The Jensen 541S was Jensen Motors luxuryGT 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 327V8 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-Roycehydramatic 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 Dunlopdisc 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The 541 S was superseded by the Chrysler Golden Commando V8 powered Jensen C-V8 model, which inherited from the 541 S the same wheelbase and track dimensions, as well as the Jensen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]
