New member advice

[glover40]

Hi everyone, have just joined the group as I’ve always wanted an Interceptor and now in the position to make this happen. Looking for some buying advice. I’ve done a search and nit found this so sorry if I’ve missed it but most of the cars I e found that I like are private sales but I appreciate there’s a lot of risk with cars this age and if you are going to drop 50k or so on one you could really be caught out. So my question is how best to buy one? I know I don’t know enough about cars so who do people recommend to do an independent inspection? Thanks in advance.

[Martin R]

Welcome to the JOC Forum
I don't know if you've actually signed up to the Jensen Owners' Club but joining would give you access to the Interceptor Registrar who may know of cars within the club, coming up for sale.
Some members prefer to sell their cars within the club to ensure the future of them, knowing they are not likely to fall into the hands of Banger racers or simply be laid up and never see the light of day.
Rust is the biggest single enemy of the Interceptor (and most cars of a similar age) so a solid car is preferable to one which might need a little recommissioning.
Joining the JOC also means that your local area rep may be willing and or able to look at prospective purchase options.
There have recently been a couple of members cars sold at very reasonable prices, particularly knowing they have been well loved and regularly used.
I'm sure other people will have their own views and hopefully they will be along to share their opinions soon.
Good luck with your search.

[RockyUSA]

Buy the best, and most complete car you can…. You will nae get a bargain by buying a “project”….

Each small part that is missing will cost £75…. that adds up quickly…

You want to drive the Gentleman’s Express … not assemble one!

Rocky

[Mark1Stu]

Here’s a useful summary:

https://www.classicandsportscar.com/fea ... tor-and-ff

If you search eBay using ‘Jensen Interceptor magazine’ and scroll through looking for ‘Jensen Interceptor Buyers Guide’ on the front page of the advert, you can pick up useful info for under £5. Sometimes the older guides are best - just ignore the price values.

One day, the club will get around to posting a buyers guide on their web site. But best not hold your breath.

[glover40]

Welcome to the JOC Forum
I don't know if you've actually signed up to the Jensen Owners' Club but joining would give you access to the Interceptor Registrar who may know of cars within the club, coming up for sale.
Some members prefer to sell their cars within the club to ensure the future of them, knowing they are not likely to fall into the hands of Banger racers or simply be laid up and never see the light of day.
Rust is the biggest single enemy of the Interceptor (and most cars of a similar age) so a solid car is preferable to one which might need a little recommissioning.
Joining the JOC also means that your local area rep may be willing and or able to look at prospective purchase options.
There have recently been a couple of members cars sold at very reasonable prices, particularly knowing they have been well loved and regularly used.
I'm sure other people will have their own views and hopefully they will be along to share their opinions soon.
Good luck with your search.

Thanks I didn’t know that about the Club so will join. When buying one you say a local rep can have a look which is very helpful but do people use anyone such as a garage to do an inspection. Given the age of the car and the price I am worried I could get really burnt. Obviously less of a risk buying a members car

[Martin R]

Garages, the AA etc. can all do inspections but, I believe someone with the right knowledge particularly relevant to the Interceptor could be a better bet.
Unfortunately, there are a few cars that come up for sale which superficially look great, but might have been recently resprayed and can be hiding a multitude of sins.
A trusted dealer is another option.
For example, I bought my first car from Appleyard Parts & Service in Ilkeston, near Derby / Nottingham and I found them to be very honest and helpful.
Some other dealers charge absolutely top dollar, so it pays to look around.
Which part of the world are you located?

[glover40]

I’m in Horsham, Sussex. This is why I was asking as I saw a members car for sale in the classifieds but it’s up North so a long way to go if it wasn’t the right car.

[Richie]

Good luck with the search.
As Martin has suggested, join the club and in the first instance, have a look at plenty of (hopefully good) cars at meetings / shows / events.
Even if the cars aren't for sale, members will be only too keen to discuss their cars help and point out the areas to check and so forth and the differences between mk1, 2 and 3 to help you decide what model is best for you. Which will be a mk2... but I'm biased.

[DPP]

Be prepared to travel to find the right car and walk away if you are not sure no matter how much time you have wasted as buying the wrong car can be a very costly mistake.

Although some nice cars go through auction a lot of money pits also end up there and if you decide to go this route I would always go and view the car in person even if buying one for a full restoration. Bear in mind that cars sold at auction come with absolutely no comebacks even when wrongly described and there is no chance of taking the car for a drive either.

As said join the club and get involved with the owners in your area, you will learn a lot and may then hear of a known good car coming up for sale. Some of the best cars don't get advertised and sell between members.

[glover40]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I have now joined the club

[colin7673]

Now that you have joined the club, you will get the magazine with the list of Area Reps and technical advicers, worth ringing and introducing yourself for advice.
Also members cars for sale maybe advertised as well.
Check the 'Cars for sale' on this forum.
Before I brought my Jensen I was advised to, if possible to purchase an JOC members car, as you might find that they may let the car go a little cheaper to someone who is a club member than to someone who is not.

Also what your knowledge on working on cars, if you have mechanical and/ or electrical knowledge then this will help in your choice of car,

This is a very good car.
https://joc.org.uk/joc-forum/?w3=dmlld3 ... 90PTM1Nzkz


And as said, buy the best you can afford and don't buy the first one. Never be afraid to ask, no matter how silly you think the question is, because every owner, nowadays, started the same way.
Then enjoy the journey of a car that becomes a way of life.

[glover40]

Thanks for this and some really useful advice here. Have been looking at the the for sale section and there was a car there looked good but other end of the country from me which set me off on this route. I think a JOC car be my best bet as more likely to be a genuine car. My biggest concern being a spend a lot of money on a money pit. expecting the car to need ongoing work due to what they are but trying to get one in as best condition that I can afford

[colin7673]

Thanks for this and some really useful advice here. Have been looking at the the for sale section and there was a car there looked good but other end of the country from me which set me off on this route. I think a JOC car be my best bet as more likely to be a genuine car. My biggest concern being a spend a lot of money on a money pit. expecting the car to need ongoing work due to what they are but trying to get one in as best condition that I can afford

That's you best bet, these cars are of their day, look after them, service them keep an eye on them, remember prevention is better cure.

[johnw]

There have recently been a couple of members cars sold at very reasonable prices, particularly knowing they have been well loved and regularly used.

Good luck with your search.

Best advice would have been to get one of those!

These cars can be run surprisingly cost effectively if you do your research.

[Delboy]

Most have said it already.
BODYWORK. Fact... It will have rusted. So check very closely how well its been restored... Photos of work carried out and by who.

COMPLETE. Make sure everything is there, and ideally numbers match. These cars languished unloved through the 80s and 90s, so many were butchered.
Also remember these cars were practically individually hand built, so panel alligment almost unique to each car, and also interiors were almost bespoke fit to each car. Better to restore than replace.

On a positive... The support and parts availability is amazing considering how few cars were made. Also loads of upgrades available.
Watch out for hens teeth bits.. Can only speak from MK1 experience.. Door handles, Rear light units, bumpers, and bloody wheels (if you want original Rostyles).

Owners club is great, chew some ears, these guys are very knowlegable.