Jensen FF - A trailblazing feat of engineering well ahead of its time | Tyrrell's Classic Workshop

The Jensen FF was highly innovative when it debuted in 1966, the first non all-terrain production car equipped with four-wheel drive and an anti-lock braking system as standard. The FF stands for Ferguson Formula, after Harry Ferguson, another tractor manufacturer who decided to dip his toes in the world of high-performance cars, who invented the car's four-wheel drive system. Jensen took their Interceptor as a starting point and modified it to fit the complex mechanical set-up, a true feat of engineering.
Despite the innovation and being powered by a 6.3L Chrysler V8, the high purchase cost meant it wasn't commercially successful with only 320 to 330 examples produced. Of those, less than half likely remain today, and this particular example has its own unique history, first serving as Jensen's press-car, and then being loaned to none other than Giovanni "Gianni" Agnelli, head of Fiat and the richest man in modern Italian history. No doubt this car has welcomed its fair share of VIPs - Very Important Passengers!
00:00 - Introduction
00:46 - Ferguson Formula
01:45 - Active vs Passive Safety
02:21 - 4WD System
03:59 - Dunlop Maxaret ABS System
04:51 - Jensen's trailblazer
06:29 - Rubery Owen Wheels
07:14 - Unique history of this example
07:33 - Giovanni "Gianni" Agnelli
08:45 - Inspiration from the Miura
09:27 - Front-wheel setup for 4WD and Chrysler 383 V8 engine
10:41 - The belly of the beast
12:09 - Road test
23:34 - Outro
Thank you once again to everyone for the overwhelming reception of these videos and for all the support of likes, subscribes and wonderful comments.
This video was brought to you by Aston Lark - www.astonlark.com/tyrrellswor...
Filmed and edited by Whipp3dCream - whipp3dcream.com/
With thanks to legendary guitarist/composer/music producer Steve Wright for the music
Interested in purchasing a classic car? Check out Iain's guides with Supercars Monaco - / @supercarsmonacotv7831
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IMAGE ATTRIBUTION:
Joseph D. Eddy (commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi..., „Farm Mechanics 1922 Ferguson mechanical hitch“, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia Commons: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Te...
Brian Snelson (commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi..., „Jensen CV8 red“, crop by TCW, creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Andrew Bone from Weymouth, England (commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi..., „MG MGB Roadster (1978) (50248433831)“, commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi... by TCW, creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Mr Thinktank from Shanghai, China;Cropped, rotated, and levels adjusted by uploader Mr.choppers (commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi..., „Rover P5 3.5 litre Saloon NZ“, creativecommons.org/licenses/...

[@daniellarge9784]

One of my dream cars. Sad to know there are less than 200 still around.

[@zumwild]

This fantastic car FF 119/069 would have had Selectaride electrically adjustable rear dampers when new, so you could firm up the ride at the touch of a switch. As an early car chassis no 69 may have the early Italian window lift motors (common on the first 50 cars) which were faster than later ones, although slightly more noisy! Being a press car it was the first with the later style door frames without opening quarter lights. I owned FF no 73 which although a numerically later car was supplied new with the earlier style opening front quarter lights. FF 69 had a very nice 3 spoke aluminium/leather rimmed steering wheel on period road test photos and until quite recently. Not the more usual Mk1 leather type which looks a like a Miura one, but one with black filled slots in the spokes. The 2 leather style wheels were a factory option that appears on other cars. Pushing the FF hard the way the centre diff locks up and releases is simply sublime, much nicer than all 4WD cars I have owned since. The car also has a Duo-lock feature, if one brake calliper fails, the centre diff can lock under braking to mechanically distribute the force of the other three wheels automatically, as I found out once, so you actually get excess braking force transferred from the other 3 wheels onto the wheel with the faulty calliper!

[@theodor12]

Wow! Amazing knowledge!!!

[@carlmason4153]

Not Having Owned an FF, but a MK2 Interceptor, I personally do not like the steering wheel in this car one bit. I always felt this model of steering wheel "Cheapens " Jensens. I loved my Jensen Interceptor, and as stated a Very underestimated car in Many peoples opinions. Just laughing, removing the drivers side wheel to remove & replace No 8 spark plug with my Snap on swivel head ratchet. Apparently the reason why not everyone changed that plug on their cars. ??? ( Jensen Agent once told me)

[@itellwalker7923]

Wow!!!!…. An absolutely phenomenal piece of automotive engineering…. A car most definitely well ahead of its time…. I’ve known about the Jenson Interceptor for many years now probably first being told about the car since or between 1981 and 1986…. The car came into production about a decade before my time because I was born at the end of 1976 but I grew up very much knowing about the car for years after I was born…. It was my mother who actually told me about this powerful car in the first place…. I grew up seeing the Jenson being driven on British roads long after the car had stopped being produced though throughout the majority of the eighties and for the last time on a regular basis even in the early nineties but I had no idea about the Jenson FF…. Thank you so much for sharing this knowledge which was gained out of experience from you…. It’s much appreciated. Congratulations on previously owning such a remarkable automobile!!!!

