Eric Morecambe’s Jensen Interceptor Going To London Classic Car Show

A special Jensen Interceptor, first owned by comedian Eric Morecambe, will be on display at the London Classic Car Show.

The car originally left factory on Kelvin Way in West Bromwich, on September 23, 1968, and was delivered to Eric Morecambe, in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, who used it personally and with his chauffeur.

Despite becoming his favorite car, according to his chauffeur, Eric was dissatisfied with rust to the wheels and bumpers and pitted chrome, stating that “it is not what I expect of a £4,500 motor car“, in correspondence with Jensen Motor Company Managing Director A.W. Wickers, in 1970. Not wanting to upset the important customer, the company’s chief replied and work was undertaken to resolve the problems.

The comedian spoke about his Interceptor on an episode of Parkinson, in 1972, describing how he was driving late one evening and felt increasingly ill, being forced to stop and ask a passer-by to drive him to hospital, in the classic car. The driver was apparently so excited about grabbing the wheel of an Interceptor that it took him several minutes to realize who he was helping. It turned out that Eric suffered a mild heart attack.

Silverstone Auctions purchased the car in September 2014 and one month later, restoration process began, with work carried on the rear axle, braking system, engine, exhaust and body.

Visitors to the 2016 London Classic Car Show will get to see this Jensen Interceptor live, between February 18 and 21, at Excel, London.