One-Off Jensen Interceptor “Viperceptor” Stuns at Auction

When you think of iconic British GT cars, the Jensen Interceptor usually isn’t the first to come to mind—but maybe it should be. Especially when someone goes and stuffs a massive 8.3-liter (505 cubic-inch) VIPER V10 from a Dodge Viper SRT-10 under the hood, hand-builds the entire thing from the ground up, and dubs it the “Viperceptor.” That’s exactly what happened with this one-of-one 1973 Jensen Interceptor restomod, and it just sold at auction for a surprising £75,000 (or about $96,000 USD).

This wild creation combines the elegance and class of a vintage British grand tourer with the brute strength and sound of American muscle. Built by the talented team at Valley Gas Speed Shop in Hampshire, UK, the Viperceptor is as much a rolling piece of bespoke automotive art as it is a true high-performance monster.

A Look Back: The Original Jensen Interceptor – 

Before diving into the Viperceptor itself, let’s rewind the clock. Jensen Motors hand-built the original Interceptor between 1966 and 1976 in West Bromwich, England. Known for its sleek Italian design by Carrozzeria Touring and powerful Chrysler V8s under the hood, the Interceptor blended European luxury with American grunt. The earliest models came with Chrysler’s 6.3-liter (383 cubic-inch) V8s, producing up to 335 horsepower, but Jensen upped the ante in 1971 by offering the 7.2-liter (440 cubic-inch) big block—famously available with triple carburetors (440 Six Pack) in the ultra-rare Jensen SP.

These cars were exotic, rare, and fast—but the Viperceptor takes that concept into another dimension entirely.

Born From a Dream: The Viperceptor Build – 

The Viperceptor started life as a 1974 Jensen Interceptor, but in 2013, visionary Brook Anderson wanted to reimagine what the Interceptor could be if it were built today. The result? A two-year-long custom build with a jaw-dropping estimated cost of £200,000 (approx. $256,000 USD). It was meant to be the first of 25 limited-production builds—but this one ended up being the only Viperceptor ever made.

Valley Gas didn’t just drop a big engine in and call it a day. They stripped the entire body down, chemically cleaned it, and replaced or redesigned nearly every panel. New CAD-designed body elements included a new front and rear valance, side skirts, side vents, and even the doors. The shell was seam sealed and waxoyled to protect against rust, and all glass surrounds were refinished in sleek black chrome.

The Beast Beneath: Dodge Viper V10 Power – 

Powering the Viperceptor is an 8.3-liter (505 cubic-inch) Viper V10 engine, producing 510 horsepower and 535 lb-ft of torque (or 689 Nm for the metric folks). The engine is paired with a 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission borrowed from a Dodge Ram, and the drivetrain includes a bespoke propshaft and a 2.89:1 Salisbury Powerlock limited-slip differential mounted in a custom carrier.

Despite the massive V10, the entire car weighs just under 1,270 kg (2,800 lbs), resulting in a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio. The suspension is fully upgraded with Spax adjustable shocks and reworked geometry, while braking is handled by massive 14.5-inch vented and slotted front discs paired with 6-piston calipers, and 13.5-inch rear discs with 4-piston calipers.

In short: it hauls. And it handles better than any original Interceptor ever could.

High-End Luxury Meets Retro Cool – 

Inside, the Viperceptor is as impressive as its mechanicals. The cabin has been completely redesigned in top-grade leather, featuring new seats in the front and rear, a custom leather-wrapped dash, and even leather-edged carpeting. The gauges are modern white-faced electronic units, but they’re set into a classic-looking instrument panel.

You also get a bespoke center console, modern satellite navigation, MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity, and a leather-wrapped Mota Lita steering wheel—because even a Frankenstein muscle GT should be comfortable on long trips.

One Of One – And It’s Staying That Way – 

Initially, Brook Anderson and Valley Gas hoped to build 25-50 Viperceptors. However, after creating this masterpiece, they decided that it was special enough to stand alone. When the most recent owner inquired about commissioning another, Valley Gas stated that the cost would now be over £140,000 ($179,000 USD)—plus the donor car—and they still wouldn’t do it again. That makes this example truly one-of-a-kind.

The car even spent time in a U.S. collection before returning to the UK, where it was recently fully recommissioned at a cost of £27,000 ($34,400 USD) by Valley Gas.

At Auction: A Unique Opportunity – 

This head-turning machine recently crossed the block and sold for £75,000 (roughly $96,000 USD). While that might seem like a steep price for a Jensen Interceptor, it’s an absolute steal when you consider the estimated build cost, the rarity, and the sheer performance and craftsmanship packed into this vehicle.

According to the seller, it draws crowds everywhere it goes—from YouTubers filming it at shows to passersby stopping him at traffic lights. With less than 3,000 miles (2,712 to be exact) on the odometer since the build, it’s barely broken in.

The 1973 Jensen Viperceptor is one of those rare builds that blends outrageous engineering with thoughtful craftsmanship and real-world usability. It’s not a trailer queen or a garage ornament—it’s meant to be driven, heard, and admired. It’s fast, luxurious, loud, and unmistakably one-of-a-kind.

Source: Historics Auctioneers