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1956 Jensen 541
2dr Coupe
6-cyl. 3993cc/130hp 3x1bbl
#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good
$44,200*
0%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Jan 2025
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1953-1962 Jensen 541 stats
Highest sale
$87,166
Lowest sale
$20,321
Most recent sale
$40,404
Sales
13
Photos
2 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.
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Model overview
Model description
The Jensen 541 was quite a departure from previous cars carrying a Jensen badge. It had exceptionally sleek coupe body work made out of GRP, then still a somewhat exotic material. Under the hood was an Austin-sourced OHV four-liter straight six, and the independent front coil springs and live rear axle with semi-elliptic springs came from the Austin A70 Hereford.
Jensen actually showcased an aluminum-bodied 541 at the 1953 London Motor Show, but when production commenced, the body was made from fiberglass. The body was light in weight, and even the rear screen and rear side windows were made from Perspex. This combined with a Cd of only 0.39 and the Austin DS5 engine gave a top speed of 115mph. Optional extras included a heater, overdrive, windscreen washers, a tachometer and wire wheels.
October 1956 saw the debut of the 541 De Luxe, which was equipped with virtually all list extras plus disc brakes fore and aft. This was a first on a British car. A year later, Jensen introduced the 541R which had a top hinged boot lid and rack-and-pinion steering in place of the earlier cam-and-roller system and a Moss gearbox. The first 53 541Rs were powered by the Austin DS7 engine, but the later versions reverted to the DS5 unit. Top speed increased to 127mph.
The autumn of 1960 saw the debut of the 541S which lost the earlier cars' distinctive radiator shutter and was four inches wider than the 541R with the roofline raised by 1.5 inches. A limited-slip differential and front seat belts were now standard, along with a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, Motorola radio and automatic transmission. The extra weight resulted in the top speed decreasing to 108 mph, In 1963, the Jensen 541S was replaced by the CV8.
The Jensen 541 was designed to provide relaxed high speed and comfort for two (the back seat is not well suited to tall occupants). The earlier models were more overtly sporting than the 541S and some connoisseurs think that the 541R is the finest of the breed, but each member of the range has an individual appeal.
Common problems in Jensen 541s are corrosion of the steel chassis and the crazing of the fiberglass panels. Some parts, such as the steering rack for the 541S or replacement for cracked cylinder heads, can be particularly hard to source.
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Common Questions
The value of a 1956 Jensen 541 can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $44,200 for a 1956 Jensen 541 in good condition with average spec.
Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.
Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.
Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.
The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.