Highlights

One of only eight remaining Vignale-bodied Jensen FF prototypes out of 12 built
£75,000 restoration in Sweden to factory-correct specification and colours
Engine, gearbox, suspension and brakes fully rebuilt during restoration
Matching numbers car and status confirmed by Jensen FF Museum UK
Substantial history file including original build sheet and workshop manual
Beautifully presented in Mist Grey metallic with Vignale Steel Blue leather interior
Part of a private UK collection since 2018

The Appeal

Nobody expected a tiny boutique car maker from West Bromwich to change motoring, but with its innovative FF, that’s exactly what Jensen did. Born out of a friendship between Richard Jensen and Tony Rolt, one of Harry Ferguson’s engineers, the FF was the world’s first production All Wheel Drive car. Oh, and it pioneered anti-lock brakes, too.

Owing to the complexity of the Interceptor-based body and some internal Jensen politics, the first 12 FF prototypes were entrusted to Italian coachbuilder Vignale. This car is one of the eight remaining survivors. Like all early FFs, it was originally UK-registered - Jensen was reluctant to let any go overseas owing to their complexity - and spent its life here before moving to Sweden in 1988. During its time with two keepers in Sweden, it was extensively restored for £75,000. The work retained the matching numbers status but involved rebuilding the engine, gearbox, brakes and suspension. The car was finished in correct Mistral Grey metallic and retrimmed to exact special-order Vignale Steel Blue leather. It retains the array of distinctive features, most notably the dashboard, that sets these early cars apart.

The car returned to the UK some years ago and has been part of a private collection since 2018. It is in, quite simply, magnificent condition. The FF is one of British motoring’s most innovative, cutting-edge cars and with just 320 built across three series, of which only 195 were Mk1 cars like this one, it is extremely rare.

This car’s historically significant provenance is verified, we’re told, by the Jensen FF Museum UK. For collectors of notable classic British GTs, the challenge will be finding another.

History and Paperwork

First registered in U&K 24th August 1967
Delivered new to Morgan Duff of Norfolk we are told
Two UK registered keepers prior to being exported to Sweden in 1988
Two further Swedish keepers
Returned to the UK in 2018 and has been in a private collection since
Copy of the original build sheet
Original workshop manual
Various old MOTs
Newspaper articles
Numerous bills/receipts and correspondence from 1967 onwards
History and authenticity confirmed by the Jensen FF Museum UK
Restored in Sweden with support from Jensen FF Museum UK costing £75,000
VIN number 119016
One of 12 prototypes of which 8 are said to remain
Last UK MOT ran to 28th August 2025 with no advisories

The Condition

Bodyshell treated to a bare-metal repaint in correct Mist Grey in Sweden
Interior re-trimmed in Vignale Steel Blue leather as per the original special order
Correct Rostyle wheels have been restored
Fitted with new Avon Turbo Speed tyres
Features unique Vignale details including number '8' factory stampings on many components
Driver's window is currently not working
Bonnet mechanism is faulty and cannot be opened presently
Mk1 interior with walnut veneer and classic radio fitted
Three spoke wood-rimmed wheel with Jensen-branded boss
Pleated cream leather headlining

Such is the rarity of the Vignale-built prototypes that any restoration has to be carefully undertaken. This car was reportedly restored in Sweden some years ago at a cost of £75,000, all undertaken under the tutelage of the Jensen FF Museum. That likely explains the careful attention to detail, from the factory stampings with their number eights and the factory correct colour scheme.

The Mistral Grey paintwork is matched to a special order Vignale Steel Blue leather interior. Elsewhere, you’ll find Rostyle wheels with correct Avon Turbosteels. The attention to detail throughout is impressive, the whole car presenting at a high level thanks to the very sparing use since completion. It has spent its life in recent years as part of a high-end private collection, and it shows.

The Mechanics

Rebuilt 6,277 cc Chrysler V8 engine
Rebuilt 3spd Chrysler Torqueflite A727 automatic transmission
Original factory-supplied engine stripped and rebuilt during restoration
Correct and original Carter carburettor overhauled
Brakes, suspension and automatic transmission rebuilt during restoration
Ferguson Formula four-wheel drive system
Dunlop Maxaret mechanical anti-lock braking system
Recent MOT in August 2024 with no advisories
Reported to be a matching numbers car

The Ferguson Formula principle was originally tested using a Jensen CV-8 chassis. No doubt that aided the FF’s development since the Interceptor-based model used CV-8 running gear. Alongside the All Wheel Drive system, a first on a production car (preceding the Audi Quattro by decades), the FF featured clever anti-lock braking.

This car is reported to be a matching numbers example. The mechanicals were extensively rebuilt during the Swedish restoration. We’re told that this included the engine, gearbox, brakes and suspension. An advisory-free August 2024 MOT supports the sense of an extremely well-sorted car.

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