In Pursuit of Perfect – Retrimming Seats for our 1960 Jensen 541R.
September 14, 2021
For a handmade classic car, only a handmade interior will do. This is much the story with our beautiful 1960 Jensen 541R we have in
Jensen 541R
Front squab fitting for the Lilac Jensen!
August 13, 2021
In the trim shop, Brian has been fitting the front squab seats of the 1960 Jensen 541R to their foams and frames. These seats were
Jensen 541S engine running up
July 13, 2021
Please to show our Jensen 541S bursting into life and sounding beautiful. Next job will be to set the gearbox up.
Jensen 541 – Spare Wheel Carrier and Dash Modifications
July 7, 2021
Tamas has manufactured a spare wheel carrier bracket to hold the carrier in place. Having recently recovered the original dash, when fitting to the car
Peony Jensen Update
July 6, 2021
The exhaust on our Peony Jensen has been fitted by Demand Engineering. We now need to put the seats and pins in, air filter, bleed
Jensen Update
June 23, 2021
Our soon to be Lilac Jensen is currently sat in our workshop awaiting its next stage.
1960 Jensen 541S For Sale
June 14, 2021
Now that we’ve received all the parts for this 1960 541S Jensen, it’s up for sale and ready for someone to take it on as a project.
1959 Jensen 541R For Sale
June 14, 2021
Now that we’ve received all the parts for this 1959 541R Jensen, it’s up for sale and ready for someone to take it on as
Peony Windows Fitted
June 14, 2021
Our 1960 Peony Red Jensen 541S has had the windows fitted and is now resembling more and more of a working car.
Peony Red Jensen Gets New Carpet
June 10, 2021
Kath has made a boot carpet for out 1960 Jensen 541S. She begun by inserting rubber grommets in the holes, made templates and then cut
Peony Red Air Vents
June 8, 2021
Kath has made a cover for the metal plate Paul made as part of the windscreen air vents.
Jensens Home Safe And Sound
June 7, 2021
You may have seen last week we sent our two Jensen’s along with an Interceptor, back to their owner over in Germany. We’re delighted to
Double Jensen Send-Off
June 3, 2021
Our beloved 1957 Jensen 541RS and 1960 Jensen 541R have been collected by Russell’s and sent back to Germany to be reunited with their owner.
Peony Red Jensen’s New Chrome and Dynamometer
June 2, 2021
Our 1960 Jensen 541S has had new chrome fitted around the door as well as ‘weather strips’. Paul has been working to apply the smaller
Final Adjustments On Our Grey Jensen
May 26, 2021
After the client came to see his two Jensen’s, he’s asked for some small modifications which has included changing the yellow Jensen badge to blue,
Peony Jensen Tweaks And Adjustments
May 25, 2021
Our 1960 Peony Red Jensen is having its newly built dashboard fitted by Tom and the chrome adjusted by Paul. Kath has continued with the
Peony Red Jensen’s New Dash And Door Cappings
May 20, 2021
Tom has been working on building up the dashboard for our 1960 Peony Red Jensen 541S. A keen eye for detail and a steady hand
A Visitor From Germany
May 18, 2021
Our friend and client has had both of his Jensen’s with us for the last 3 years as we’ve been tackling the mighty project of
Peony Red Headliner Continues
May 11, 2021
Kath has continued on the 1960 Jensen 541S Peony Red headliner by bolting in the screws in the front header rail. She’s then covered the
Lilac Jensen Fibreglass Repair
May 10, 2021
Our 1960 Jensen 541R is undergoing some fibreglass repair in our paint shop. Matt is currently working on the boot lid that needs to be
Crash Victim In For TLC – 1961 Jensen 541S
May 7, 2021
Earlier in the week we got delivered this 1961 Jensen 541S that had been the victim of a crash, and is looking a little worse
Road Test Awaits
May 5, 2021
We’re currently awaiting a road test on our black 1960 Jensen 541R to see how it runs and if there are any teething issues.
Jensen 541S Looking For Its Forever Home
May 4, 2021
Our 1960 541S Jensen is looking for its forever home and is best suited to someone who aims to restore it with us. Alternatevly is
Grey Jensen’s Radiator Issue
April 27, 2021
Our 1957 Jensen 541R/S is having issues with its radiator as well as an oil leak. The radiator has been removed so we can address
Peony Red Jensen Gets New Chrome And Shaping
April 27, 2021
Our Peony Red Jensen has had its new chrome applied however we’d found that the rear window chrome wasn’t fitting properly so we’ve made an
Lilac Jensen Update
April 27, 2021
Ady has taken apart the lilac 1960 Jensen’s rocker shaft to be cleaned out and rebuilt to ensure it works as it should. Brian has
Radiator Trouble Resolved
April 15, 2021
We’ve had some issues with the radiator in our 1957 Jensen 541R/S which has now been resolved as has the issues surrounding lagging oil pipes.
Lilac Jensen Interior Seats
April 14, 2021
Lydia has been working on the interior of the 1960 Jensen 541R which is Gordons restoration project and is fondly referred to as the Lilac
Green With Envy
April 9, 2021
David Turnage popped into the workshop today as he has manufactured the spare wheel carrier for our Peony Red Jensen. David arrived in his fantastic
Running Smooth
April 9, 2021
Our 1957 Jensen 541R/S is having some final adjustments to its engine and mechanics. We’ve just fitted heat protection to our plug leads, made a
In Pursuit of Perfect – Retrimming Seats for our 1960 Jensen 541R.
