Sold for £52,083
(including buyers premium)
Registration No: VMA 384J
Chassis No: 127286
MOT: Exempt
The Jensen FF is a four-wheel-drive grand tourer produced between 1966 and 1971. It was the first production car equipped with four-wheel drive for road rather than terrain use, preceding the renowned and successful Audi Quattro and Subaru’s of many years later, and featured an anti-lock braking system, the Dunlop Maxaret mechanical system, used hitherto only on aircraft, trucks, and racing cars. The letters FF stand for Ferguson Formula after Ferguson Research Limited who invented the car's system. Similar-looking to the rear-wheel-drive Jensen Interceptor but five inches longer and mechanically very different, it is distinguishable from the Interceptor by a few styling cues; the most obvious being the twin (rather than single) diagonal gill-like air vents on the front wing just rear of the wheel-arches.
This Jensen FF (Ferguson Formula) is one of just 327 produced and only one of 107 of the FF II model manufactured. The odometer displays 110,700 credible miles, and with current ownership since 1996 it has had just 6 former keepers. In current ownership for 26 years it has been continuously taxed and MOT'd. After becoming MOT exempt in 2018 the owner decided to continue testing. It possesses a current MOT. Thankfully, this FF has survived many decades of regular use.
Finished in Flag Red, the exterior is complemented by a Black leather interior. Its appearance has a nice original patina to it and is in very good condition. The rear footwell carpets appear original, but those in the front and the boot were replaced by the current owner (there are spares for the two front footwell pieces in the boot, included in the sale). Said to be maintained fully and carefully by the present owner with comprehensive records ‘VMA 384J’ was restored to a high standard by previous owners in the 1980s and maintained similarly since, the FF has had further work carried out as required; such as bodywork and a gearbox overhaul. The sills and chassis tubes were part of a 2004 restoration. Significant upgrades have been installed by the present owner for practical reasons, given long-distance and continental travel needs. They include a more effective modified cooling system; 6.5 inch Mk3 alloy wheels with wider tyres instead of the original steel Rostyles; upgraded brake pads; a deeper commercial gearbox sump; an independent gearbox oil cooler; an additional thermostatically controlled engine oil cooler; a Mk3 spin-off oil cooler; a modern fast wind starter; and a low-level frontal air scoop to improve radiator air flow.
This FF II has won or been placed at many classic car and Jensen Owners Club concours events and shows including two appearances at the NEC and Techno Classica, Essen. At Tatton Park, Cheshire, the FF II won the 1st prize as the Best Classic Sports Car (the shield goes with the car). 'VMA348J' has also been featured on the cover or inside several magazines (included). Of note, with the car, are special clips to hold the bonnet open when very hot and two rare original jacking point covers; a rubber carpet protector; correct Black air box; and a jacking kit in a sleeve. Records accompanying the FF include substantial history files with photos going back across the tenure of previous owners; service history; list of parts purchased; monthly mileage and running costs; MOT certificates back to 1977; invoices for work carried out; list of shows and events with photographs; and magazine features. The car has a well-thumbed Jensen FF II handbook, a Jensen Heritage Certificate as well as the Green log book, and a V5C.
Auction: Imperial War Museum, Duxford, 22nd Jun, 2022
VIEWING TIMES
Tuesday 21st June 2022 from 12pm to 6pm
Wednesday 22nd June 2022 from 9am
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