Jensen 541R

Although the prototype was exhibited in 1953, the Jensen 541 did not enter production until 1955. Widely considered to be the best-looking car ever to emerge from the West Bromwich factory, it was styled by Jensen's Eric Neale and was not just attractive, it was also highly aerodynamic with a Cd figure of just 0.39, one of the lowest recorded at the time.

The cars used lightweight fibreglass bodywork consisting of three major mouldings, the entire front section being easily raised for excellent engine access. The body was mounted on an immensely strong, tubular-framed chassis featuring independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension, a leaf-sprung hypoid bevel rear axle, cam-and-roller steering and Girling hydraulic brakes. Power came from a 135bhp six-cylinder, triple or twin carburettor version of the 4-litre Austin engine, driving through a four-speed transmission with optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive.

Pick of the 541 range was the 'R' of which just 193 were made between 1957 and 1960. This had disc brakes all round, overdrive as standard and much-improved rack-and-pinion steering – together with a restyled bonnet for better cooling and fabulously bulbous wheel arches, reminiscent of the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, that aided stability at speed.

The car was very well received by the motoring press, typified by these comments in 'Motor' in September 1955: "What really appeals is the outstanding manner in which it runs either quite gently or very, very quickly, according to the driver's wishes... Magnificent top-gear acceleration is available between 10mph and over 80mph, without any trace of a flat spot, and it is rarely necessary to change down for hill-climbing."

This particular 541R has been owned for the last 31 years by rock legend Ken ‘KK’ Downing, founder member and lead guitarist of heavy metal icons Judas Priest, from 1970 until his retirement from the band earlier this year (to concentrate on his other passion in life – golf!). Brass plaques on the sills indicate that the car was supplied new by Broughtons of Cheltenham and was first registered in November 1959 with the number plate MA 20 (sadly long since replaced with the current number, RFF 361).

Not much is known about the early history of the car but by the 1970s it was owned by a Martyn White of Codsall from whom KK acquired it in May 1980. Following the global success of their ‘Killing Machines’ tour and album of 1979, Judas Priest had hit the big time and KK, a life-long car nut, immediately set about acquiring a collection of classic cars to fill the outbuildings of his new stately home, Astbury Hall near Bridgnorth, where he lives to this day.

Being a West Bromwich lad, a Jensen 541R was high on his wish list and he immediately set about making this car the best in the land. Already in good condition when he bought it, he had it cosmetically rejuvenated with a respray in the original dark red, interior retrim in cream Connolly hide and new chrome wire wheels before entering it into the Jensen Owners Club concours competition in 1982. He won first prize but was later disqualified when the judges discovered that his hastily completed car was neither taxed nor MOTd, despite having being driven to the show! Re-entering it the following year, he came second, losing valuable points when he realised too late that he had forgotten to attach the rear view mirror (still missing to this day…).

Since then the car has had very little use, the pressures of a rock star and tax exile life meaning that KK was seldom in Bridgnorth to enjoy it. Last on the road in 1997, the Jensen has just been recommissioned (including the fitment of a new brake master cylinder) and is due to have a fresh MOT before the sale. Said to be in good running order, the car still looks very smart although the paint has microblistered somewhat and mice have had a nibble at the rear seat squab.

It comes with a fair amount of history including many old MOTs back to 1982 (when the indicated mileage was 16,919 – now around 17,800 miles), various bills for routine maintenance (including a full stainless steel exhaust in 1995) and a current V5. Altogether a nice example of this most rare and handsome car with an interesting history that can be used as it is and gradually improved over time. KK also states that the new owner will be most welcome to come and play a complimentary round of golf at his newly opened course at Astbury Hall. Can’t say fairer than that!

These really are fabulous looking machines that are very easy to live with and will cruise all day at 90mph at just 2,500rpm. With top examples now making well over £30,000 this one looks excellent value at the guide price suggested today.