FF Developments

History

Tony Rolt established FF Developments in Coventry in 1971, aiming to commercialise the four-wheel-drive technology that had originated with Dixon-Rolt Developments and, from 1950, at Harry Ferguson Research. Like Harry Ferguson Research after Ferguson’s death, FFD built prototype cars to license its technology to manufacturers. Early projects included converting Opel Admiral and Opel Senator models for BRIXMIS in Berlin, as well as Vauxhall-Bedford approved conversions of the Bedford CF van.

The company also engineered the prototype AMC Eagle, the world’s first mass-produced car with full-time four-wheel drive. In 1981, Rolt’s son Stuart joined as marketing director, becoming chief executive in 1986. A 1983 partnership with Schuler Presses produced the Schuler Super Ranger, an aftermarket Range Rover conversion; the car division was later bought out and renamed Overfinch. The success of the Audi Quattro led Ford’s Bob Lutz to commission a four-wheel-drive Ford Sierra, which resulted in worldwide licensing of the Ferguson Formula through patent holder GKN and mass production of components by GKN’s German subsidiary Viscodrive.

The Ferguson Formula appeared in four Group B rally cars: the Peugeot 205 T16, Lancia Delta S4, Ford RS200, and MG Metro 6R4, as well as the later Lancia Delta Integrale. In 1990, FFD opened an engineering centre in Detroit. Following its 1994 sale to Ricardo, the company became Ricardo-FFD, with Stuart Rolt remaining CEO until 1996.

Projects

FFD built the driveline for all 200 Ford RS200 cars and partnered with Ford Europe to develop the Ford Sierra XR4x4 drivetrain. The company designed and developed the AWD system for the Jaguar XJ220 prototype and produced the transmission for the production 2WD car. FFD also designed the AWD system for the 1990 Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari van and manufactured the transmission system for the McLaren F1 supercar.