1973 Jensen Interceptor MkIII
Discussion
Hi folks, been interested in the Interceptor on and off for a few years now and decided it was about time I took the plunge!
Spotted this one for sale not too far away which turned out to be a good solid car, low ownership, older restoration and what I believe to be good potential to develop......
It's a 1973 MkIII J series with the usual 7.2 Chrysler engine and auto box. There's a few recommissioning jobs to do for a fresh MOT including a good general service, change the gearbox sump pan gasket and sort out the manifold to downpipe joint to nearside which needs attention.
Still has the original 8 track fitted (not working) and the interior is very nice with a bit of patina visible......
Really looking forward to getting the car usable and hopefully enjoying a few runs out before the autumn/winter sets in!
The car has had just four long term owners and does seem to have been well cared for if a little under used over the past few years.
Sorry the photos aren't much good, these are just from the original advert but more will follow when I get the car cleaned up and on the road!
Spotted this one for sale not too far away which turned out to be a good solid car, low ownership, older restoration and what I believe to be good potential to develop......
It's a 1973 MkIII J series with the usual 7.2 Chrysler engine and auto box. There's a few recommissioning jobs to do for a fresh MOT including a good general service, change the gearbox sump pan gasket and sort out the manifold to downpipe joint to nearside which needs attention.
Still has the original 8 track fitted (not working) and the interior is very nice with a bit of patina visible......
Really looking forward to getting the car usable and hopefully enjoying a few runs out before the autumn/winter sets in!
The car has had just four long term owners and does seem to have been well cared for if a little under used over the past few years.
Sorry the photos aren't much good, these are just from the original advert but more will follow when I get the car cleaned up and on the road!
Cheers !
One thing that did impress me was the condition of the underside. When I had a good look underneath, I was pleased to see there were no gaping holes, no dodgy welding and not covered in surface rust. Suspension and running gear is clean and painted and floor pans etc sensibly protected without being caked in think underseal.
[url
|https://thumbsnap.com/gCMTZkoB[/url]
Must straighten up that front number plate !
Plenty of scope to use and improve. Ultimately I thought if I don't get myself into an Interceptor now it would most likely never happen with the way process seem to be going!
One thing that did impress me was the condition of the underside. When I had a good look underneath, I was pleased to see there were no gaping holes, no dodgy welding and not covered in surface rust. Suspension and running gear is clean and painted and floor pans etc sensibly protected without being caked in think underseal.
[url
|https://thumbsnap.com/gCMTZkoB[/url]Must straighten up that front number plate !
Plenty of scope to use and improve. Ultimately I thought if I don't get myself into an Interceptor now it would most likely never happen with the way process seem to be going!
ts.I love these but have never actually managed to own one. I've always had a soft spot for the SP but any of the Interceptors are superb cars, and the FF still impresses after all this time.
There were some great colours in the 70's, Tangerine with black vinyl roof for starters. For a 50+ -year old design they still have an amazing presence.
Anyhow, lovely car.
There were some great colours in the 70's, Tangerine with black vinyl roof for starters. For a 50+ -year old design they still have an amazing presence.
Anyhow, lovely car.
Has the ramp damaged your exhaust system?
The interior looks terrific, what a nice place to be.
Bodywise, the most expensive repair is the "sidemembers", hefty chassis sections situated behind the outer sill panels. Big, big money to replace these. Easily checked through, get a very thin screwdriver or spike and push it up the sill panel drain holes (along the bottom of the outer sills). If the spike only goes up about a centimetre and hits solid metal, then the sidemembers are present. If the spike goes up further, they are corroded.
Don't worry if the new gearbox sump pan gasket doesn't sort the leaks, they are terrible things to seal successfully.
As you are no doubt aware, overheating is the main mechanical problem, lots of different reasons why they overheat, all the cars are different. Certainly worth checking.
But spares availability is fantastic, and lots of tech advice available on the JOC forum.
The interior looks terrific, what a nice place to be.
Bodywise, the most expensive repair is the "sidemembers", hefty chassis sections situated behind the outer sill panels. Big, big money to replace these. Easily checked through, get a very thin screwdriver or spike and push it up the sill panel drain holes (along the bottom of the outer sills). If the spike only goes up about a centimetre and hits solid metal, then the sidemembers are present. If the spike goes up further, they are corroded.
Don't worry if the new gearbox sump pan gasket doesn't sort the leaks, they are terrible things to seal successfully.
As you are no doubt aware, overheating is the main mechanical problem, lots of different reasons why they overheat, all the cars are different. Certainly worth checking.
But spares availability is fantastic, and lots of tech advice available on the JOC forum.
You will not regret this purchase! I have had two Interceptors. One was a very late one with factory fuel injection. I only had that for a year. From 2010 to 2014 I had a lovely early Mark II from 69/70, and I drove it all over the place, even to Rome and back (fuel wagon in tow). I miss that car (dubbed "the Fabboceptor") sooooooo much.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
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