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Great knowledge, I had a 68 one and that had a wood wheel, I don't think they were nardi tho, yes those selecta ride shocks were clever, I changed mine for spax, but I don't think they were as good.

[@returnofthenative]

There we go again. You know, after watching, the Rolls Royce video, I too tried "wafting along", in my trusty Mazda. Bloody marvelous, it wafted me to & from my destination, all at a tiny fraction of the cost. Now I'm an absolute covert to the sheer joy of wafting from place to place.

[@danielfrancois9555]

There's a bolt missing in the gearbox oil pan visible at 3:08. But a stunning car. I remeber my father, who was a car dealer, traded in a interceptor mark 3 and I never forget the sound of that car.

[@coastalbbq1]

Love your videos. My dad was a USAF pilot. That noise you experienced on your drive with the Hawks we'd call "The Sound of Freedom". I doubt you mind it.

[@lindaoffenbach]

Such a distinctive car and for the first time the FF being properly clarified and being showed in all its exceptional technicality details for the time. And such a privilege to be able doing and enjoying this for us to witness. Wonderful! We’ve had the privilege of driving in an Interceptor III with a bloke who had it restored himself from the ground up. Not an FF but it truly was something very different as it was. Thank you so much once again Iain. This channel certainly is not to be taken for granted, as it must consume quite some time from you and your business.

[@marcryvon]

Very well said, Mademoiselle Linda ! 😊

[@christianwilliams6992]

Nynorsk justnu

[@jackburtonstwin]

The Interceptor / FF is just one of the most beautiful vehicles ever created. For me, it sits beside the 246 Dino. Flawed, yes, but just stunning in every way that matters. A mistress you would sell your mortal soul to in a heartbeat.

[@jackburtonstwin]

@@johnsmith1474 My analogy was far from carelessly chosen. A car can be a thing of great beauty and allure while also being a Siren call to personal ruin by one's own hands.

[@cheemomugdoo799]

I agree with John, this car is homely. From a design standpoint, it's a mess. The fact that the rear end is shared with the Pacer is just the tip of the iceberg.

[@kipsome45]

@@johnsmith1474 Supercilious knob.

[@BlackPete...]

@@kipsome45 Nailed it.

[@fteoOpty64]

The speedo is swinging like a pendulum.... Great classic.

[@andrewstoffel1170]

Got to love Smiths gauges.

[@laurieharper1526]

Yep. back in the day, when the police pulled you over and asked "Do you know how fast you were going, sir?", you could answer "I haven't a clue, I'm afraid, officer" and be believed.

[@ianmedium]

I would love to know what causes that swing and if it can be cured?

[@michaelfraser5723]

metronomic

[@andrewstoffel1170]

@@ianmedium probably a dry sticking drive cable.

[@briananthony4044]

At 11:57, that exhaust pipe is very close to the front drive shaft. I remember reading a British motoring magazine back in the late '60s or early '70s that did a test on the FF. It must have been winter as there was thick snow on the ground. They came across a traffic jam on a country road that stretched far ahead. They decided this would be a good test of the FF system so pulled over to the verge on the left that had a thick layer of snow (thankfully it didn't cover a ditch) and proceeded to crunch their way past all the stuck motorists. They boasted that they reached 60 mph and felt entirely safe in doing so thanks to the FF, anti-lock brakes and traction control. I always remembered that story. I fell in love with the car. The transmission is a torqueflite 727, I had a Australian E55 Charger back in '73 with the 340 V8 and 727.

[@joenoonan7165]

Used to drive an interceptor,but never an ff. Didn't own it. Belonged to a friend. Couldn't afford it,drank juice!!- see quentin willson. Loved it. If I won the lottery,it would be my first.

[@muddyboots1881]

From a dreary, grey day in UK to an appointment for lunch at a café in Sorento on the Amalfi Coast is exactly what an Interceptor was built for! Nice video once again, Iain.

[@nygelmiller5293]

To Muddy Boots: apparently, for long but "swift" journeys, the DE TOMASO DEAUVILLE, (jag xj6 copy) was also in this league!

