New territory for Ferrari, but not for Jensen

Ferrari has unveiled the frankly gorgeous Ferrari FF, due to be launched shortly at the Geneva show. This four wheel drive supercoupe is the first ever all wheel drive car with a prancing horse badge. But it's not a new idea.

The clue is in the name. FF, deliberately or otherwise, is a copy of the name Jensen applied to its four wheel drive Interceptor back in 1966. That was the first ever four wheel drive car, using the innovative Ferguson Formula system (hence FF). The Ferrari FF also bears more than a passing resemblance to the Jensen Interceptor, following the classic long nose, rounded tale style that was popularised by the Jensen 40 years ago.

We really like the Ferrari FF here at Great Escape Classic Car Hire. It's got classic, elegant styling and it's good to see traditionalist Ferrari embracing four wheel drive technology (although we hope it doesn't lead to a Porsche Cayenne competitor). We also love the Jensen Interceptor. Jensen was way, way ahead of its time with the remarkable Jensen Interceptor FF, a car that pre-empted the Audi Quattro 30 years later. It's a shame nobody else has made the link between the two FFs because it's about time someone gave Jensen the acclaim it deserves - in particular chief engineer Kevin Beatty.

To experience something of the Ferrari FF's grand touring capabilities you can hire a Jensen Interceptor from Great Escape Classic Car Hire for £245 per day, considerably less than it costs to buy a Ferrari FF. Call 01527 893733 or visit http://www.greatescapecars.co.uk/.

Clarkson Likes a Classic Car Shock

The new 2011 series of Top Gear started last night and, amongst a lengthy digression on the distinctly unscintillating Skoda Yeti, Clarkson found time to heap, yes, fully heap praise on the new Jensen Interceptor R - "Isn't that just a fantastic looking car" said the poodle-haired petrolhead. He then went on to say he'd love to own one just so he could say "Let's take the Interceptor."

The 40 year old design achieved its moment in the limelight thanks to its re-relaunch by the consortium that originally developed the Jensen Interceptor S. The R is effectively the S under a new, bizarrely retrograde, name following the collapse of the company that originally made them. For £105,000 the company will take your Jensen Interceptor, ditch the Chrysler engine, fit a Corvette engine and gearbox plus independent rear suspension and give you what is effectively a brand new car.

At Great Escape Classic Car Hire we're not entirely sure how we feel about the Jensen Interceptor R. We loved the idea of the Interceptor S when we first heard about it, because after all there isn't much sign of a new Jensen on the horizon so anything that injects some interest in the marque is worthwhile. But the car failed to find enough buyers first time around and so we're a little worried that the relaunch could end up further dragging the Jensen name through the mire. But these guys clearly love Jensen Interceptors as much as we do so we have to wish them the best. And anything that gets Clarkson enthusiastic is probably not a bad thing.

You can find out more about the Jensen Interceptor R by following this link. To hire an original big block Jensen Interceptor in Yorkshire or Worcestershire, call 01527 893733 or visit http://www.greatescapecars.co.uk/.