FF conversion lends the Monza a subtly rear-biased balance and enhanced traction in all weathers, especially out of junctions
Agricultural machinery magnate Harry Fergusonʼs switch to cars with the Freddie Dixon- and Tony Rolt-developed Ferguson Formula is well documented, thanks to the continuing following enjoyed by the Jensen FF, but by the late 1970s that technology was in new hands. GKN had bought the rights to sell the concept at scale, which it duly did to AMC for the 1980 Eagle. Meanwhile Rolt – of both Colditz Castle escape glider and Le Manswinning fame – retained the rights to create low-volume conversions.
For the Monzaʼs existence, we must thank BRIXMIS. That sounds like some sort of festive celebration of Britainʼs exit from the EU, but the British Commandersʼ-in-Chief Mission (which supposedly forms BRIXMIS as a military-speak acronym) to the Soviet Forces in Germany was in fact a decades-long espionage effort that involved teams of officers engaging in off-road car chases across East Germany.
Dependable but thirsty 3-litre ‘six’ is good for 180bhp
Dating back to an agreement signed in September 1946, before the Western Allies had fallen out with the Soviet Union, BRIXMIS was a liaison unit stationed in Potsdam, East Germany, officially tasked with supervising the Soviet occupation. The opportunities for espionage were irresistible, however. BRIXMIS had a team of military observers not only with official permission to be there, but also with a believable cover story to drive around the country taking notes on every military asset they saw. The Soviets were aware of what BRIXMIS was doing, but could only react with force if they found undeniable proof. Speeding away from any Soviet soldiers, on-road or off, was the usual solution if things got sticky.
‘For the Monza FF we must thank BRIXMIS, an espionage effort during which officers engaged in off-road car chases’
BRIXMIS first turned to FF to build a batch of 4WD Opel Admirals in the 1970s, then, in 1980, it ordered 30 Opel Senator FFs. Faster than the Range Rovers BRIXMIS also used, the Senator was more reliable, better on fuel and much less conspicuous. Once given the ability to go off-road, it was the perfect car for the job. In all, 67 Opel Senator FFs were built, with the conversion also offered to the buying public. The Monza FF soon followed.
“It was a natural progression,” says Stuart Rolt, Tonyʼs son and one of the leading figures at Ferguson Formula Developments in the 1980s. “People said the Monza was a sexier car. Dad was driving around in a Senator while I drove the Monza. It was a cooler car for the private customer.” This example, XOW 5V, was Stuartʼs original demonstrator.
Both the Senator and the Monza suited the conversion in that their suspension – MacPherson struts up front and semi-trailing arms to the rear – required no major modifications, but it was more than a case of some extra differentials bolted underneath. The systemʼs basic design is similar to that of the Jensen, with an improved version of FFʼs viscous coupling mounted behind the gearbox to send drive both forward and back. The front propshaft runs off-centre to a differential on the nearside of the engine bay, which then sends power to the offside wheel via adriveshaft that goes through a modified sump pan. A new front subframe is required for all of that, as well as a remodelled floorpan, while the brake servo was also modified to accommodate the FF systemʼs anti-lock functionality.
period dials;
three-speed auto is short-geared;
OPEL MONZA FF
Sold/number built 1981-’86/six
Construction steel monocoque
Engine all-iron, single-cam-in-head 2968cc straight-six, electronic fuel injection
Max power 180bhp @ 5500rpm
Max torque 183lb ft @ 4200rpm
Transmission three-speed automatic, 4WD
Suspension independent, at front by MacPherson struts
rear semi-trailing arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers; anti-roll bar f/r
Steering power-assisted recirculating ball
Brakes discs, with servo and anti-lock
Length 15ft 5in (4690mm)
Width 5ft 8in (1730mm)
Height 4ft 6in (1380mm)
Wheelbase 8ft 10in (2680mm)
Weight 3287lb (1491kg)
Mpg 17 0-60mph 9.7 secs
Top speed 124mph
Price new £19,363 (1981)
Price now £50,000 (est)
OPEL MONZA FF
Sold/number built 1981-’86/six
Construction steel monocoque