Jensen Interceptor - scratch needs itching!
Discussion
I love the look of these cars and am not bothered by the MPG but am confused by current pricing so would appreciate some advice. Personally, I prefer the Series III ideally in a bright colour with cream interior and Webasto roof and whilst the convertible commands higher prices upwards of £40k, possibly a genuine SP coming next in the pricing hierarchy, thereafter I'm confused with cars selling between £12.5k to £26k.
I would like to purchase something depreciation proof and buy something that doesn't require huge man maths to justify but am at a loss to understand the market for these vehicles...
Suggestions?
I would like to purchase something depreciation proof and buy something that doesn't require huge man maths to justify but am at a loss to understand the market for these vehicles...
Suggestions?
JCW said:
I love the look of these cars and am not bothered by the MPG but am confused by current pricing so would appreciate some advice. Personally, I prefer the Series III ideally in a bright colour with cream interior and Webasto roof and whilst the convertible commands higher prices upwards of £40k, possibly a genuine SP coming next in the pricing hierarchy, thereafter I'm confused with cars selling between £12.5k to £26k.
I would like to purchase something depreciation proof and buy something that doesn't require huge man maths to justify but am at a loss to understand the market for these vehicles...
Suggestions?
1. Buy a petrol stationI would like to purchase something depreciation proof and buy something that doesn't require huge man maths to justify but am at a loss to understand the market for these vehicles...
Suggestions?
2. Buy a mint jensen
3. Dont use it much
The Interceptor is a great classic - you have excellent taste! drop me a line should you want to know more, you may get the same tired out nonsense in reply;
"They're rust-buckets" - of course they're 40-50yrs old..! as do any its contemparies.
"You'll only get 6mpg" - if it's running like a dog maybe, in my own experience of 3 x 383 engined Jensens (and one x 496 cu in one) late teens are more usual, my old low comp Mk3 would get upto 20mpg on a run.
The different versions (Mk1,2,3 and series 4) are down to personal taste; best comprimise is probably a Mk2 (I have a Mk1 Interceptor and Mk2 FF) later Mk3 are down on power and will not feel "fast" if that's what you want go for an earlier car.
Interceptors are expensive to restore so buy the best you can ("cheap" cars may not make financial sense in the long run)
Prices are firming up (great if you've got one - not such good news if you're in the market) very nicely restored cars (any version) are now upto £35-40k and rising, one sold apparently restored very well by a Jensen specialist at the recent NEC classic show for £75k.
Good luck,
"They're rust-buckets" - of course they're 40-50yrs old..! as do any its contemparies.
"You'll only get 6mpg" - if it's running like a dog maybe, in my own experience of 3 x 383 engined Jensens (and one x 496 cu in one) late teens are more usual, my old low comp Mk3 would get upto 20mpg on a run.
The different versions (Mk1,2,3 and series 4) are down to personal taste; best comprimise is probably a Mk2 (I have a Mk1 Interceptor and Mk2 FF) later Mk3 are down on power and will not feel "fast" if that's what you want go for an earlier car.
Interceptors are expensive to restore so buy the best you can ("cheap" cars may not make financial sense in the long run)
Prices are firming up (great if you've got one - not such good news if you're in the market) very nicely restored cars (any version) are now upto £35-40k and rising, one sold apparently restored very well by a Jensen specialist at the recent NEC classic show for £75k.
Good luck,
Join the JOC forum:
http://www.joc.org.uk/phpBB2/index.php
You don't have to be a JOC member to join the forum and you'll get plenty of proper advice from people who know what they're talking about.
http://www.joc.org.uk/phpBB2/index.php
You don't have to be a JOC member to join the forum and you'll get plenty of proper advice from people who know what they're talking about.
I met an old boy in his eighties a while back. He's an ex-banker, back when banking was a well respected profession. Naturally he's owned some lovely cars over the years, he asked what cars I owned, and as soon as I mentioned the Jensen, he replied "A Jensen Interceptor? Half a crown just to talk to you then!"
The thing with our one is being a Convertible, without the iconic silhouette and rear window, many people don't know what it is - even people at classic car events. I've heard comments ranging from "It's a Scimitar of some sort", to "I didn't know they made that" - but those who know, really know and appreciate it.
They are fantastic cars to own. The Jensen drives incredibly well with effortless but well-weighted assisted steering, the Chrysler Auto boxes are smooth, and the interior is one of the nicest places to spend time you can get. Then there are the engines... I know many people prefer the MKII with the 383 cu in (6.2 litre) lump, I've heard them say it revs and pulls better - personally I can't comment as I've only ever had MKIII's, but the 440 cu in (7.2 litre) in mine pulls like the proverbial train. The Americans might over use the phrases about there being no replacement for displacement, but it really rings true in the Jensen. Point the nose up a hill, squirt the throttle, and it'll haul itself along at quite a pace.
One thing mine is no good at is traffic. She has never overheated, but if you're stuck in a jam, the temperature needle climbs bum-clenchingly close to the red. She's running all the original cooling system though... lots of people fit better radiators, fans, fan override switches and high lift thermostats - if you're going to be in traffic a lot, perhaps look for a car that has had those upgrades, or budget for them.
