A ghost from a bygone era, a 1969 Jensen FF, has emerged from decades of silent storage. Fewer than 200 of these groundbreaking British grand tourers were ever crafted, making this discovery exceptionally rare.
The car’s story began with a family in Staffordshire, where it served as a beloved mode of transport. Later, it journeyed with its owner to the Isle of Man, becoming a part of their life there for many years.
Following the owner’s passing in the mid-1990s, the Jensen was returned to the mainland, not to the open road, but directly into a barn. There, shrouded in dust and forgotten, it remained undisturbed for over two decades.
Now, the car belongs to the owner’s daughter, inheriting not just a vehicle, but a tangible piece of her family history. Remarkably, it has never been driven under her ownership, continuing its long slumber.
Time has stood still within the car’s interior. The original upholstery remains intact, a testament to its careful preservation. The engine bay, complete and boasting matching numbers, hints at the power that lies dormant within.
A treasure trove of documentation accompanies the Jensen – the original sales invoice, a vintage green logbook, and a meticulously maintained file of service records. These papers offer an unprecedented glimpse into a lifetime of dedicated ownership.
The Jensen FF wasn’t merely a beautiful machine; it was a pioneer. It holds the distinction of being the world’s first production performance car equipped with four-wheel drive and anti-lock brakes, a revolutionary combination for its time.
Today, automotive enthusiasts recognize the Jensen FF as a cornerstone of British GT car design from the 1960s, a symbol of innovation and luxury. Its significance continues to grow with each passing year.
Alongside the Jensen, another remarkable vehicle from the same family collection is set to be offered: a 1943 Ford GPW Willys Jeep. This Jeep, believed to have served with the Royal Navy, spent seventy years in daily use on a country estate.
The Jeep, like the Jensen, remains largely untouched, retaining its original chassis and what is believed to be its original engine and bodywork. It stands as a rugged reminder of a different era, a testament to enduring utility.
These two vehicles represent more than just metal and mechanics; they embody a family’s connection to automotive history, a legacy preserved through decades of careful stewardship and a touch of fortunate obscurity.
