For all its outstanding high potential speed and surging acceleration, the R series Jensen remains a gentleman’s carriage.

While stable and safe at speed, the car is yet comfortable and the whole conception, choice of materials and workmanship are of high quality.

The model is as desirable as it is exceptional…’ The Autocar, January 1958 The brainchild of Eric Neale in 1954, the prototype proved a sensation.

It represented a beautiful and rare GT, produced in limited numbers up to 1960, with its commanding speed and acceleration a tribute to its revolutionary new exterior material, fibreglass.

The 541 was not only stylish but also aerodynamic.

In fact, a car driven by novelist Jon Cleary would be timed at 132mph at Jabbeke in 1957.

With a large four-litre, straight six-cylinder engine from the Austin Sheerline complete with overdrive, the driving experience was enjoyed for both trans-continental journeys as well as competition work.

Latterly, disc brakes all round and rack and p...