1961 Jensen 541S | The Summer Serenade Auction | 18th July

• Wonderfully original
• Offered from long-term ownership
• Low mileage

Jensen’s 541 was a masterclass in innovation and sleek aerodynamic design and featured a roll call of automotive firsts including the use of fibreglass for body construction, four-wheel disc brakes and even the first inclusion of seatbelts as a standard fitment.

The 541S followed in 1960 and today is much rarer, with just 127 leaving the West Bromwich factory. The 541S was four inches wider than its predecessor and offered one and a half inches more headroom. Under the bonnet, it retained the D-Series Austin engine, but this time with a triple H4 type SU carburettor set up, a high compression Weslake head with custom-made twin exhaust manifolds and an alloy baffled sump. This 4.0 litre straight six was thought to be good for around 150bhp in the 541S! All but twenty of the 127 S cars, including the car you see here, were fitted with GM-sourced Rolls-Royce Hydra-Matic four speed automatic transmissions.

This fabulous example has been owned by our vendor since 1985. A devoted Jensen owner, he has kept the car in largely original condition, especially the interior, while the paintwork retains a charming patina. It runs terrifically, having only needed occasional maintenance, including new calipers, brake servos, fuel pump and rebuilt carburettors. Crucially, our vendor informs us that this 541S includes its original Motorola valve radio, King Duck tool tray, and 1960s First Aid Kit! The bodywork was repainted prior to our client purchasing the car and has begun to crack, revealing its original dark blue paintwork beneath. The car’s new owner may choose to respray or restore the bodywork, or to maintain the character of the car’s current appearance; in either case, this is a well-looked after, well-maintained example of a very rare car indeed, and one that’s certain to turn heads wherever it goes. Consigned by Charlie McCreery