Jensen 541 S
Overview
ManufacturerJensen Motors Limited
Production1960–1963
127 made
DesignerEric Neale
Body and chassis
ClassGrand tourer
Powertrain
Engine4.0 L Austin I6
5358 cc V8
Transmission4-speed automatic
4-speed manual + overdrive
Dimensions
Wheelbase105 in (2,667 mm)
Length178 in (4,521 mm)
Width67 in (1,702 mm)
Chronology
PredecessorJensen 541R
SuccessorJensen C-V8

The Jensen 541S was Jensen Motors luxury GT model of the Jensen 541. Announced in mid-October 1960,[1] the Jensen 541S was four inches wider than the 541R. The increased track allowed the new car's interior to be roomier and improved the roadholding.[2] The 541S had a conventional radiator grill [3][4](as opposed to the flap of the 541) to allow for the extra heat given by a proposed new V8 engine, and a Salisbury limited slip differential for the extra torque demanded..

Jensen used their own powerful version of the Austin DS5 4-litre straight-six engine (featuring triple H4 type SU carburettors, a high compression Weslake head with custom-made twin exhaust manifolds and an alloy baffled sump/oil cooler) in the 541S.[5] Initially the Jensen brothers tested Chrysler Hemi V8s in the 541S, also trialled in Alan Jensen's Jensen 541delux, but none were used because of supply difficulties. One was fitted with a Chevrolet 327 V8 however, at Donald Healey's request.[6][7][8][9] A total of 127 cars were hand-built between 1960 and 1962 at Jensen's West Bromwich factory, most having GM-licensed Rolls-Royce hydramatic gearboxes. This was innovative at the time as performance cars mainly had manual gearboxes. It also suited the criteria of effortless speed and luxurious long distance driving Jensen set for their new car, although twenty-two were fitted with Moss manual gear boxes at the request of their prospective owners.[10]

The Jensen 541S is also notable for being the first British car to have seat belts fitted as standard equipment.[11] Another first for the 541 series was the use of Dunlop disc brakes on all four wheels.[12] A rack and pinion steering system was employed, giving the car very positive steering. Other safety equipment included a padded windscreen surround, fire extinguisher and first-aid kit. Each car was also fitted with a Motorola radio.[13]

The 541 S was superseded by the Chrysler Golden Commando V8 powered Jensen C-V8 model, which inherited from the 541 S the same wheelbase and track dimensions, as well as the Jensen ethos of safe, easy, comfortable and fast inter-continental travel[14] while the groundbreaking 1966 Jensen FF used a perimeter tube style chassis first tried on the 541 series of cars.[15]

Further reading

  • An article with photographs by John Neville Cohen about the rare 541S manual drive (only 22 made) https://www.jncohen.net/Jensen/article.htm
  • Garnier, Peter; Healey, Brian (1989). Donald Healey: my world of cars. ISBN 1-85260-212-0.
  • Jensen Road Test Book: Jensen Cars 1946–67. Brooklands Books. 2002. ISBN 0-906589-86-X.
  • Calver, Richard. A history of Jensen: All the models ISBN 978-0-9751291-1-1.

References

  1. ↑ Jensen saloon. The Times Thursday, Oct 13, 1960; pg. 8; Issue 54901
  2. ↑ http://www.british-steel.org/brochure/five_four_one/541a_3_l.jpg
  3. ↑ http://www.british-steel.org/brochure/five_four_one/541a_1_l.jpg
  4. ↑ The Motor magazine October 19th 1960
  5. ↑ The Autocar magazine February 3rd 1961
  6. ↑ Donald Healey My World of Cars ISBN 1-85260-212-0
  7. ↑ Classic Cars magazine February 1995
  8. ↑ "Jensen 541S V8 | Donald Healey Special". 29 November 2017.
  9. ↑ Mark Dollery. Jensen V8, the complete story of the American-powered cars ISBN 978 1 78500 122 2
  10. ↑ Calver, Richard (1991). A history of Jensen: the chassis data. ISBN 0-646-03563-0.
  11. ↑ http://www.british-steel.org/brochure/five_four_one/541a_4_l.jpg
  12. ↑ The Motor October 17th 1956
  13. ↑ http://www.british-steel.org/brochure/five_four_one/541a_2_l.jpg
  14. ↑ The Motor October 10th 1962
  15. ↑ The Autocar Four wheel drive for Jensen October 15, 1965
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