Highlights

• A very rare British classic that has benefitted from a full restoration in the 2010’s
• Awash with period charm and retaining a faithfully original condition throughout
• Starting, running, and stopping as it should so is ready to enjoy immediately

The Appeal

 
The Jensen 541 was designer Eric Neale’s second big project after joining Jensen from Wolseley in 1946. His first was the Interceptor which utilised Austin running gear and underpinnings. The 541 represented a watershed for Jensen as it utilised fibreglass for the first time.

This innovation, combined with others enabled Neale to produce a lighter and lither sports car, shaving around 150 kgs off the weight of the Interceptor. The 541 was launched in 1954 and an important upgrade followed in the form of the 541R in 1957. The 541R introduced a number of refinements to the already well received 541. Key amongst these were a change to rack and pinion steering from the less precise worm and roller system. Dunlop disk brakes were now fitted all round, too, representing a first for a four-seater production car.
 
This fine 541R is one of just 40 or so thought to remain in existence. This example has benefitted from a full, body-off restoration in during the 2010’s and very light use since.  This restoration included attention to the vulnerable steel tube chassis including strengthened suspension arms at the front. With the rorty straight six 4L Austin engine and manual transmission with overdrive the 541R makes a surprisingly useable, and even practical, rare British classic GT car.
 

The History and Paperwork

• The 541R was produced in January of 1959 at Jensen’s West Bromwich factory
• The car was thought to have originally been grey with a red leather interior
• It was then painted metallic red and also spent a period in a blue livery
• It was in this blue hue and in its third ownership when it left for Italy 
• Whilst in Italy it enjoyed a full body off restoration with a renowned marque specialist
• All parts were sourced from the UK from Appleyard’s, Dennis Welch, Burlen etc.
• At this point it was professionally finished in its current Silver Pearl and Burgundy livery
• All aspects of the 541R were addressed at this time
• This included gearbox, suspension, carburettors, fuel system, cooling system and brake system
• In 2016 the car was purchased by a UK enthusiast and was reimported to the UK
• This gentleman became the fourth registered keeper
• This keeper managed to reunite the 541R with its original WXP628 registration number
• Sadly, this keeper passed away before he could use the car
• The 541R was sold by H&H Auctioneers at their Chateau Impney sale in the summer of 2016
• The Jensen’s current connoisseur registered keeper acquired the car in March 2022
• The Jensen is now only being sold due to the owner’s number of other projects
• There is a generous folder of paperwork included with the Jensen
• This includes the V5 registration document which classifies the 541R as an Historic Vehicle
• This deems the car MOT exempt and zero rated for VED in the UK
• Lots of paperwork relates to the history of the car and previous auction listings
• There are a number of photographs supporting the interesting history of the car
• A copy of the original 541 model “Instruction Book” is also present
• A copy of the 2016 Italian export paperwork is present

 

The Condition

• The 541R looks resplendent in its Pearl Silver and Burgundy two-tone paintwork
• The brightwork has been rechromed in the current ownership and is bright and shiny
• The exterior is awash with charming original details and design cues
• The interior was understood to have been retrimmed during the restoration
• As such the condition is excellent throughout
• The main instruments have been recommissioned during the current ownership

 
By today’s standard the 541R is an amazing looking car. Some eye-catching design features lend this rare car a charming futuristic-retro look that few can match. These features include the streamlined protrusions above the wheel arches, the A-panel vents and accompanying chrome finishers and that impressively curved and shaped rear window.
 
The paintwork has clearly been professionally applied and exudes a deep, lustrous shine. The bodywork appears equally impressively presented with no dents, dings or corrosion noted. There are a couple of small areas of bubbled paint (pictured) as well as a minor blemish on the underside of the front panel (pictured). The steel wheels are finished in burgundy and are trimmed with chromed Jensen hub caps and equally shiny beauty rings. These 15-inch items are shod with a matching set of Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres in a 185 configuration. Cabin glass and light lenses all appear to be in an original specification and in excellent condition.
 
The surprisingly spacious and practical interior can seat four adults when required and presents beautifully. The compact front bucket seats are finished in a smooth, burgundy hued leather and prove very supportive. The rear seats are identically trimmed and are easily accessed by the fully folding front seat backs. Carpets, headlining, door cards and rear side panels are al hard to fault and give the car an excellent level of originality.
 
The dashboard fascia is finished in a textured black vinyl and topped with a generous top roll finished in matching burgundy leather. There is an impressive array of Jaeger gauges on display and the speedometer and tachometer have recently been recommissioned into a fully working condition. These sit behind a large, three-spoke steering wheel with Jensen embossed Bakelite centre boss. The boot is nicely trimmed in matching burgundy and is home to the spare wheel and tyre and tools.
 

The Mechanics

• The 541R is powered by the tuneful Austin 4L straight six engine
• This is mated to a four-speed gearbox with Laycock de Normanville overdrive
• The Jensen sounds amazing and clearly starts and runs very well indeed
• The owner reports good oil pressure and fully working overdrive

 
The Austin D-series inline six engine was borrowed from the stately Austin Sheerline luxury car. By the time this car was produced the OHV, 4-litre unit was accompanied by triple SU carburettors and produced close to 150bhp. Contemporary road tests raved about the car’s performance with a 1957 Autocar test clocking the car at over 127mph and delivering a 10.6 second 0-60mph time.
 
The whole bonnet section hinges upwards on the 541R and locks into place on a pair of strong struts The car also features twin, chromed securing fitting located beneath the front bumper. This setup affords great access to that big straight six. The condition under here is excellent with lots of replacement components noted. The original data plates are present and correct and confirm the car as a matching numbers example.
 
The underside of the car with those large box sections can be the weak link of these cars. This one received attention to its chassis during the earlier restoration. Our photographs show this excellent condition to remain offering the lucky new owner the ultimate peace of mind.
 

Summary