Description
JENSEN 541R
1959-Ultra-Rare British GT Project
Registration: 3395 IJ | Body No. 6002 | Engine No. 40/ 10936
Exterior: Grey Anthracite | Interior: Red Leather
A rare and exciting opportunity to acquire one of just 193 Jensen 541R models ever produced—an exclusive British GT hand-built in West Bromwich and renowned for its advanced design, aerodynamics, and performance. The 541R featured the improved DS7 4. 0-litre straight-six with triple SU carburettors, four-wheel disc brakes, and rack-and-pinion steering—placing it among the most capable and sophisticated four-seat GTs of its era.
This example has already had the majority of major works completed and now requires straightforward re-commissioning and final assembly—an ideal project for a knowledgeable enthusiast wanting to create one of the finest surviving low-mileage 541Rs.
⸻
Background & Ownership
• ** 04/ 09/ 1959 – Mr Samuel McCrudden (first owner)
• Owner 2 – Mr Stone
• April 1978 – Mr Victor J. Farley (Jensen Owners Club)
• 2017 – Mr George Colven (JOC)
• 2021 – Mr Stephen Barrett (current owner, JOC)**
The car comes with substantial history, documentation, and photographic evidence of works completed over many decades.
⸻
Condition Summary
Showing 21, 439 miles, believed genuine, this 541R has been off the road since 1968 dry stored, making it an exceptionally original and unmolested example.
Major Works Completed
Between 1978 and 1983, Mr Victor Farley undertook a comprehensive restoration of the major components:
• Full Chassis restoration, Chassis removed, repaired, sandblasted, and primed
• Engine, gearbox, axles, suspension, brakes, all running gear restored
• New stainless-steel exhaust fitted
• Extensive record of photos and documentation included
Hundreds of hours have already been invested, including full fibreglass body restoration by specialist body shop including exceptional paintwork all undertaken by the prior owner, and completed to a very high standard indeed.
Work Required
This is now a light-to-moderate final restoration, primarily:
• Full re-commissioning
• Re-assembly of components
• Some parts requiring refurbishment
• Missing only minor items (e. g., headlights and bezels)
• Interior complete but requires restoration or re-upholstery
• Needs a new windscreen
• Chrome mostly excellent (much already re-chromed) with small items needing rework.
Full new wiring looms (all labelled up) plus an enlarged wiring diagram plus the original looms
Lots of spare parts, bumpers, over riders, chrome, etc etc
A superb base to build one of the best low-mileage remaining 541Rs.
⸻
Authenticity
• Remarkably genuine, totally unmolested example
• Long-term dry storage
• Retains its original identity and key components
• Rare opportunity to complete a car that has already had the “heavy lifting” professionally undertaken
⸻
Running Costs
• Tax & MOT exempt
• Low classic insurance—economical and simple to keep on the road
⸻
Price & Viewing
PRICED TO SELL; £35, 000
• Location: Shropshire, SY5 (near Shrewsbury)
• Any inspection welcome and encouraged
Collection only
This is a genuinely scarce opportunity to acquire a lightly unfinished 541R—vehicles of this calibre are increasingly difficult to find, especially in such honest, restored-but-uncompleted condition. With most major work done, it is perfectly suited for an enthusiast wanting a rewarding, high-quality classic GT project.
