm not sure I'll ever see a not mint but presentable and usable Series III for £6,995 ever again!
Came very close to buying one about 20 years ago but practicality and good sense prevailed - I could afford it and could afford to run it (I think...) but we only had allocated parking near our house at the time - no driveway of our own, so I didn't want to take the risk.
Sadly I'm not sure I'll ever see a not mint but presentable and usable Series III for £6,995 ever again!
They are not as bad on fuel as most people think I did a 2000 mile trip in my Interceptor driving without getting the max MPG in mind and returned 17MPG.
Stupid low MPG figures have been quoted by the press for many years and these seem to be quoted by people who have not owned one, having driven 25,000 miles in mine over the last 9 years I would say MPG is not lower than 15MPG.
You could get behind the wheel of a fully restored beautiful SP for a fraction of the restoration cost with this car
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1651083
Stupid low MPG figures have been quoted by the press for many years and these seem to be quoted by people who have not owned one, having driven 25,000 miles in mine over the last 9 years I would say MPG is not lower than 15MPG.
You could get behind the wheel of a fully restored beautiful SP for a fraction of the restoration cost with this car
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1651083
Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff