The Jensen 541 was a fibreglass-bodied grand tourer that Jensen Motors built from 1954 to 1959. Its front end was hinged at the rear and lifted as a whole for engine access, and from 1956 the 541 Deluxe was the first British four-seater with disc brakes on both axles.
Jensen 541 at a glance
| Maker | Jensen Motors, West Bromwich |
|---|---|
| Produced | 1954–1959 |
| First shown | London Motor Show, October 1953 |
| Body | fibreglass in three mouldings, aluminium doors |
| Engine | 4.0-litre Austin D-Series six, three SU carburettors |
| Power | 135 bhp (101 kW) claimed at launch |
| Gearbox | four-speed manual, optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive |
| Brakes | servo-assisted drums; Dunlop discs front and rear from 1956 |
| Suspension | independent front, coil springs; rigid rear axle with Panhard rod |
| Dry weight | 1,220 kg |
| Wheels | wire-spoked or steel disc, centre-lock |
| Later versions | 541 R in 1957, 541 S in 1960 |
Based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the Jensen 541.
History of the Jensen 541
Fibreglass and a steel chassis
The 541 was first exhibited at the London Motor Show in October 1953 and production began in 1954. Its body was made of fibreglass in three major mouldings on a steel chassis, and the doors were aluminium. The entire front of the car was rear-hinged and could be raised for engine access, an unusual solution that made the most of the moulded body. Suspension was independent at the front with coil springs, while the rear used a rigid axle located by a Panhard rod and leaf springs. Buyers could choose wire-spoked or steel disc wheels, both with centre-lock fittings.
Engine and brakes
Under the bonnet sat a 4-litre Austin D-Series engine with three SU carburettors, driving through a four-speed manual gearbox with optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive. Early cars had servo-assisted 11-inch drum brakes, but from 1956 the newly introduced 541 Deluxe used Dunlop disc brakes front and rear, which made it the first British four-seater so equipped. Jensen kept the car light: its dry weight of 1,220 kg was well below the 1,370 kg of the older Interceptor, and the performance benefited.
Luxury and colours
The 541 was considered a luxurious car, with leather seats as standard. The individual front seats were separated by a high transmission tunnel, and the rear seats had a small centre armrest and could be tilted forwards to increase luggage space. Standard colours in 1955 were black, ivory, imperial crimson, moonbeam grey, Boticelli blue, deep green and Tampico beige.
The 541 R and the 541 S
The 541 R arrived in 1957 and the 541 S in 1960 with wider bodywork and a revised grille. Production of the 541 itself ended in 1959, and the 541 S was built until early 1963, when the range was replaced by the C-V8. Two 541s were also converted into drophead coupés by Abbott of Farnham.
Design and features
- Fibreglass body: three mouldings on a steel chassis, with a front end that lifted as a whole for engine access.
- Austin power: a 4-litre Austin D-Series six with three SU carburettors and an optional overdrive.
- Early disc brakes: the 541 Deluxe of 1956 was the first British four-seater with discs on both axles.
- Low weight: 1,220 kg dry, 150 kg less than the older Jensen Interceptor.
Jensen 541 versions
- 541 (1954–1959): the original car with drum brakes and a fibreglass body.
- 541 Deluxe (from 1956): Dunlop disc brakes front and rear.
- 541 R (1957): the more powerful version that followed.
- 541 S (1960–1963): wider bodywork and a revised grille.
- Abbott drophead coupés: two cars converted by Abbott of Farnham.
The 541 was replaced by the Jensen C-V8, and its four-wheel-drive descendant was the Jensen FF. More cars are in the Jensen collection.
Video: Jensen 541 R
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Jensen 541, English Wikipedia: body, chassis, brakes, performance, 541 R and 541 S
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