Footnotes

• Star of the 1966 Motor Show, the Interceptor-based Jensen FF represented one of the first successful attempts to produce a four-wheel drive passenger car. 'FF' stood for 'Ferguson Formula', a four-wheel drive system developed by the Harry Ferguson Research Company, which was also responsible for adapting the FF's Dunlop Maxaret anti-lock braking system for automotive use. The FF debuted alongside the new Interceptor and both models used the same basic chassis, running gear and 6,276cc Chrysler V8 engine inherited from the preceding C-V8. With 325bhp (SAE) and 425lb/ft of torque on tap, performance was more than adequate, The Motor recording a top speed of 140mph with 100mph arriving in 19 seconds. Leather upholstery, reclining front seats and walnut veneer were all standard features, while automatic transmission was the choice of almost all buyers (it was the only option for the FF). In October 1969 a significant number of improvements heralded the arrival of the 'MkII'. The newcomer incorporated revised front suspension and Girling brakes (introduced on late MkIs) as well as a new front bumper and countless minor alterations. The main improvement though, was a completely redesigned interior featuring a new dashboard and seats. Mechanical changes to the FF kept abreast of those made to the Interceptor, but although the two models looked indistinguishable from a distance there were numerous subtle differences, the most obvious being the FF's twin side vents and bonnet scoop. Priced at 30% above the Interceptor, itself not a cheap car, the FF was the privilege of a wealthy few and when production ceased in 1972 only 320 had been made, 110 of which were to MkII specification.
  First registered on 26th February 1970, this FF MkII was first owned by Mr Harry Chandler, a prominent Essex travel agent, who purchased it from the London Jensen dealer, Charles Follett Ltd. It was registered 'HC 1000'. Mr Chandler was very fond of the car and kept it for 25 years until his death in 1995. Pictures of the Jensen feature in his book, a copy of which comes with it.
  Renowned Jensen FF enthusiast Dave Barnett then purchased the car, which required considerable mechanical refurbishment as it had been unused for some years. Mr Barnett sold the FF to the current owner in February 2000. From 2000 to 2003 a major restoration was carried out by Jensen specialist Colin Holley (C&H Autos) at a cost of over £12,000, which included replacement of the outer chassis tubes, rebuilding the bottom half of the bodywork and a bare-metal repaint in Jensen Crystal Blue. Other works included fitting a new bonnet skin, new fast-wind starter motor and a replacement Pioneer CD/radio, while the braking system was overhauled by Dave Barnett. Other improvements include a pre-ignition electric fuel pump and a manual override switch for the radiator fans.
  More recently the engine top-end was rebuilt and converted to unleaded compatibility (at a cost of over £4,000), the carburettor overhauled and the engine bay refreshed with repainted manifolds and cylinder block and re-chromed rocker covers. The air conditioning pump and heat exchanger were removed many years ago but come with the car.
  The interior is described as in fairly original condition, although the front seats were re-covered in matching leather some years ago and the carpets replaced by the current owner. The speedometer was replaced at 75,679 miles with a used unit that read 5,366 when fitted and currently reads circa 5,900 miles. The original speedometer accompanies the car together with a most substantial history file detailing all the aforementioned work and some photographs of the restorations. Described as in generally very good condition, this rare Interceptor variant comes with its original handbook, current MoT/tax, Swansea V5 document and an almost complete run of expired MoTs dating back to 1978. A tailor-made Classic Additions lined cotton car cover is included in the sale.
  

Auction Notices

• Please note the registration and chassis number are incorrect in the printed catalogue, they should read: Registration no. ABW 264H, Chassis no. 127-222, Engine no. 2003-127E.

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Category: Motoring / Motor Cars

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