[@jamesrobert4106]

Having been 9 times and a marriage in Sorrento, that sounds like perfection.

[@nickbitten9910]

My Dad had a ' normal' Interceptor in his workshop back in the day ( I was only a youngster at the time). Remember being fascinated by the rear window and the lovely V8 waffle on start up and driving off- almost felt lost on the large passenger seat. Happy days.

[@staffy73]

Wow! Riding in a 68 jff through the British countryside and after donning some spectacular sunglasses and making a big left turn somewhere, we’re suddenly living the sweet life in Italy! How did I miss that turn?! Mr tyrrell you paint the best mental pictures. Can’t wait to see where we will go next!

[@promerops]

I love these big coupes of this period: the FF, Bristol 411, Aston Martin V8, ISO Grifo, Lamborghini 400GT, Gordon Keeble, etc. For me they are far more interesting and desirable than todays equivalents.

[@lewis72]

and the Facel Vega !

[@kevindimauro9689]

Hard to believe this car came out 45 years before the Ferrari FF !!!

[@fusionfan6883]

I thought your viewers might be interested in some personal reminiscences on my Dad’s old Jensen interceptor. He bought one of the very first production Interceptors and it was a nightmare! I believe that early ones had their coachwork built in Turin by Vignale, they only a limited number of cars, and it leaked like a sieve. Also, it didn’t have a limited slip diff and when Dad drove over to Italy to the ancestral home in the mountains - many of the early Italians in the UK emigrated from a small town and its surrounds in the Emilia Romagna called Bardi - it literally scrubbed the tyres bare and he had a nightmare finding replacements. In the end Jensen gave him a brand new car and I have fond memories of that burbling V8, which was a thing of beauty to a young 8 year old. And another interesting anecdote. My uncle was a car nut and even did test driving for Bristol cars, as well as I believe some driving with Sterling Moss. At the time he was looking at getting an Aston Martin, but borrowed Dad’s interceptor to see what it was like. When he returned it to the house, Dad wasn’t home, so he put it in the garage, but unfortunately left both side window down and the side door to the garage open. We had just bought a Beagle puppy, which was a bit of a wild destructive thing, and it got into the car and destroyed the Connolly leather seats! Let’s just say when Dad got home, that dog auditioned for the UK space programme! Dad had to send the car back for retrimming, which cost and arm and a leg. I can’t recall the reg of the cars but the fist was a metallic blue I think, and the replacement was a metallic sand sort of colour. Great memories!

[@simonhodgetts6530]

That’s a beautiful car! My dad remembers that the Jensen factory test drivers used to do a circuit of West Bromwich town centre in brand new Interceptors fresh off the production line, as a final test drive before they were delivered to dealers.

[@dellhell8842]

Exceptional narration again in this video. Absolute joy to watch and listen to. I knew of Ford's, David Brown's and Lambo's involvement in tractors and cars but never knew Harry Ferguson was involved with Jensen.

[@michaelganshirt8795]

The jumpy speedo is funny. I always loved the interceptors as a kid but hadn't heard much about the FF. I like these little history lessons.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Very interesting! I didn't know Agnelli used that Jensen, but it doesn't surprise me, given the character: cultivated and accustomed to the best of everything since forever, he sure was intrigued by the FF's engineering. As you rightly pointed out, Touring of Milan styled the Interceptor, but the firm went belly-up in '66, so Vignale ended up making the bodies. Touring's designer was Federico Formenti, possibly the least known of all great Italian stylists. After Touring folded, he was hired at Alfa Romeo's styling studio, where he worked until his retirement age.

[@hanswieringa9911]

This video is great in many ways! Thank you Ian! Great car, fantastic review on the engineering and techniques used, and what a masterpiece of car to see with its history! And Matteo, your latest uploads on car designers are an absolute joy to watch. As a big fan of the youtube channel of both Tyrell classic cars and your channel Matteo, Roadster Life, is there a possibility of a coorporation? In my humble opinion such a blend / mix of qualities incorporated in both of your work in one episode would be absolutely epic!

[@Matteo_Licata]

@@hanswieringa9911 Thank you very much Hans. I'd be absolutely over the moon if I had the chance to make a collaborative video with Mr. Tyrrell... Maybe one day! :)

[@hanswieringa9911]

@@Matteo_Licata wouldn't we be all ...? 😉

[@flumetron]

Agnelli may have loved the FF but his weapon of choice for evading the kidnappers who were the scourge of Italian high society at that time was the brilliant - if much under rated - Fiat X1/9.

