Lot Ended
Description
Fantastic MkIII from 37-year ownership; comprehensively restored in
the early '90s; recent engine rebuild; retro-fitted with overdrive; MkIV alloy
wheels plus original wheels; a beautiful 7.2 litre example
Dating from August 1973 and originally finished in Royal Blue with
Beige trim, this MkIII Interceptor looks superb finished in deep Cherry Red
following a major restoration in the early '90s with fitment of later Series IV
alloy wheels and MkIV EFi lower front spoiler.
Under the bonnet we find the mighty 7.2
litre High-deck Chrysler Big-Block V8 engine which as a 1973 model develops
280hp driving the rear wheels via three-speed Torqueflite A727 automatic
transmission.
Inside the leather clad cockpit,
we find a 2+2 seating configuration with beige leather showing few signs of
wear bar some light creasing on the driver’s seat having been subjected to
deep clean, feed and refurbishment during the car’s restoration in the early
'90s.
The car shows just 51,664 miles which is
believed to be correct. Our
vendor purchased the car in July 1987, enjoyed it sparingly for a few years
until opting to have it comprehensively restored and refurbished by Jencraft
Restoration Ltd of Brackley between 1992 and 1994.
This
restoration looks to have been comprehensive and cost some £20,331.
It included a bare metal strip down with replacement (genuine Jensen)
panels and other repairs (rear lower quarter panels, floor repairs, rear inner
wings and side members); full re-paint; fitment of Series IV wheels, lower
front air dam, flush grill and headlamp surrounds; new engine bay wiring
harness; electric windows serviced; carb rebuilt; interior
refurbished; new plugs and leads etc.
The
vendor opted to fit an overdrive unit in 1993 and power steering pump in 1994.
Normal maintenance ensued over the years until a £3,897 spend in 2015 on a new
Edelbrock carb, hi-torq starter, new alternator, new exhaust manifolds, new
discs and four new calipers.
The engine and transmission were
removed at this point for a mechanical recommissioning which cost £4,015
followed by an engine overhaul and re-installation - another £2,000. The car has only covered around 1,500
miles since. More recent spend includes a new brake
servo in September 2022, new coil springs and battery in 2019 and upgrades to
the cooling fans in 2017.
The history file
includes reams of bills for maintenance dating back to the late '80s, at least
22 old MOTs, the current MOT valid until September 2024 recording no
advisories (now MOT-exempt), Jensen factory/owner’s club records of its early
maintenance, production card and build history correspondence from Martin
Robey.
There are also photos taken during the
early '90s restoration plus a car cover, the original wheels, headlamp bezels
and 8-track which was replaced by a CD player some years
ago.
Our vendor tells us the car has never been
out in the rain during his 37-year tenure and he wishes the car to be sold on
its 50th Birthday in 2023. He tells us that parting with it will be
like losing an old friend, such is the enjoyment it has given
him.
For more information contact - [email protected]
* All charges are subject to VAT