1955 | Jensen 541

The name A B Price is one normally associated with the motor manufacturer Lea-Francis Ltd. Entrepreneur Barrie Price bought the company in 1963 and provided Lea-Francis owners with decades of support in spares, restoration and service of these fine cars. He was an invaluable source of information and advice and ensured that the company records and a huge library of drawings were saved for the benefit owners of Lea-Francis cars, bicycles, motorcycles and tractors. He also built a number of new retro-styled Lea-Francis cars to special order, reviving the ‘Ace of Spades’ name for this Jaguar powered model.

A.B. Price who passed away in recent years sold Lea-Francis Ltd. with all its assets in July 2019. His association with Lea Francis is the subject of many books and articles but few knew of his connection to the Jensen 541. The Jensen Owners Club were astonished when new member Barrie Price revealed that he had been concerned with the development and testing of the original Jensen 541 through his friendship with Colin Riekie, chief draughtsman at Jensen. He sent in a photograph of the first 541 at his parents house alongside his Rolls-Royce Phantom II. He joined the club on acquiring an early original 541 for restoration in 2010.

XBH 541 had been in storage for the previous 28 years. He sought advice from the JOC as his company began a seven year restoration for his beloved niece who lived in France. The history file for this fabulous car, the final assembly of which was completed by Mr Price himself is utterly fascinating. This 1955 example which features the optional wire wheels has been lovingly restored by one of the great characters of the classic motoring world. The file contains a number of handwritten letters, photos and notes by Mr Price. It also details the restoration work It includes photographs confirming his involvement with the first 541, which was registered JEA 541.

Having come to us from Mr Price' niece in late 2023 the Jensen was in need of mechanically re-commissioning have spent the best part of ten years unused. Over the next few months over £30,000 was spent on taking the 541 to a new level mechanically. The engine and gearbox were removed, the gearbox stripped and re-sealed, the head was removed for checking and was found to be damaged so at a cost of over £5500 alone a new aluminium Denis Welch Motorsport head was purchased and fitted. The engine was stripped down and rebuilt as necessary, all new gaskets fitted and on build up re-installed into the car. The clutch release bearing was replaced, a new clutch brake and master cylinder fitted, all new coolant hoses fitted, the water pump rebuilt, the radiator re-cored and a new steering idler fitted. Brake hoses were replaced, the brakes completely renewed and a brake servo fitted. Carbs were all rebuilt, new shock absorbers fitted and king pins rebuilt. The Jensen was then sold and delivered to one of our regular customers in Cornwall who has covered a few hundred faultless miles in the car. In Decemebr 2024 the head was re-torqued after some running in miles, the oil and filter changed and complements greased and oiled as required. Beautifully restored in its original Botticelli Blue colour and with Oxblood hide interior this is a Jensen of historic importance through its association with AB Price and is sure to attract keen interest and offer huge confidence having had such a high level of recent mechanical expenditure. Now returning to us in part exchange for a Jaguar E-Type, we are delighted to once again offer the car onto the market.