[@ralmo9762]

I only exist because of Jensen my parents met when they worked together there.My dad used to bring them home when I was a kid but at the time I had no idea what they were.I can remember the distinctive smell in them.

[@cheemomugdoo799]

"In the typical spirit of British inventions, that failed miserably" That's gold, Iain!!!!!

[@joenoonan7165]

You don't belong in these comments. You gotta drive a jensen to know. Go Japanese or lada I think.

[@willo300]

A wonderful ground-breaking vehicle and it's British (apart from the engine & bodystyling!) to boot. Great knowledge and humour as well on your part Iain!

[@amersfoortsefotograa]

Only a true British car can be "fearsomely expensive..." I love the way Iain talks about those icons he gets in his garage.

[@carlmason4153]

As the old saying goes "Quality is not expensive, it's irreplaceable", very appropriate for a Jensen interceptor in My honest opinion having owned one in the very early 80's for a few years.

[@Michael-yd5ry]

My late father owned one.I was too young to understand what I was in,at the time.Proud of my father.

[@humphreygokart2135]

What a remarkable car and remarkable man. Speaks the most beautiful English, too, every word effortlessly delivered yet crystal clear.

[@stevenhoman2253]

Sir, you are an absolute treasure, full of information, and much of it cleverly hidden secrets almost. Traction control as well? The transistor, as is usual, is generally the sort of invention, that the military [picks up on first, and then it dribbles down over the course of a decade to household goods. The microprocessor was many years away in the 1960s, which is the heart of a computerised control module.

[@jami7772]

Apart from the stunning car and it's technicals, I still find the rear glass enclosure an amazing feat of engineering. To manufacture the relatively extreme curvature of this glass unit must have taken some skill as the engineering behind it was in it's infancy especially for cars.

[@hive71recordinz89]

Yeh I remember people saying how expensive the rear glass was

[@carlmason4153]

@tacfoley What a shame, I remember say 15 years ago, a guy near me in Sheffield used to break interceptors. He had rear windows stacked against a container outside. His price was ridiculously low for them I remember that, having owned an Interceptor I was asking him some prices. Off the top I cant remember what he wanted, but I thought wow, thats so cheap, I feel sure it was only a couple of hundred pounds or thereabouts.

[@carlmason4153]

@tacfoley wow really

[@klasseact6663]

I'm so glad I found this channel, it's moving up my list and nearing Harry's Garage levels of enjoyment if not there already👍👍

[@russellthechemist8291]

The ultimate gentleman's express. Either this or a classic Bristol! Wonderful to see this car gets its own slot on this channel.

[@camaroguy1969]

I knew about the Interceptor from movies but never knew an AWD FF version existed much less executed so well. Another great video Iain! You are an educator, entertainer, and scholar. Thank you for sharing your world with us.

[@installwebercarburetorsona6159]

Thanks Ian and thanks to the owners that approve the use of their special cars.

[@clonmore819]

I could listen to this man for hours and hours. Magnetic voice and knowledge to match. I remember going in an FF circa 1970 owned by the Chairman of Manpower Services Commission in Henley.

[@tonymarshall1148]

Around the time that Sgr Agnelli had the use of the FF he decided to pay a visit to the London Motor Show for the first time. It is not hard to think of the preparations that had to be made by the UK Fiat organisation for this historic occasion, a truly Royal Occasion for them. Many senior motor industry execs were to be lined up to meet the great man, Including Donald Healey who held the Fiat franchise in Warwick. At the tome Donald Healey was living in Cornwall and he was approached one day by the local Fiat dealer who asked him to try and use his link with Fiat to help solve a parts supply problem. This dealer had an elderly Fiat 500 owner the engine of which required new pistons. Despite all efforts a considerable time had elapsed since the order for them had been placed and the poor dealer was being somewhat pressurised by the owner! At last he appealed to Donald who agreed to help as much as possible but had little confidence in being successful. Came the big day at Earls Court and the arrival of Sgr Agnelli to be met my Celebs and Fiat dealers. Eventually it became Donald's turn. 'Ah, Mr Healey' said Agnelli, 'I am so pleased to tell you that the pistons for your friend's car are being posted to you right away'! One of the best PR stories I heard during my time at Jensen. Tony M

[@eieghn]

As a child in the 1960's, in Detroit, whose father was a Mechanical Engineer, read Design News an engineering magazine. In that magazine they laid out all of what you are covering in this vid. It caught my eye and sent me down the road of automobile performance. What a car! I was able to work on one of these in 1980.

