1959 Jensen 541R

Lot details
Registration No: XAB 999
Chassis No: 3816002
Mot Expiry: June 2009

Although previewed at the 1953 Earls Court Motor Show, customer deliveries of the Jensen 541 did not start until 1955. Based on Austin running gear, it was nevertheless an avant-garde design. Constructed around an immensely strong, tubular-framed chassis featuring independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension, a leaf-sprung hypoid bevel rear axle, cam-and-roller steering and Girling hydraulic brakes, the model's cutting-edge fibreglass bodywork was penned by Eric Neale. Widely held to possess among the most striking automotive silhouettes of the 1950s, the luxury sports coupe was powered by a 3993cc OHV straight-six allied to four-speed manual transmission. Introduced for 1958, the range-topping 541R was reputedly capable of 125mph. Far pricier than the base model (£2,886 7s 0d vs. £2,153 17s 0d), it boasted Laycock overdrive and four-wheel disc brakes as standard. Only in production for three years, just 193 are thought to have been made.

Finished in Gunmetal Grey with Burgundy leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its triple-carburettor engine, four-speed manual plus overdrive gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork and wheels / tyres (while, he rates the paintwork as "very good"). First registered in Worcestershire, 'XAB 999' is understood to have spent most of its life in the West Country. The subject of past restoration work, it apparently benefits from various sympathetic upgrades including "a high-speed fuel pump, immobiliser, 'Nardi' steering wheel, electronic ignition and double twelve volt batteries". Widely acknowledged as one of the best looking 1950s British GT cars, the Jensen 541 has become increasingly sought after in recent years. A rare survivor, this striking 'R' variant is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until June 2009.