Jensen 541S

infobox automobile
name = Jensen 541 S


manufacturer = Jensen Motors Limited
production = 1960-1963
127 made
predecessor = Jensen 541R
successor = Jensen CV8
class = Grand tourer
engine = 3993 cc straight-6
5358 cc V8
transmission = 4-speed automatic
4-speed manual + overdrive
width = convert|67|in|mm|0|abbr=on
length = convert|178|in|mm|0|abbr=on
wheelbase = convert|105|in|mm|0|abbr=on The Jensen 541S was Jensen Motors luxury GT model of the Jensen 541 series, being 4" wider than the 541R, which had the advantages of making the interior roomier and improving the roadholding. The 541S had a conventional radiator grill (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. The Jensen brothers initially wanted to use Chrysler HemiV8's but none were used because of supply difficulties. However, one was fitted with a Chevrolet Small Block 327 V8 at Donald Healey's request but the rest had Jensen's powerful triple SU carburetor version of the Austin DS5 4 litre straight six, with a high compression Weslake head. 127 cars were hand built between 1960 and 1962 at Jensen's West Bromwich factory, most having Rolls-Royce hydramatic gearboxes. This was innovative at the time as cars mainly had manual gearboxes. Twenty two were fitted with Moss manual boxes for the hardcore self-shifting motorist. The Jensen 541S is also notable for being the first British car to have seat belts fitted as standard equipment. Other safety equipment included a padded windscreen surround, fire extinguisher and first-aid kit. Dunlop disk brakes were used on all four wheels and a rack and pinion steering system was employed giving the car very positive steering. Each car was also fitted with a Motorola radio. The 541 S was superseded by the Chrysler V8 powered Jensen CV8 model, which inherited from the 541 S the same wheelbase and track dimensions, as well as the Jensen ethos of effortless speed and luxurious long distance travel, while the groundbreaking 1966 Jensen FF used a perimeter tube style chassis first tried on the 541 series of cars.

References

*Peter Garnier, Brian Healey (1989), Donald Healey : my world of cars ISBN 1-85260-212-0
*Brooklands Books (2002), Jensen Road Test Book: Jensen Cars 1946-67 ISBN 0 906 589 86X
*Richard Calver (1991), A history of Jensen : the chassis data ISBN 0 646 03563 0