Our archive consists of files for each of the 320 Jensen FF cars built. These are maintained by chassis number, and any information or material relating to a specific FF is held in that file.
We also hold general files, relating to Jensen cars (including the FF). This includes original documentation, manuals, brochures, articles, books, magazines etc
The holding also includes a large photographic archive, which includes the entire Michael Cooper photographic archive of Jensen related images.
We are constantly endeavouring to enlarge our archive, and to this end would be happy to hear from anyone who might have information or material relating to all Jensen cars.
In particular regard to the Jensen FF, we seek information relating to any previously scrapped or dismantled FFs.
Any photographs of the Jensen FF, taken any time from 1965 until the present day (irrelevant of the cars condition).
Any information relating to former owners of Jensen FF cars (if you were a former owner, we would be delighted to hear from you).
We also are keen to acquire any films which show the Jensen FF car.
In particular a film entitled 'Special Booking', released in 1970 and starring Michael Crawford. Also the music video The Road to Mandalay by Robbie Williams.
CONSERVATION & RESTORATION
The art of a good restoration is to restore as little as possible, and to conserve as much as possible. Many possibilities exist today, and to this end the custodian of an FF should undertake some initial research, to understand what should be saved at all costs, what can be saved, and what restoration work may be required. In particular, thought should always be given to originality. Original external paint colour should ideally be preserved, and if it is at all possible the original leather trim should be retained. A re-trim should be the last possible action, only when the existing trim is in particularly bad condition. We would be more than happy to offer advise on conservation and restoration.
CONSERVATION & RESTORATION OF VIGNALE MANUFACTURED JENSEN CARS
Few original Vignale manufactured Jensen cars exist today. Just 10 or 12 Jensen FF cars, and approximately 50 Jensen Interceptors, were manufactured by Vignale in Italy before tooling and manufacture started to take place at West Bromwich. Unfortunately many of those cars have already been scrapped. Apart from those cars scrapped, and due to the fact that at first glance a Vignale manufactured car looks identical to the later West Bromwich manufactured car, some restorations have removed all of the distinguishing Vignale features. It should be noted that apart from a multitude of minor part differences, all Vignale manufactured cars had hand made panels, instead of the pressed panels on West Bromwich manufactured cars.
Keeping true to the methods of Vignale workmanship is essential when restoring a Vignale Jensen. We can offer specialist conservation and restoration advise in respect of Vignale manufactured Jensen cars.
RESTORATION TIP FOR CARPETS AND TRIM
 
Often it is impossible to retain the original carpets to the car. With generally over three decades of use, they need to be replaced. Since the Jensen FF and Interceptor had Wilton carpets, the exact match can normally be found. Focus has to be given to the edge trim, which may require perseverance to obtain a correct match to the original material. Generally the edge binding was a vinyl, although leather edge binding was an option. When we undertook the replacement of the carpet set to Jensen FF 119/193, the original carpets were in black Wilton with a special blue/green leather edge binding (matching the leather trim). We managed to match this identically.
 
All carpet and trim sections fitted to Jensen cars were marked to the underside. The carpets were generally crayon marked in red or blue with the chassis number of the car. Occasionally the trimmers roll number was used instead, although this was rarely done. The carpets to 119/193 were red crayon marked with the chassis number 193, and some parts were also marked with what appeared to be the trimmers initials. Finding the identical red crayon, we marked the new carpet set exactly as the originals, before they were fitted. This is a small amount of work to maintain original aspects of the car, which would otherwise be lost.
The same procedure can be used if the car requires replacement trim parts such as door cards, which can be warped or perished due to water ingress. Ideally a, photographic record of any markings found on the car's original trim should be kept within the car's history file.
PAINT & PAINT CODES ARCHIVE
We hold many of the original paint codes and paintcards used by Jensen Motors, particually for FF and Interceptor production. If you are planning to have your car resprayed to the original colour, then feel free to contact us. We can provide the original paint code if we hold it, and offer advise in obtaining paint to these codes.
We are always trying to enlarge our archive of paint and paint codes.
If you have any section of original metal or glassfibre which still has the original paint (and serves no further use) then we would be interested to hold the section within our paint archive. If the section is too large or awkward to post, then we can have our courier pick the item up.
THE MATERIALS ARCHIVE
Another holding which we are keen to expand, is the Materials Archive. It is the archive's intention to hold original samples of all materials used to build Jensen cars (all Jensen models, all ages). This includes, all colours and types of leather, carpeting, carpet edging, floor underlay, head lining etc. This may be of considerable benefit in the future to those trying to restore Jensen cars to absolute originality. If you have any old original bits of material left over after a re-trim then we would be very keen to hold them within our archive. If possible, we would like to know what particular chassis number the material part came from.
THE FUTURE
A question often asked, is what will happen to the archive in the future. In particular, if its founder, and custodian, Ulric Woodhams was deceased. An agreement has been reached with Warwick University, that the archive section will be transfered into their care at that point.
If you have anything which might be of interest, then please contact us:
Contact address:
THE JENSEN FF ARCHIVE
PO BOX 55
CHURCH STRETTON
SHROPSHIRE
SY6 6WR
ENGLAND
TELEPHONE: 01694-781354
FACSIMILE: 01694-781372
E-MAIL: archive@thejensenff.com
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