Lot 250 - 1969 Jensen FF Mk. I
| Lot Number | 250 |
| Registration | VVK 412G |
| Chassis Number | 119146 |
| Engine Number | 165819E |
| Odometer reading | 93,364 miles |
| Result | Sold - £85,120 |
The Jensen FF is a four-wheel drive grand tourer produced between 1966 and 1971. It was the first non all-terrain production car equipped with four-wheel drive and an anti-lock braking system, the Dunlop Maxaret mechanical system, used hitherto only on aircraft, trucks, and racing cars. The use of four-wheel drive in a passenger car preceded the successful Audi Quattro & Subaru by many years. The letters FF stand for Ferguson Formula after Ferguson Research Limited who invented the car's system. The FF is related to the similar-looking, rear-wheel drive Jensen Interceptor but is five inches longer and mechanically very different. The FF can be distinguished from the Interceptor by a few styling cues; the most obvious being the twin (rather than single) diagonal air vents on the front wing just rear of the wheel-arches.
Originally registered to Janeen Sebag-Montefiore in 1969, the Sebag-Montefiore family were partners with the Rothschilds in the world of banking. Purchased from Ever Ready Garage Ltd in Dublin, they looked after the car until they closed in 1980 and subsequently one of their mechanics looked after the car until recently. Janeen Sebag-Montefiore sold the car in the late 1970s and the Jensen spent a number of years in storage before being purchased by Robert Wootton, an Irish musician and entrepreneur. Some two years ago the vehicle was purchased by the vendor and immediately underwent restoration work. Presenting now in delightful condition, this Jensen FF is in a factory one off blue with grey leather trim. Extensive work has been carried out to ensure this handsome example is ready to be used and enjoyed by a new owner immediately. Jensen FF’s are very rare; this Mk.I example is one of only 198 examples manufactured, they have a reputation for being outstanding to drive with road holding commensurate of four-wheel drive vehicles. Now registered on UK number plates, this Jensen is one of the best examples we have seen for a long time.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.