Footnotes

• A rare and important car, chassis number '2340 PP001' is the first right-hand drive Interceptor convertible made. First registered in December 1973, a few months ahead of the model's official launch, it was retained by the factory for over two years.
  The announcement of a Convertible version on the MkIII chassis in March 1974 was a major development in the evolution of Jensen's Chrysler V8-engined Interceptor. 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 467 Convertibles in the next two years. Today the Interceptor Convertible is one of Jensen's most sought after models, and this car in particular stands out by virtue of its factory history, celebrity owners and stunning restoration.
  For a vehicle to have been owned by one world-famous author is unusual enough, but this Interceptor Convertible has belonged to two, having been sold to Harold Robbins and subsequently acquired by Frederick Forsyth. Best-selling American author Harold Robbins had a hit with his debut novel, Never Love a Stranger (1948) and several of his subsequent works became best sellers, including The Carpetbaggers (1961) and The Betsy (1971), both of which were made into feature films. Like the late Harold Robbins, Frederick Forsyth has written a succession of major best sellers, many of which have been turned into box-office hits including The Day of the Jackal (1971), The Odessa File (1972) The Dogs of War (1974) and The Fourth Protocol (1980).
  Chassis number '2340 PP001' was driven briefly in the UK by Harold Robbins before he returned to the USA. Left in storage, the car subsequently underwent extensive restoration circa 1991/92 at Marksdanes Classic Cars, of Shepton Mallet at a cost of around £40,000. They advise that a restoration of similar quality would cost at least £80,000 now. A testament to that work's quality is the car's condition today.
  In 2002 the Interceptor was purchased by Frederick Forsyth and re-sprayed powder blue at his request by renowned Jensen experts, Cropredy Bridge Garage. He wanted the colour to be the same as that of the Alfa Romeo driven by Edward Fox in the film version of The Day of the Jackal. The car is in very good cosmetic condition, having covered fewer than 5,000 miles since restoration. During the present ownership the Jensen has enjoyed some general maintenance for ongoing road use, such as a new alternator, lubrication service, genera1 check-over, new battery, etc. It is offered with Marksdanes' list of parts/materials used, sundry invoices, a quantity of expired MoT certificates, current road fund licence, MoT to June 2011 and Swansea V5.

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Category: Motoring / Motor Cars

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