by Mike –
Previously we have featured the Porsche 928 and the Datsun 510 Sedan as examples of collector cars that can be had for less than $50,000 USD.
The Jensen Interceptor is submitted for your consideration.
Jensen Interceptor
While Jensen Motors was a British company the styling of the Jensen Interceptor is Italian (Carrozzeria Touring) and the engine is American, a Chrysler 383 cid V8 producing 330 hp.
The Jensen Interceptor is a very attractive car and they are reasonably priced, as you will see below. They should be easy to maintain because of the Chrysler power. Although depending on the model the price can be above our $50,000 target and certainly the convertible is above the target price.
One needs to be careful with the purchase, however, because the cost of restoration can be more than the value of the car if you buy the wrong car.
The transmission was either manual or a TorqueFlite automatic. In 1971 the engine size was increased to 440 cid and the Jensen FF (Ferguson Formula) was a variation of the Interceptor that was one of the first cars with four-wheel drive. The original list price was $13,500, which was expensive at the time.
The rear glass on the coupe looks a little bit like a fish bowl and can be an acquired taste.
Number made: approximately 6,387 between 1966 and 1976 including a few convertibles and fewer coupes. Most were 2+2 models.
Hagerty Price Guide value for a condition 2 example: the range is less than $40,000 to more than $50,000 for the 2+2 coupe, depending on the year and model.
Sports Car Market Pocket Price Guide median price: $23,900 for the 2+2 coupe.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
Mike, good choice. Have always liked these.
Great cars with fantastic driving potential. They’ve languished undervalued for years.
With other “hybrid” cars going over $100k this one cannot last in the lower price range.
They may cost less than 50 K to purchase, but they cost a fortune to restore even with the affordable big block.