Imagine discovering a time capsule in your dad's barn—a rare, untouched gem from the past that hasn’t seen daylight in over 30 years. That’s exactly what happened when a woman stumbled upon a 1969 Jensen FF, one of fewer than 200 ever built, hidden away since the early 1990s. But here’s where it gets fascinating: this isn’t just any car—it’s a groundbreaking piece of automotive history, the world’s first production performance car with four-wheel drive and anti-lock brakes. And this is the part most people miss: it’s survived in its original state, never restored, repainted, or modified, making it a holy grail for collectors.
This Jensen FF was more than just a car to its original owner, Mr. S.T. Pickard. He used it as his trusted companion every Friday afternoon to inspect the Staffordshire quarry sites he owned and managed, clocking around 60,000 miles. After his passing in the mid-1990s, the car was stored away, untouched, until now. Inherited by his daughter, it’s a living relic of a bygone era, complete with its original keys, handbooks, and even the sales invoice—a rare glimpse into meticulous ownership. But here’s the controversial part: should such a historically significant car be driven again, or preserved as a museum piece?
Now, this remarkable find is heading to auction, courtesy of Iconic Auctioneers, who are preparing to offer it later this month. Joe Watts, Car Specialist at Iconic Auctioneers, aptly sums it up: ‘This Jensen FF reminds us why garage finds still matter. To see such an important model survive untouched for so long, with this level of provenance, is incredibly rare.’ It’s not just a car; it’s a story—one that perfectly aligns with Iconic Auctioneers’ mission to bring outstanding vehicles with rich histories to the market.
And that’s not all—this Jensen FF is being sold alongside another long-kept treasure from the same family collection: a 1943 Ford GPW Willys Jeep, believed to have served with the Royal Navy. Purchased as surplus in the late 1950s, it spent decades in daily use on a country estate and remains largely original, down to its chassis and engine. Is this the ultimate duo for automotive enthusiasts, or just another pair of old cars?
As these vehicles prepare to find new owners, they leave us with a thought-provoking question: What makes a car truly valuable—its rarity, its history, or the stories it carries? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. For more stories like this, stay informed with Metro’s daily updates and breaking news alerts. Don’t miss out on the next big discovery!
