Jensen 541

Manufacturer	Jensen
Production	1954-1959 226 made[1]
Predecessor	Interceptor(1950)
Successor	Jensen 541R
Class	Grand Tourer
Body style	2-door 4 seat coupé 2-door Cabriolet (Abbott conversion)
Engine	3993 cc Straight-6
Transmission	4 speed manual. Optional overdrive.
Wheelbase	105 in (2,667 mm)[2]
Length	176 in (4,470 mm)[2]
Width	63 in (1,600 mm)[2]
Height	54 in (1,372 mm) [3]
Curb weight	1,220 kg (2,690 lb)[4]

The Jensen 541 was first exhibited at the London Motor Show in October 1953^[4]: production started in 1954. In October 1954 a cabriolet version was introduced.

The 541 used fibreglass bodywork mounted on a steel chassis and was fitted with a six cylinder, three SU carburettor version of the 4 litre Austin engine and four speed transmission with optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive.

The body consisted of three major mouldings and the entire front was rear hinged and could be raised for engine access. The doors were aluminium. Suspension was independent at the front using coil springs with a Panhard rod located rigid axle and leaf springs at the rear. A choice of wire spoked or steel disc wheels with centre lock fitting was offered.^[3] At first the car had servo assisted 11 in (279 mm) drum brakes but from 1956, when the deluxe version was introduced, it featured Dunlop disc brakes both in front and rear - the first British four seater thus equipped.

It was also a luxurious car with the well equipped interior featuring leather seats as standard. The individual seats in front separated by a high transmission tunnel and the rear seats had a small centre armrest and could also be tilted forwards to increase luggage space. Standard colours (1955) were black, ivory, imperial crimson, moonbeam grey, Boticelli blue, deep green and Tampico beige.^[3]

By employing light weight materials, Jensen managed to make the car significantly lighter than their contemporary Interceptor model, with a dry weight of 1,220 kg (2,690 lb) as against the older design's 1,370 kg (3,020 lb)^[4]. Performance benefitted.

In 1957 the 541 R was introduced, and in 1960 the 541 S arrived with wider bodywork and revised grill styling. Production of the Jensen 541 ended in 1959 and the 541 S early 1963 when the range was replaced by the C-V8.

Performance

The Jensen 541 was a fast car with a claimed 135 bhp (101 kW) and top speed of 109 mph (175 km/h) (both subsequently increased) at launch.

A car with overdrive tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1955 had a top speed of 115.8 mph (186.4 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 10.8 seconds. A fuel consumption of 20.6 miles per imperial gallon (13.7 L/100 km; 17.2 mpg_-US) was recorded. The test car cost £2146 (with the optional overdrive) including taxes. In 1957 Richard Jensen had a 541 delux built with a Chrysler Hemi engine but no performance or fuel consumption figures are known for this vehicle. The basic car cost £1821^[3]

References