1961 Jensen 541S

This remarkable and rare Jensen 541S has been in the same family’s oversight since 1973. The 541S was acquired by the current keeper’s father in law as he embarked on a career as a dental surgeon. Then in a shade of “bluish teal” the Jensen would be used as the family’s main car for the next 15 years or so. Three children would often fill the rear seats with sibling squabbles breaking out over who had to ride on the hump in the middle. In around 1987 the Jensen was booked into a local garage to rectify a leaking wheel cylinder. The 541S languished there for several months. On its return to the family, it was in a surprisingly poor condition, so much so that it was consigned to the family’s garage where it would stay for the next 20 years.

In 2007 the father in law offered the car to his daughter and her husband, Gary. Gary had previously restored a number of cars by this stage and so was experienced at welding and mechanics. Despite this the 541S represented a huge challenge. Restoration work started in earnest in 2013 due to other commitments. Over the next 8 years Gary would address all facets of the 541S completing an engine rebuild, commissioning a gearbox restoration as well as a full professional exterior refinishing and interior retrimming. In 2021 the Jensen went away to specialists Bridge Garage in Woodbridge to finish off the recommissioning, sort out the electrics and fit uprated Coopercraft brakes.

With this mammoth project now complete, with over £47,000 spent and just 184 miles completed since, this remarkable Jensen 541S is ready for its next chapter.

The process that bought Jensen to the use of fibreglass for the 541 and 541S has been lost in the mists of time, seemingly. As Daimler found, however, with the Daimler Dart that fibreglass moulds cost about 10% of the equivalent dies required to press steel body panels. Perhaps this was the most persuasive argument for a small scale maker or hand-built cars like Jensen. Whatever the reason it offered designer Eric Neale full creative freedom with the 541S exhibiting sweeps, curves and quirky details a plenty.

During the restoration process Gary selected a specialist company near Spalding to undertake a refinishing. A polyester base coat was used, and a Midnight Blue topcoat was selected which was originally a colour option on the 541S. This process cost £10,000 and was performed over an eight month period. The condition today is good overall but does leave some scope for further improvement if desired.

Noticeable swirls are present, as are numerous minor scratches and some stone chips. For a full overview of condition please review our photographic package or call us to arrange an in-person viewing.

The 541S sits on a set of 15-inch steel wheels. These are finished in black and are fitted with a set of deeply chromed hub caps with embossed Jensen script at their centres, picked out in red. A matching set of period-look Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres in a 185 configuration are fitted. These are date stamped from 2021 and, hence, are hardly used.

When Gary and his wife acquired the car, the leather interior was beyond saving, sadly. The sublime original blue grey leather hue, however, was just what the couple were looking for. Fortunately, Gary was able to track down the original suppliers to Jensen who were still able to supply the same supple hides in the same delightful hue. A full retrim was undertaken using this substrate at an overall cost of £10,000. We agree with Gary that the effort and expense was well worth it.

Thanks to the additional width and height gifted to the 541S by designer Neale, this is a surprisingly commodious cabin. The front bucket seats are slim but supportive and dressed in that special leather. These fold forward to provide access to the rear seats. These consist of a pair of sculpted seats with dramatically bolstered bases which push ones knees up to maximise rear leg room. Given the recent retrimming the condition appears excellent.

The black finished dashboard fascia is home to the original set of white on black British Jaeger gauges. These sit behind the original three spoke steering wheel complete with a Bakelite, Jensen inscribed boss. A clock is located above the heater controls and a row of Lucas style toggle switches. The original fitment Motorola push button radio is present and even underwent repair by a specialist from BBC’s The Repair Shop. When switched on the unit displays a backlit Jensen script. Another charming period touch is the original fire extinguisher (standard in the 541S) affixed between the front seats.

The carpets are of a Berber style and finished in grey. These are edge bound in black for extra durability and even extend into the commodious boot. It is easy to see how this beloved Jensen performed so well as family transport for so long.

Although the Austin D-series engine started life powering the Austin K30 light truck and K2/Y military ambulance of 1939, much had changed by the time the DS5 engine was dropped into the Jensen 541S. With its triple carburettor set up the 4-litre straight six was thought to be good for around 150bhp in the 541S. Whist the four speed hydramatic automatic transmission was known as a bit of a power-sink, this configuration allowed for comfortable, all day 100mph cruising where conditions were conducive.

As we have already learnt this DS5 engine has been fully rebuilt as has that GM / Rolls-Royce gearbox – the latter at a cost of over £5,000. In addition, significantly upgraded Coopercraft brake components have been added at an expenditure of over £1,000. With all this, and more, in the mix this 541S is considered to be in an excellent mechanical condition and ready to use and enjoy immediately.

The under bonnet presentation aesthetically underscores all this diligent mechanical restoration. The trio of bowls of the SU carburettors present in highly polished alloy and accompany other well-polished and nicely finished metals. The original factory data plate is present and bears this car’s chassis number. The underside of the car is equally well presented with plenty of new looking components and ancillaries in evidence – such as the exhaust system.

The paperwork archive starts with the current V5 registration document in the name of the vendor. This classifies the 541S as an Historic Vehicle. As such it is zero rated for road tax and MoT exempt in the UK. A number of earlier MoTs in hard copy are also on hand.

A very instructive document is the tally of key work undertaken during the restoration process. This validates an overall spend of over £47,000 and provides a useful overview of the accompanying invoices. In addition to the numerous invoices providing the detail behind these headlines, there are some original registration documents, restoration photographs as well as a period “handbook of instructions.”

The post-war Jensens are notable for their innate rarity and scarcity. Some cars become rare with the passing of the years but the 541S was always thus with just 127 ever leaving West Bromwich. The S was the ultimate expression of the 541 range offering pace, space and grace in equal measure.

This is a remarkable example of this revered model. Not only for its remarkable, fondly remembered family provenance but also for its top drawer, high budget restoration. Every aspect of this Jensen has been addressed with much effort expended in maintaining the right balance between originality and thoughtful enhancement. What a car. What a story. What are you waiting for?

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £40,000 - £50,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.