[@1KJRoberts]

Gawd, I really love these presentations. Calm, Cool, Collected and Authoritative. Enthusiasm and knowledge without the volume. What a treat. Thanks, Iain. Keep up the fine effort.

[@tomquinn607]

Well said.

[@passinggear]

What a great car. Always have liked the Interceptors but never knew of the FF. Thanks.

[@jaspal666]

One British Car show in Dallas, I discovered an FF in the event. Even more rare was the Coupe. Then late last year a friend spotted a Interceptor R at a Cars and Coffee. Jensons are a rare machine here in Tx. Always a treat to spot one.

[@Goldmangun]

Fascinating! I knew it was 4-wheel drive but had no idea it had ABS and traction control. Amazing!

[@antoniolleradam9354]

Since Harry's Espada, it's always been a pleasure to look at Iain Tyrrell's videos, and I always learn something new and relevant on each, about the motor industry story in general; like today, and among others, the origin of the broadly used "rostyle" rims. Really great the detail of the sunglasses, somewhat reminding the ones Rossano Brazzi puts on, while driving the Miura up (or down?, I'll have to look at it once more) Colle di Gran San Bernardo. Thanks.

[@spartanp2064]

I stumbled across Harry’s Interceptor FF R(?) video yesterday. It was nice to see the comparison of the classic here and the beast Harry drives. Also I love how even a man who sees Muiras and Countachs all day breaks into a smile like a schoolboy when he hears the Hawks flying overhead.

[@roadie3124]

I live not far from an RAAF base that has Hawks and F-35s. Until recently we also had two squadrons of F/A-18s. I get the same reaction when they fly overhead or if I drive underneath them when they're taking off.

[@martinclapton2724]

Fantastic. Indeed this was one of several FF press cars, this one SEA444G being tested by Motorsport “Two Jensens” , January 1969. Another was NEA4F by Motor , March 30th 1968, UEA999G was tested by John Bolster of Autosport August 1st 1969, and long term tested by Modern Motor for 2500miles November 1969. One of the most memorable tests was Autocars trip to Swiss Alps in MEA444F , May 16th, 1968. EA prefixes being designated West Bromwich registrations. This car was decades in front of the Germans with Quattro , or Mercedes S class, so often incorrectly quoted as being the 1st car with anti lock brakes. excellent vid.

[@ronschwolsky1626]

I'm always impressed with your wonderful ear. This time, you didn't even need a rubber hose! That speedo would drive me nuts. Always loved the design of the Jenson. Fantastic history of this particular vehicle. Cheers!

[@Strike86]

Never knew the origin story of Rostyle wheels, thank you Iain! Also interesting tidbit #713612, the Carter ThermoQuad carburettor was famous for not only being fairly terrible, but for having a thermoplastic body rather than the traditional cast metal.

[@joelhenderson4450]

The irregular nature of this channel is an asset I think! Impressed you can detect a bearing noise and its possible location, in a car with doubtless so many. After so many years of mechanical work one might expect to be deafened to subtle sounds like that. I’ve had no luck finding a mechanic who can detect such details round these parts.

[@45green1]

Consider me a big fan of these videos, they're so educational

[@ilikemusic76]

Thanks again Mr. Tyrrell for giving us the opportunity of beeing part of this lovely made insight of historic, classy sportscars. Keep on with the brillant content and work.

[@chrischadwick3079]

The engineering expertise to produce this car is credit to the original thinking @ the time. Thanks Ian you are also a credit to the best of British .

[@abuhamza1970]

Brilliant car, brilliantly reviewed by a brilliant engineer/presenter/crooner. Also very well done for arranging the RAF fly past. Very impressed.

[@daveshongkongchinachannel]

I have been looking forward to this one ever since you first hinted you would be doing a video. Wonderful to go back in time for a few minutes and image what the world was like back then during that golden era. Hope you can do a follow up video once this car has been properly sorted.

[@kb9072]

I'm 52 and these and the Interceptor were my favourite dream car growing up. Would definitely get the seats re-worked and add headrests for safety and comfort.

[@nicksothep8472]

I'm so glad I found this channel! As an old car enthusiasts I absolutely love the idea of a distinct British gentleman talking about amazing old exotic cars, and with great production too. I see a bright future for this, absolutely lovely! 👍🏻 As a side note, if Agnelli rode on this car, you can be certain it has seen a lot of blow! 😅

[@Oliverdobbins]

The Jensen Interceptor is, hands down, an effortlessly cool car. Fun fact: another famous British Engineering Marvel of the time also used Dunlop’s Maxaret system - the Avro Vulcan. Both have incredibly excellent names, and both will make a stunning entrance outside a posh hotel. Vulcans are harder to park though.

