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This Cheap Jensen Interceptor Is The Coolest '70s Car You Can Buy
This Cheap Jensen Interceptor Is The Coolest '70s Car You Can Buy-April 2024
2024-02-19 EST 22:13:43

If 1970s car culture had a face, it would be the Jensen Interceptor. It was the quintessential car for the mustachioed, bell-bottomed man looking for fun in all the wrong places. Recently, the prices for these iconic cruisers have skyrocketed, , which does need work, but it'll be so worth it when and if it gets done.

back it its day, was sort of forgettable. Sure, it had a 7.2 liter V8, but it produced an appalling 280 horsepower, neutered by emissions standards. It was only after the car reached classic status that it became a cultural icon and desirable in the market. This means that good condition Interceptors can currently fetch between $40,000 and $60,000. This one isn't one of those, as it was sadly in a garage fire. But fortunately, it looks as if it only suffered cosmetic damage and would only need paint and body work, a new windshield, and perhaps a tuneup and some key mechanical parts to get into shape.

There's another black mark on the record of this classic: It can't be registered in California due to the nature of the salvage title. I'm sure the rest of the Union is more lenient, but it is a concern for anyone looking to have this car on the road once again. Here's an excerpt from the description:

Selling a 1974 Jensen Interceptor that has been in a garage fire. This is a great project for restoration or parts. There are no rust holes, this is a California vehicle. Please see photos. California non-repairable title. Some states take such titles, some don't, please check with your DMV

Would I buy this car? If I had the space, absolutely. It's worth in parts more than the current asking price, and it looks to be restorable without a five figure repair bill. I'm not sure if it would retain its value after being in a fire, but it's certainly a great, cheap cruiser that you can be proud of when all relevant work is completed. .

For more projects that need doin', check these out:

In Pretty Woman, Vivian Ward had a checkered past that led her down some very dark alleys in life

When is it justifiable to leave a rare French classic practically abandoned in the woods to rot?…

is the founder of and writes about on the internet. He owns the world's cheapest , a , and he's the only Jalopnik author that has never driven a Miata. He also has a real name that he didn't feel was journalist-y enough so he used a pen name and this was the best he could do.

There's a difference between being cheap and treasuring value per dollar spent. One is knowing…

You can also follow him on and . He won't mind.

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