A Parallel British Legacy
The relationship between James Bond and Jensen Motors occupies a unique space in automotive history. While Aston Martin became the synonymous choice for 007, Jensen vehicles shared many of the same qualities that define a classic Bond car: they were bespoke, handcrafted British automobiles tailored to the precise specifications of their owners.
However, the two brands diverged significantly in engineering philosophy. While Aston Martin relied on proprietary engines for decades, Jensen famously utilized potent American Chrysler V8 power plants. Furthermore, Jensen was a pioneer in drivetrain technology, introducing innovations that were years ahead of their time.
The Jensen CV8 and the Literary Bond
The Jensen CV8, produced between 1962 and 1966, was a testament to British craftsmanship, featuring a fiberglass body mounted on a robust steel chassis. Early models boasted a 5.9L engine, while later versions upgraded to a 6.3L V8 capable of generating 330 horsepower.
While the films never depicted Bond behind the wheel of a Jensen, the literature told a different story. In the 2013 novel "Solo" by William Boyd, set in the 1960s, the world-renowned spy famously drives a Jensen FF. This inclusion sparked enduring debates among enthusiasts regarding whether the Jensen FF might have been a superior choice for the cinematic Bond compared to the Aston Martin.
The Revolutionary Jensen FF
The Jensen FF, which succeeded the CV8, remains a milestone in automotive history. Produced from 1967 to 1971, it holds the distinction of being the first production vehicle to feature all-wheel drive. Beyond its revolutionary traction system, the FF was also equipped with anti-lock brakes, a rarity for the era.
Visually, the FF could be distinguished from its sibling, the Jensen Interceptor, by its dual-vent design located behind the front wheels and a slightly longer chassis. Unfortunately, due to the complex integration of the four-wheel-drive system, the car could only be manufactured in a right-hand-drive configuration, limiting its potential for international markets.
The Roger Moore Connection
The ties between the Jensen brand and the actors who portrayed James Bond extend to the television world. Before Roger Moore took on the role of 007, he starred in the hit series "The Saint." In the show, his character, Simon Templar, drove a Volvo P1800. While the car bore the Volvo name, it was actually manufactured at the Jensen plant in West Bromwich because Volvo lacked the production capacity in Sweden at the time.
Reflecting on this unique collaboration, it is clear that the partnership proved highly beneficial for Volvo, as the show’s popularity elevated the car’s profile significantly. The connection persisted well beyond the original series as well; in later 1980s iterations of "The Saint," the protagonist was seen driving a classic Jensen Interceptor, further cementing the link between the brand and the suave secret agent archetype.