Registration - BVW 724L

Chassis No. - 1314759

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 50,912

Rare and highly desirable, this example of Jenson’s Interceptor SP is offered at no reserve and is resplendent in Reef Blue, reportedly one of just 25 models finished in this distinctive colour scheme, with only 232 SP models produced in total. Powered by Chrysler’s 7.2-litre V8 with ‘six-pack’ carburettors, the engine made the SP not only the fastest Jensen ever at the time, but would also win in a Top Trumps battle against the likes of Ferrari’s 365 GTB/Daytona and Lamborghini’s Miura P400SV when it came to power output and torque. Matched to a three-speed automatic gearbox, ‘BVW 724L’ is beautifully presented in its Reef Blue exterior, over black leather interior, with plenty of period features, including stereo, black vinyl roof, and alloy wheels.

A comprehensive file of paperwork shows that this SP has just three previous owners, and retains its original handbook, as well as a number of old MOTs, dating back to 1975. ‘BNW 724L’ is described as in ‘below average’ condition in terms of bodywork, paintwork, and interior, though a visual inspection would suggest this is a little pessimistic. It is however not running at the time of entry to the auction, and although every effort will be made to get the SP in working order before the sale, this cannot be guaranteed. Showing an indicated almost 51,000 miles on the odometer, this would be a low figure for a car more than 50 years old, and as such, is unwarranted.

• Offered at no reserve
• High-powered version of Jenson’s grand tourer
• Low indicated mileage

Jensen launched the Interceptor in 1966 as its touring model, hand-built at its West Bromwich factory, and resurrecting the Interceptor badge after an interval of almost a decade. Powered by a 6.3-litre Chrysler V8, with either a manual or automatic transmission, the Interceptor was designed by Carrozzeria Touring in Italy, with early models built by another Italian coach-builder - Vignale - before Jensen brought everything in house later on. The bodies were unusual in the sense that they were made from steel, where Jensen had been using glass-reinforced plastic for many years. The SP was launched in 1971 - technically without Interceptor badging - and added a ‘six-pack’ carburettor system to the new, larger capacity 7.2-litre Chrysler V8, which gave the model its ‘SP’ name, based on the Mark III Interceptor, improving on the Mark II from 1969. Production continued until 1976, with a little over 6,400 Interceptors built in total.