FF Developments

FF Developments Limited (FFD) was a British company founded by Major A.P.R. (Tony) Rolt to exploit 4WD technology, Rolt had worked as Technical Director at Harry Ferguson Research for many years^[1].

According to Ward's Auto World^[2] the influence that FFD had on all wheel drive (AWD) development transcended its size.

History

The company was founded in Coventry in 1971 by Tony Rolt^[1]. In 1981 Rolt's son, Stuart, joined the company as Marketing Director, becoming Chief Executive in 1986^[3].

In 1990 the company opened an engineering centre in Detroit^[3].

Following its sale to the automotive consultancy group Ricardo in 1994, the company was renamed FFD-Ricardo. Stuart Rolt remained the CEO until 1996. ^[3]

Projects

• Jaguar - FFD designed and developed the AWD system used on the Jaguar XJ220 220 mph supercar prototype which was shown for the first time at the 1988 British International Motor Show.
• General Motors - FFD designed and developed the AWD system used on the 1990 Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari van.
• McLaren Cars - FFD manufactured the transmission system for the McLaren F1 supercar^[3].

Notes

1. ^ ^{a b} "Decembers Past 2001: 30 Years ago: December 1971". Classic Driver. http://www.classicdriver.com/uk/magazine/popup_print.asp?print=true&lPageID=3200&id=10926. 
2. ^ "No giant here - FF Developments Ltd - company profile". Ward's Auto World. Dec 1989. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3165/is_n12_v25/ai_8255861. 
3. ^ ^{a b c d} "Chairman's profile: Stuart Rolt". the British Racing Drivers' Club. http://www.brdc.co.uk/sub_page.cfm/title/Chairman's%20Profile/section/home/editID/56.