Aside from that, it's the usual classic car checks. Look for rust, then look again. They all do it in varying degrees, if you're buying privately it'd be worth having it inspected by a Jensen specialist before hand. Specialists - there are lots! Croppedy Bridge and Rejen are common names - most people will have a bone to pick with at least one of them, I've never used either so can't comment. One chap I do use a lot is Appleyard - he supplies parts for Jensens, and also dabbles in a bit of buying and selling. Anything you need is easily sourced. Need a fuel pump? I did! One phone call, credit card details given, and a fuel pump arrives the next day.
Anyway, good luck in your search - find a good one, and you won't be disappointed.
Jon
The thing with our one is being a Convertible, without the iconic silhouette and rear window, many people don't know what it is - even people at classic car events. I've heard comments ranging from "It's a Scimitar of some sort", to "I didn't know they made that" - but those who know, really know and appreciate it.
They are fantastic cars to own. The Jensen drives incredibly well with effortless but well-weighted assisted steering, the Chrysler Auto boxes are smooth, and the interior is one of the nicest places to spend time you can get. Then there are the engines... I know many people prefer the MKII with the 383 cu in (6.2 litre) lump, I've heard them say it revs and pulls better - personally I can't comment as I've only ever had MKIII's, but the 440 cu in (7.2 litre) in mine pulls like the proverbial train. The Americans might over use the phrases about there being no replacement for displacement, but it really rings true in the Jensen. Point the nose up a hill, squirt the throttle, and it'll haul itself along at quite a pace.
One thing mine is no good at is traffic. She has never overheated, but if you're stuck in a jam, the temperature needle climbs bum-clenchingly close to the red. She's running all the original cooling system though... lots of people fit better radiators, fans, fan override switches and high lift thermostats - if you're going to be in traffic a lot, perhaps look for a car that has had those upgrades, or budget for them.
Aside from that, it's the usual classic car checks. Look for rust, then look again. They all do it in varying degrees, if you're buying privately it'd be worth having it inspected by a Jensen specialist before hand. Specialists - there are lots! Croppedy Bridge and Rejen are common names - most people will have a bone to pick with at least one of them, I've never used either so can't comment. One chap I do use a lot is Appleyard - he supplies parts for Jensens, and also dabbles in a bit of buying and selling. Anything you need is easily sourced. Need a fuel pump? I did! One phone call, credit card details given, and a fuel pump arrives the next day.
Anyway, good luck in your search - find a good one, and you won't be disappointed.
Jon
The only car I have ever had, which had me grinning ear-to-ear before the starter had turned.
Blipping the throttle and having the whole car twitch is something of which I never tired.
If I had the money, I would have another one again tomorrow.
If you are going burn fossil fuels –do it properly!
Blipping the throttle and having the whole car twitch is something of which I never tired.
If I had the money, I would have another one again tomorrow.
If you are going burn fossil fuels –do it properly!
jamesatcandsc said:
SV8Predator said:
James! You know you love it really!
Oh I adore it, but sometimes I get the feeling the Interceptor doesn't feel the same way about me. 
I have owned a late Mark 3 Interceptor with fuel injection, and currently own an early Mark 2.
I prefer the Mark 2, as the car weighs less than the later car, and feels faster, but even late Interceptors have sufficient oomph, burble, waft, and roar. The car can be cornered moderately briskly provided that you follow the SIFO rules and don't overdo it. Braking is good for a car of that era, but it is easy to lock the wheels when the road is wet, so be careful. I wish that my car had aircon, but that would make the mpg even worse than it is.
I get about 12-14 mpg on average and have never seen better than 18 mpg. Rust is, as noted above, no worse than on most 70s cars (which means that it can be quite bad, but isn't always). It is said that the earlier cars used better quality steel than the later ones.
Interceptors are fabulous cars, that make great tourers, fuel consumption apart. "A device for hurling playboys across Europe at warp speed in search of the perfect Martini", as one reviewer said. Many people still remember them and will come up to admire at garages etc. Quite a few people misidentify the car as a Scimitar, and once even a Capri.
I recommend upgraded starter, alternator and fans.
The JOC forum is well informed and less w
ky than many single marque fora.
Here is the yarmouth (plus some bloke who isn't me):-
I prefer the Mark 2, as the car weighs less than the later car, and feels faster, but even late Interceptors have sufficient oomph, burble, waft, and roar. The car can be cornered moderately briskly provided that you follow the SIFO rules and don't overdo it. Braking is good for a car of that era, but it is easy to lock the wheels when the road is wet, so be careful. I wish that my car had aircon, but that would make the mpg even worse than it is.
I get about 12-14 mpg on average and have never seen better than 18 mpg. Rust is, as noted above, no worse than on most 70s cars (which means that it can be quite bad, but isn't always). It is said that the earlier cars used better quality steel than the later ones.
Interceptors are fabulous cars, that make great tourers, fuel consumption apart. "A device for hurling playboys across Europe at warp speed in search of the perfect Martini", as one reviewer said. Many people still remember them and will come up to admire at garages etc. Quite a few people misidentify the car as a Scimitar, and once even a Capri.
I recommend upgraded starter, alternator and fans.
The JOC forum is well informed and less w
ky than many single marque fora.Here is the yarmouth (plus some bloke who isn't me):-
Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff