Prior to the start of WW2 Jensen were coachbuilders producing special bodies for Morris, Singer, Standard and Wolseley.

Their own tourer was produced just before the start of hostilities.

During the war they concentrated on commercial trucks and buses.

Post war production saw their own motor cars appear again, then, with the arrival of designer Eric Neale from the Standard Motor Company, their first fibreglass bodied coupe was exhibited at the London Motor Show in 1953 and known as the 541.

The glass fibre body was mounted on a steel chassis and power came from a straight six 4 litre engine with three SU carburettors.

The doors were aluminium.

Independent front suspension was fitted and rigid rear axle and leaf springs.

The well-equipped cockpit was luxuriously trimmed in leather and allowed 2+2 accommodation.

The 541R was introduced in 1957 and featured disc brakes and rack and pinion steering.

It wowed the motoring press at the time for its sleek lines and staggering 125mph ...