Lot 149 - 1960 Jensen 541R
| Lot Number | 149 |
| Registration | PJT 381 |
| Chassis Number | 4816011/541 |
| Engine Number | 40/11022 |
| Odometer reading | 60,043 miles |
| Result | Sold - £31,360 |
- Desirable ‘R’ model
- Barn find condition
- Restoration project
At the start of the 1950's, Jensen had a sound commercial vehicle business providing bread and butter income and an exclusive car business making expensive Interceptor touring cars. The bodywork was mostly aluminium but as an experiment, Jensen had started making the large boot lids in a revolutionary material formed from hair-thin glass embedded in a resinous gel; glass fibre. The body was designed by Eric Neale in conjunction with Richard Jensen. First, he created the distinctive 'mouth' shape and the rest of the body flowed back from that point. A lattice of wooden body formers provided a reference over which skilled craftsmen beat a skin of aluminium. The finished car was exhibited at the 1953 Motor Show but there was one trick left up Jensen's sleeve; production cars were to be constructed of glass fibre. The first few production cars are just known as the 541. As production increased, the options available increased and a package incorporating the best extras was applied to the car marketed as the '541 Deluxe'. Rack and pinion steering was the latest innovation and was marketed as the 541R. The body changed at the same time with striking curves or strakes being added. These appeared over the rear wheel arches and on the bonnet leading to an air vent. In 1959, work started on creating a slightly larger 541, which would be better suited to long-distance cruising.
Registered new on 20th July 1960, this UK supplied right hand drive example is the desirable and rare ‘R’ derivative. This Jensen has been laid up in a barn for many years and as such is offered as a full restoration project. Under the layers of dust its clear to see that this 541R is largely original, the two-tone red and white coachwork is still rather presentable as is the interior. Rarely do you see projects like this come to the open market and once completed we are sure it will be huge amounts of fun for the new custodian. This Jensen has had just four owners from new and is offered with its UK V5 registration document.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.