It may not look like it sitting here forlornly in a trailer, but this 1958 Jensen 541 is a rare and special car that rarely comes up for sale. The seller notes this example also comes with a treasure trove of spare parts, enough of which could support the construction of a second car. Regardless, the 541 was produced in limited quantities when new (just 546 examples were made), so this restoration-ready find it worth saving. Check it out here on craigslist for $12,500 near Los Angeles, and thanks to Barn Finds reader Roger for the find. .
Really, most of the photos just show the abundance of spare parts that the next owner will have access to, which is helpful when you consider the low production numbers. The Jensen incorporated a number of firsts when it was first produced for public consumption, including four-wheel disc brakes as standard equipment on a four-seater British vehicle. In addition, it made extensive use of fiberglass to construct the bodies, and was the first British car to have standard-issue seat belts.
Wire wheels are a classic period look, and also the correct equipment for a 541. The seller notes that in addition to the original parts seen here, a new frame is included along with new headlights. The Jensen still rides on its original frame at the moment, so I’m not sure why the new one is included in the sale. Fun fact: if you ever want to see the original, aluminum-bodied showcar, you just have to hop a plane to Tampa, Florida, where the very first 541 resides in the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum.
The inline-six engine has already been rebuilt, and hopefully the three SU carburetors didn’t get lost in the process. The engine was paired to a four-speed manual transmission when new, but I can’t claim to have laid eyes on the transmission in the photos. The gear selector and pedal box are visible, so hopefully nothing from the drivetrain has disappeared while the Jensen has been sitting in pieces. Overall, this is a very rare car with some interesting features that should make it a standout at any local car show – is the price reasonable for such a major undertaking?
For my collection as an early teenager, I sent for a brochure for these. Will never forget the caption under a picture of the trunk therein; “The boot is exceptionally commodius”.
I was surprised to learn that these are fiberglass with aluminum doors. Not sure about hood and trunk lid. You would really have to inspect the steel frame for soundness. It’s a California car but the fact that the owner is really making a point about the included second frame makes me think there is corrosion under that plastic body. The styling is classic 1950s GT. An Austin 4.0 Liter engine gave the 541 a top speed of 115mph (according to WikiPedia) and they weighed around 2700 lbs so they were pretty quick. The prototypes were done in aluminum. I guess that would have pushed the price regular production cars too high so fibreglass. 1957 Jensen built one with a Chrysler Hemi.
This one looks like it retains its original Botticelli Blue paint.
This is an ambitious project for sure but I think it could be most satisfying. I imagine parts are hard to come by so it is good that many spares are included. It should be restored but I wouldn’t feel restrained to absolute authenticity. I think I would reassemble it stock and drive it to evaluate what I was working with and then make decisions about what to upgrade or change. I like the idea of the Chrysler Hemi. They are over six hundred lbs but the Austin 6 is no lightweight either. I’m curious how these handled back in the day especially regarding front and rear balance. Too bad my garage is full of cars I need to finish before taking on another. According to a Hagerty evaluation this seller is realistic about the price. That is if you trust Hagerty’s “science”.
It looks like a bit of a cross between an A C Aceca and a 300 S L. The bulges on the sides above the wheel openings look like they were taken right off the 300 S L.
Another non runner for too .much coin
541’s are wonderful cars! Very rare as there is only a few of them in the U.S. You need a damn diagram to know what switch and lever does what on the dash. I’d be all over this car as a project. But, being one of the few people that has actually worked on one, I understand the level of commitment that is needed to properly restore one. Not in this lifetime.
tampa…los angeles need to sort a few things out here
Is this a right hand or left hand steering car?
If left hand steering, I would be interested as just finished a fiberglass car.
Don
It looks to be right hand drive.