Jensen 541
A pioneer of glass-fibre construction and aerodynamic efficiency.
- Power
- 135 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 10.8 s
- Top speed
- 116 mph
- Est. value
- $23k–$92k
About the Jensen 541
The Jensen 541 was a landmark British GT, notable for being one of the first production cars to utilise a glass-fibre body, which was mounted on a robust steel ladder-frame chassis. Designed by Eric Neale, it featured a distinctive swivelling front intake panel that allowed the driver to control airflow to the radiator, contributing to an impressive drag coefficient of 0.39. Power was provided by a 4.0-litre Austin straight-six engine, offering effortless torque that made it a refined long-distance cruiser. While early cars used drum brakes, the later De Luxe version became the first British four-seater to feature disc brakes on all four wheels.
Jensen 541 specs
The Jensen 541 produces 135 bhp (101 kW) and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 10.8 seconds and has a top speed of 116 mph (186 km/h).
| Make | Jensen |
|---|---|
| Model | 541 |
| Trim | 4.0 |
| Years | 1954–1959 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 546 built |
| Engine | 4.0-litre Austin D-Series straight-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,993 cc (4.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 135 bhp (101 kW) at 3,700 rpm |
| Torque | 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 4,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 10.8 s |
| Top speed | 116 mph (186 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,480 kg (3,263 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 91 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Jensen 541 worth?
A typical Jensen 541 is estimated to be worth $23,000 – $92,000 (about £17,000 – £69,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Jensen 541 rarity in CarSpot
The Jensen 541 is an Epic card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 63 out of 100. Supercars and serious performance cars, typically worth around £100,000 to £250,000. An Epic card is worth 80 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Jensen 541 fun facts
- The 541's body was made of GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) to save weight, though the doors remained aluminium for structural rigidity.
- It featured a driver-adjustable radiator shutter to improve aerodynamics and speed up engine warm-up in cold weather.
- The 541 was the fastest four-seater car ever tested by Autocar magazine at the time of its release.