[@scdesign1565]

Top flight engineering lessons here with some history and amazing cars - pure class!

[@StuPony111]

What an incredible history behind this example of British engineering and design excellence.

[@markcollins457]

Two favorite things GT cars and Chrysler v8's. Always love to see the Jensen.

[@45green1]

Everything you need to know about an FF, fascinating

[@neilperry2224]

The FF were noticeable by the extended front wings and extra vent in the front wings. And the FF Jensen also had an optional early ABS system .

[@john1703]

A quote from LJK Setright of Car Magazine: "The car which gave us most furiously cause to think was Jensen’s 1966 prodigy, the FF. Was ever a car more eloquent in its demonstration of more things than it set out to show? The staggering improvements offered by its sensitively modulated four-wheel-drive system in handling, in roadholding, in traction, in anti-lock braking and in overall safety, were comprehensively proved. The conventional two-wheel-drive Interceptor was by contrast a rotten car, but it looked almost identical to the FF and no less handsome, and was a lot cheaper - so people brought the Interceptor, which should never have been put on the market at all, and we had to wait 13 agonising years before the proper virtues of 4wd were once again presented by the magnificent Audi Quattro."

[@marcryvon]

As I live in Canada, John, we never saw or drove any Interceptors here as they were not imported. Were they that bad ? 😮

[@john1703]

@@marcryvon I am not qualified to answer your Q. Leonard Setright was a big fan of Bristol cars, radial tyres and the Honda 400 four motorcycle from 1975.

[@gegwen7440]

@@john1703 Hi John, but Setright could be a bit of a pretentious prat at times although his was the first article I would read. Only ever worked on one of these and to extract the box we had to remove half the interior as the box came out via this route.

[@BanjoLuke1]

Setright was born middle-aged and had been a journalist since before ink was invented. He wrote essays and theses more than articles.... Most were very good. Some were excellent. A few were exceptional. I still recall (no idea why it stuck) a piece on the virtues of lightness and why it made the Citroën AX10E an exceptional car. How very Setright to rave about the bottom of a range, for what it didn't have and didn't need. Also a motorcycle guy. Similarly clever on that topic, too. Usually came across as lofty and pretentious in print.... But if you could get past that, the prose was sublime. 😐☹️😊

[@documax123]

Excellent presentation of the technology and history, signicance of this car.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank you!

[@JohnDavis-ed5sg]

This was the car I wanted to see (never mind own) when I went to the Motor Show at the age of ten, safe and unworried on my own. Certainly that steering wheel looks too ordinary for such a stylish car. Rather selfish of Agnelli to demand free use from a tiny manufacturer (I bet the tough and cost-conscious William Lyons would have said a firm no!), but I suppose Jensen thought some sales to his friends might result. The best channel on YT as usual.

[@EliteRock]

I guess Iain doesn't generally make 'project' videos, but it would be great to revisit this car when the work on it (including the paint) is done.

[@aussiechris5904]

Iain DOES make project videos, he often shares stuff of works in progress. Harry's Espada for one, and Muira rebuilds also, worth subscribing to.

[@daweshorizon]

One of my favourite cars of all time; it's amazing that a small manufacturer from West Bromwich could produce something so technically advanced. Also something so drop-dead beautiful! Thanks for sharing this! Love and peace.

[@jabbalechat7910]

Great channel, thanks to Harry's Garage for the up... 👍👏😻

[@vibingwithvinyl]

The Ferguson four wheel drive system was also used briefly in F1 back in the 60's. I remember reading about it in Innes Ireland's autobiography "All Arms and Elbows." I highly recommend reading the book if you're at all into classic F1 from the 50's and 60's.

[@zumwild]

The Fergusson P99 GP car at Olton Park, Stirling Moss in the P99 lapped the best of the best, Fangio in a Ferrari, once it started to rain! Ferrari then had 4WD banned from GP/F1, on the basis that such a small car company as themselves (at the time) couldn't afford to compete with big boys so they threatened to quit racing! That system went into the Jensen! It really really works well, and was very expensive, Jensen paid a small fortune for each transmission which was very carefully built up by FF developments. FF developments was run by Tony Rolt the war hero, multiple times POW escapee (he would escape multiple times, then go back to the POW camp to tell others how and to raise morale!), designer of the Colditz glider and Le Mans winning driver for Jaguar. His team built this 4WD system.

