null Interceptor

 This auction is for a very rare British hand built grand touring Jensen Interceptor. the legendary Mopar 440 Magnum V8. the Interceptors were one of the most expensive cars you could buy back in the 60s and 70s. These are great grand touring cars with custom coachwork. Connolly leather interiors. Wilton wool carpets and many bespoke pieces. All the style and luxury of the best European coachbuilt exotics with the reliable power of an American musclecar drivetrain.
I obtained this example with the idea of utilizing the 440 drivetrain for one of my Mopar Challenger or Cuda projects. However. when I got the car I realized that it was just too nice to disassemble and part out. Many of these cars have rusted badly or have been damaged beyond repair. Their bodywork is hand finished and the fenders. etc are finished and fitted using the traditional methods of lead and are welded together-making damage or rust repair difficult and expensive.
So. when I discovered that this Interceptor was essentially rust free and seems to have never suffered any significant body damage. I just couldn't part it out. I've checked underneath the car. pulled up most of the carpets and looked in the trunk/boot area-all are solid and rust free. There are a few places where light surface rust is evident. but nothing that doesn't easily remove with a little sanding. This is a very solid Interceptor! All the doors and rear boot line up beautifully with good gaps. All the glass is original and in good condition. The engine bay is also very original and would be easy to clean up. All the rare bits like the bespoke valve covers. dual snorkel air cleaner. fuse covers. etc are all in place. Everything is original. The rear boot area is in very nice condition and the jack. inflator and tool roll are in place. Even the spare tire is in place underneath the boot area. All of the factory wheel are fitted and although a bit weathered. they are in good shape. The original bumpers are there and in good shape with acceptable chrome. The interior switches are all there and even the lettering is clearly visible on most(a typical Interceptor were area).
Amazingly. the dash is in excellent condition with no cracks. The Gauges are clear and nice. The factory headliner is excellent as is the original steering wheel.
The mighty 440 does turn over and does run when feeding the carb through a separate gas can. We turned the engine over after spraying oil into the cylinders and changing the fluid as it had been sitting for quite some time.
Issues?  well. the Interceptor was sitting for years and the exterior is badly weathered. The entire fuel system should be flushed as should the cooling and brakes. The interior is also well weathered. Front seats are cracked and have some tears. It appears that at some point. someone tried to re-dye the interior. The rear seats and door panels are in pretty good shape and could possibly be stripped and properly dyed. The wool carpets need cleaning and the two front floor mats are missing. The factory radio is also missing. The exterior. while rust free and very solid. is still in need of a complete refinish. There are areas of badly cracked original lacquer. patches of primer. a few areas of very light filler that appeared to have been applied in an attempt to smooth out some cracks in the paint-dumb. There are also a few minor bumps and dings.
In short. the Jensen needs to be restored. That being said. this is a very original. complete car that seems to be totally rust free and never wrecked. Its a great candidate for restoration. With prices of Interceptors climbing lately. here is a great opportunity to pick a solid example up at a great price. Offered at no reserve-good luck bidding and thanks for looking.

Also published at eBay.com

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