A rare 1972 Jensen Interceptor III once owned by legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham is set to go under the hammer, offering collectors a unique opportunity to own a piece of both automotive and rock music history.

The right-hand-drive British grand tourer will be auctioned by Iconic Auctioneers during the Iconic Collectors’ Car Sale at the British Racing Drivers’ Club Classic held at Silverstone on July 25, 2026. The vehicle combines historical significance with a meticulously completed restoration, making it one of the most notable celebrity-owned classic cars to appear on the market this year.

According to auction records, John Bonham Enterprises Ltd. purchased the Interceptor in early 1972, when Led Zeppelin was at the height of its international success. The car was officially registered on March 18 of that year and became one of several luxury vehicles associated with the celebrated drummer.

The Jensen Interceptor has an especially intriguing history beyond its famous ownership. Reports from Rolling Stone and biographical accounts suggest this may be the same vehicle Bonham was driving in 1977 when he was involved in a serious road accident near Cutnall Green, England. According to published accounts, the drummer lost control of the car after leaving a local pub, causing it to leave the road and crash into a ditch. Bonham reportedly suffered two broken ribs but survived the accident.

Over the decades, the Interceptor eventually fell into disrepair before being acquired by its current owner in barn-find condition. Determined to preserve its historical value, the owner commissioned an extensive three-year restoration costing approximately $110,000. The project aimed not only to return the car to its original specifications but to improve its overall condition to a standard exceeding its factory appearance.

Finished in elegant Reef Blue with a crimson leather interior, the restored Interceptor reflects the luxurious grand touring character for which Jensen became famous during the 1960s and 1970s. Restoration specialists worked closely with marque experts and original suppliers to ensure historical accuracy throughout the project.

Under the hood sits a 6.3-liter Chrysler 383 V8 engine producing approximately 250 horsepower. While many enthusiasts associate later Jensen Interceptors with Chrysler’s larger 440-cubic-inch V8, this example predates that transition, making its original 383 engine historically correct. Power is delivered through Chrysler’s dependable TorqueFlite automatic transmission, a combination that helped establish the Interceptor’s reputation as a refined yet powerful grand tourer.

Produced between 1966 and 1976, the Jensen Interceptor remains one of Britain’s most distinctive luxury performance cars, blending Italian-inspired styling with American V8 power. Today, well-preserved examples continue to attract collectors worldwide, particularly those with documented celebrity ownership.

For fans of Led Zeppelin, Bonham’s Interceptor represents more than a classic automobile. It serves as a tangible reminder of one of rock music’s most influential drummers and the era in which the band dominated the global music scene. For automotive enthusiasts, it is also a rare example of British engineering restored to an exceptional standard.

Bidding is expected to attract interest from both music memorabilia collectors and classic car enthusiasts when the vehicle crosses the auction block later this month.

Source: https://journal.classiccars.com/