[@timdavies5219]

@@zumwild I don' t think 4wd was 'banned' from F1 at that time. BRM actually built a 4wd car, the 'Project 67' and ran it in practice for the 1964 British GP. It was way off the pace and it they concluded that 4wd was "not worth having on a 200hp car". It did have some success in hillclimbing later with bigger engines where traction was so important. In 1969 under the 3-litre formula, Matra, Lotus and McLaren all raced 4wd cars but they were heavy and tended to understeer and were unsuccessful, as was the gas turbine- powered Lotus 56B which ran several times in 1971 GPs and non-champ events. I believe it was banned in 1982.

[@vibingwithvinyl]

@@timdavies5219 Yeah, I think it was banned when teams begun experimenting with quad rear wheel setups and the added traction together with decreased aero drag would've made the cars much faster than before. So FIA/FISA mandated that the cars should only have four wheels of which two could be driven.

[@timdavies5219]

@@johnsmith1474Well the Ferguson P99 used the Ferguson system- unsurprisingly! And that had short chains driving the output shaft to the front wheels. And it even won a race!

[@timdavies5219]

Can't find a detailed description of the P99 transmission, but it might have been a bespoke set-up, so may not have had the chains, as the Jensen had.

[@stephenhenion8304]

I've been educated on a car I knew nothing about!!! This is why I enjoy every single moment of your analysis. I was about 9 years old when this was new.

[@Miata822]

I recall some time in the early '70s reading a review of the Jensen FF in an American magazine, it could have been _Popular Mechanics_ , where the reviewer gushed about the amazing traction and security while driving on wet UK roads at speed. The article made quite an impression on my young teenage mind, to the point that I remember it to this day. I have always kept an eye out for an FF but have never seen one in person. It is astounding to think of that reviewer so many years ago quite likely driving that very car.

[@Kenjh71]

Marvellous video! Thank you so much Iain for taking us along.

[@stevenhoman2253]

Now, I am very impressed. The Ferguson 4WD and the ABS system in 1966? What other remarkable wonders of engineering did British engineering develop in the 60s? The attribution and time period of invention, reveal how laggard the world vehicle manufacturing industries were, prior to legislation to enforce the mandatory adoption of safety systems, The term 'kicking and screaming.' comes to mind. I believe that safety devices cannot be patented. Which is a good thing. Then it comes down to arguing lawyers, about what is a safety system, as opposed to a general feature.

[@a.brounz]

Every episode feels like spending time with the ultimate car guy Love the channel, watched every episode multiple times and glad I found you Tyrrell Also great work from the crew shooting and editing these

[@chrisflemington819]

A beautiful car way ahead if it’s time. Thank you for allowing us the pleasure of a trip in it.

[@lambd5578]

I can’t even convey just how much I enjoy the way you present your wonderful channel! For a car lover you represent the best possible way to spend Saturday lunchtime until Perroni time!!! Love your uploads. Thanks.

[@geoffmarsh7986]

One of the best videos so far - Iain's description of the transmission on the lift is brilliant. His enthusiasm for the car is fantastic and has probably added '000's to the value of these incredible cars, and not just the FF perhaps.

[@philbaines5893]

Wow!! Thanks Ian. Absolutely fascinating. Thank you for sharing. Over 50 years old and it still has massive presence. Imagine what this looked like growling round the Italian countryside in the 60s and 70s. Brilliant.

[@hermannheuskel3389]

Just as adorable as every time I've got the honor to watch one of your emissions. Thank you for alightening my days!

[@donovanf1]

Well it just proves that you are never too old to learn. I was aware of Rubery Owen, I was aware of Rostlyle wheels, I knew that Rubery Owen were involved with BRM and the land speed car Bluebird but I never knew that Rubery Owen designed the Rostyle wheels. Your depth of knowledge Iain is amazing and at 76 you taught me a new fact about Rostyles. If I count the fact that Mr Fiat Agnelli used that FF for such a long time that makes two new facts. Love your programs Iain and I love the depth of knowledge that you impart. Thanks Malcolm.

[@serious1587]

This is the type of material I'd like to see on the History Channel

[@spencermclean2711]

Well that was one of the best car moments I've witnessed in a long time ...fantastic channel thank you 👍

[@JURASSICDIVERUK]

Simply a masterpiece of design!😍

[@TyphoonVstrom]

Always loved these cars. My strangest memory of an Interceptor was living in inner Sydney in the 1980's/ early 90's. There was a white Interceptor with plumber's racks WELDED to the body. Yes, it did exist (many other car enthusiasts I have met from the same area and time in history also recall the car), the car was regularly seen around the place, as it was driven and used a lot. I also have a photo of one taken about 10 years ago. It sat languishing under a tree, with visible, bubbling rust almost all the way up to the belt line on the exterior panels between the wheel wells and gaping full length holes where the bottom of the doors would normally be. Owner would not sell "going to fix it up some day". Last I heard, it was removed with a shovel...

