Cars

The Jensen 541, upon its release in 1954, stood out not only for its style and innovative materials but also for its remarkable performance for a post-war British GT. It was powered by a 4.0-liter (3,993 cc) inline six-cylinder engine, derived from the Austin Sheerline, but heavily modified by Jensen to extract more power. This engine developed approximately 135 horsepower (bhp) at 3,800 rpm in the standard version of the 541, allowing it to reach a top speed of about 185 to 190 km/h, depending on the configuration. The 0 to 100 km/h was achieved in about 10 to 11 seconds, a very respectable performance for the time.

The fiberglass body mounted on a steel chassis helped lighten the car, which weighed around 1,270 kg. This choice of material, still rare at the time, gave the 541 proper rigidity and a low center of gravity, improving its handling. The 4-speed manual gearbox, often equipped with a Laycock de Normanville overdrive, allowed for smooth long-distance driving while maintaining good acceleration.

The Jensen 541 Deluxe, introduced from 1955, offered a superior level of finish. It was characterized by a more refined interior presentation, with higher quality leather upholstery, thick carpets, woodwork on the dashboard, and additional equipment such as a more efficient heater or more comprehensive Smiths instruments. Mechanically, it used the same engine as the standard version but sometimes benefited from more careful tuning, allowing for a slight improvement in performance.

The road handling of the 541 was praised by the specialized press. Thanks to its independent front suspension and rigid rear axle, combined with telescopic shock absorbers, it offered an interesting compromise between comfort and road holding.

A total of 226 examples of the original Jensen 541 were produced between 1954 and 1956. Among them, a portion corresponds to Deluxe versions, but Jensen did not always make an official distinction at the factory: the term “Deluxe” mainly referred to a higher level of equipment chosen by the buyer. However, it is estimated that a majority of the 541s built after 1955 were specified in the Deluxe version.

Thus, the Jensen 541, especially in its Deluxe version, was not just a beautiful GT with a fluid appearance: it was also a high-performance, well-born car that foreshadowed the standards of the great British luxury coupes of the 1960s.

This example, originally red, has been fully restored and is perfectly documented. This Aston green suits it tremendously well!