Lot 375: 1974

Arguably the most glamorous and prestigious of all Interceptor variants, the Convertible represented the West Bromwich manufacturer�s highest aspirations at the time of its introduction in 1974. With the Interceptor Coup��s introduction in 1967, Jensen had switched from glassfibre to steel for its car bodies. Underneath, the preceding C-V8 model�s robust chassis, running gear and 6,276cc Chrysler engine remained substantially unchanged. With around 280bhp on tap, performance was more than adequate, The Motor recording a top speed of 140mph with 100mph arriving in 19 seconds. Leather upholstery, reclining front seats and walnut veneer were all standard features, while automatic transmission was the choice of almost all buyers. The Series II incorporated revised front suspension, Girling brakes and a redesigned interior, while the Series III, introduced in 1971, came with a 7.2-litre engine, better seats, central locking and alloy wheels. For 1974 Jensen adopted an improved, 330bhp version of the 7.2-litre Chrysler V8 on the �J Series� MkIII, which also gained all the equipment, including air conditioning, that had been standard issue on the now-discontinued Interceptor SP. The major development that year though, was the introduction of the Convertible, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March. By this time most other manufacturers had abandoned the convertible ahead of an expected US ban. When the latter failed to materialise, Jensen was left in a strong position, selling 506 Convertibles in the next two years. Today the Interceptor Convertible is one of Jensen�s most sought after models.
Originating from Texas, this left-hand drive example has had only two previously recorded keepers and is reported to have covered circa 60,000 miles from new. Dry stored and unused for ten-or-so years, the car is said to have been started recently following the installation of a new battery, and driven from the garage without trouble. Finished in Old English White with tan leather interior/hood, �KNH 212N� is described as being in generally good condition overall but will nevertheless require some slight restoration/re-commissioning work before returning to the road. The vehicle is offered with Swansea V5.