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

FF and the RAF… Makes you proud to be British. I’m not British, I’m Australian, but that’s the overall theme going on here.

[@user-fb9os7hy2y]

Welcome friend, we're all about the inclusion here... anybody can be a Brit as long as they've got a sense of humour and buy their round 🍻🇬🇧

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

@@user-fb9os7hy2y Well the way things are going here, especially in VicDanistan, I might need you to run that by immigration… It’s gonna be a long trip in a dinghy

[@kris8742]

Maybe the Australian climate and no salt on the road contributed to the condition of the body.?

[@user-fb9os7hy2y]

@@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13 get paddling... we'll put the kettle on😂👍

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

@@kris8742 Yeah as long as you’re not too far north (the tropical climate rots everything short of polystyrene) and don’t hang about on the coast too much then old cars tend to do pretty well here. Well, except for if you live west of the Nullabor plain, or east of the Harvey Valley in outback Western Australia. The red oxide dust is like gritty talcum powder and it absolutely ruins everything except for specially specced out road trains and LandCruisers.

[@busterboy7505]

Brilliant and interesting, can’t wait for the next Jensen ff catch up, 👍🇬🇧👍.

[@johncoulson7091]

Glad you mentioned Rubery Owen in this video. I did a student apprenticeship there in early seventies. Remember the MD had a Jensen interceptor at the time.

[@malcolmscott4150]

Walking home from school year 11/12 in Pennant Hills Sydney and came across Jensen Interceptor FF and an injection model I think parked on Cherrybrook Rd in period metallic brown - what a car and owner was later to do major refurb - oh the sound of burbling v8 - always fascinated me with long gap behind front wheel before A pillar - amazing car well ahead of its time

[@mattquerio]

Such fantastic content. This has so quickly become one of my favorite channels. This is top notch content, with such thorough explanation of the unique features of this car. Not just as verbal, but truly giving an understanding from a mechanical standpoint. Keep up the great work 👍

[@flat6fever680]

One of the best videos,, but I keep saying that to myself after each one I watch. This man is a wealth of knowledge, in general, but specifically of automotive trivia, history, and mechanical diagnostics. Unreal.

[@VirtualGuth]

Well I certainly learned a thing or two (or four and more) from this video. Fantastic - thanks for sharing!

[@dbx3197]

A treat for a Saturday afternoon. Iain your considerable efforts to produce such informative content are really appreciated. Great stuff.

[@peteracton1515]

“I’m not driving on the door handles..” love it 😊

[@45green1]

The sunglasses are the cherry on the top of this video 😎

[@creepingjesus5106]

In an ideal world, it would be interesting to put the FF Interceptor head to head with one of Brabham's FF Mustangs. But those are even rarer, so it's truly fantasy land to imagine them being in the same place at the same time!

[@duckpuddles]

The Ferguson FF Opel Monza is tested against an Audi Quattro in the January 24 edition of Classic and Sportscar magazine to echo the Motor road test on May 2nd 1981. It had the Maxaret system with viscous coupling and Morse chain transfer, and Mullard electronics. Tony Rolt told me that he thought that the Monza/Senator conversion was one of the best that they had done

[@MasterMalrubius]

That interior is a work of art.

[@MichaelCoburn]

Love the video of a car I never heard of as an American. Really appreciate the space you gave the cyclist at 19:05

[@giuliopedrali4794]

All the british classic cars are so cool, and the Jensen Interceptor is so british and american for the V8 and so Italian in style: fantastic!

[@andypashouros8029]

Absolutely fantastic. The knowledge that you have is astounding. Love it.

[@stephenkayll5241]

At 7.29 its previous life as a press car, now I know why I remember the number plate. Still a stunning looking car. There were quite a few of these in Liverpool in the mid 70's.

[@impslap7620]

The styling definitely camouflages the additional length of the FF vs the RWD Interceptor. I still have one of these on my bucket list. Thank you for featuring this!

[@ImmortalInflames]

I can't help but smile when I see an upload from this channel!!

[@anthonypaterson7066]

Thanks for this vid. iain, Having just watched Harry with FFR yours was very sedate. Harry would have beaten the Hawks on the noise level at full chat. Always loved the Jensen from my youth, but alas will never own one. The car is timeless and I think gives the Italians a run for the money.

[@MarcoMenozziPro]

My favorite British car ever.