Jensen 541

The Jensen 541 was the Gloucestershire-built, fibreglass-bodied grand tourer of the mid-1950s, and this 1955 car comes with an unusual story. It was restored over seven years by Barrie Price, better known for his decades running Lea-Francis, who had a link to the development and testing of the original 541. The history file includes his handwritten letters, photographs and notes, along with details of the restoration and pictures connected with the first 541, registered JEA 541.

It is finished in its original Botticelli Blue with an Oxblood hide interior and has the optional wire wheels. After years unused it was recommissioned following its return in late 2023, with over £30,000 spent. The engine and gearbox were removed and the gearbox was stripped and resealed. A new aluminium Denis Welch Motorsport head was fitted after the original was found damaged. Carburettors were rebuilt, and the clutch components, cooling hoses and water pump were renewed. The radiator was re-cored, the brakes were renewed with a servo added, and new shock absorbers were fitted.

A subsequent owner in Cornwall covered a few hundred trouble-free miles. The head was re-torqued and the oil changed in December 2024. The car is now back with the dealer in part exchange. No mileage is stated.