September 14, 2021
For a handmade classic car, only a handmade interior will do. This is much the story with our beautiful 1960 Jensen 541R we have in the trim shop here at Bridge Classic Cars for one of the incredible owners, Gordon.
Our beloved Lilac has been in the trim shop recently to have our in-house trim experts begin work on upholstering the seats for this truly unique car. Starting from scratch, our upholsters began laying out the original frames and foams to ensure that the new set, which are handcrafted in-house, would fit. They also had to suit the cars classic but also quite contemporary lines.
The webs for the rear seat needed to include the signature rear hump. This had to be taken into account when making this one-off interior. The rear is a masterpiece of flowing lines that finish in neat and crisp corners that perfectly suit a car of this calibre. The padding was selected to give the most amount of support for the driver and passengers whilst out there enjoying the gorgeous 541R.
Our in-house team of automotive upholsterers took their time to make sure that the front seat also was given the same treatment as the rear. Skillfully matching the compound shapes and curves that make up the best seat in the house when it comes to enjoying a truly unique classic car.
Front squab fitting for the Lilac Jensen!
August 13, 2021
In the trim shop, Brian has been fitting the front squab seats of the 1960 Jensen 541R to their foams and frames. These seats were created and sewn by Lydia a little while back. You can read about the process here and here.
Brian started the fitting process by glueing and stapling the front squab “faces”/fronts to the frames, making sure the leather was nice and tight with no wrinkles. The staples went around the back of the wooden frame. The back of each seat was then attached with staples that went into the piping flange. 3mm plywood was cut out to the correct shape using a paper template for the bottom of each seat, this was wrapped in the white leather/glued onto the wood. This plywood was nailed onto the bottom of the seats with tacks and does the job of hiding the staples and raw edges of the leather.
Jensen 541S engine running up
July 13, 2021
Please to show our Jensen 541S bursting into life and sounding beautiful.
Next job will be to set the gearbox up.
Jensen 541 – Spare Wheel Carrier and Dash Modifications
July 7, 2021
Tamas has manufactured a spare wheel carrier bracket to hold the carrier in place.
Having recently recovered the original dash, when fitting to the car we recognised that the dash was slightly larger than required. We have now stripped the dash back to reveal the area that requires adjustment. It has now been rectified and re-covered to make a perfect fit in the car.
And finally, Tom has fitted the grommets under the engine area.
Peony Jensen Update
July 6, 2021
The exhaust on our Peony Jensen has been fitted by Demand Engineering. We now need to put the seats and pins in, air filter, bleed the gearbox and modify the number plate.
Jensen Update
June 23, 2021
Our soon to be Lilac Jensen is currently sat in our workshop awaiting its next stage.
1960 Jensen 541S For Sale
June 14, 2021
Now that we’ve received all the parts for this 1960 541S Jensen, it’s up for sale and ready for someone to take it on as a project. For the new owner of this Jensen, we can restore it to any standard they wish, whether that’s original or bespoke.
Our Peony Red Jensen has been a similar project with the client wanting to take on a project for us to create a bespoke classic.
1959 Jensen 541R For Sale
June 14, 2021
Now that we’ve received all the parts for this 1959 541R Jensen, it’s up for sale and ready for someone to take it on as a project. For the new owner of this Jensen, we can restore it to any standard they wish, whether that’s original or bespoke.
Our Peony Red Jensen has been a similar project with the client wanting to take on a project for us to create a bespoke classic.
Please note: this vehicle is for sale via eBay as an auction. The starting price is £1,000 and the auction ends on 9th June 2021 – eBay ad
Peony Windows Fitted
June 14, 2021
Our 1960 Peony Red Jensen 541S has had the windows fitted and is now resembling more and more of a working car.
Peony Red Jensen Gets New Carpet
June 10, 2021
Kath has made a boot carpet for out 1960 Jensen 541S. She begun by inserting rubber grommets in the holes, made templates and then cut out the patterns. When she had cut out the carpet, she could bind and shape the edges.
Peony Red Air Vents
June 8, 2021
Kath has made a cover for the metal plate Paul made as part of the windscreen air vents.
Jensens Home Safe And Sound
June 7, 2021
You may have seen last week we sent our two Jensen’s along with an Interceptor, back to their owner over in Germany. We’re delighted to see they’ve arrived safe and sound, and reunited with their owner.
Double Jensen Send-Off
June 3, 2021
Our beloved 1957 Jensen 541RS and 1960 Jensen 541R have been collected by Russell’s and sent back to Germany to be reunited with their owner. Russel’s double story lorry came to collect the two Jensen’s and inside had a Jensen Interceptor, also belonging to the same owner. The double story lorry is an epic contraption in itself, with raising levels and ramps to make for easier loading.
After 3 long years of dedicated restoration, we’re both happy and sad to see these two cars leave us after they arrived looking totally different. We’re excited to see them as finished cars, ready to be loved and enjoyed as classic spectacles of British engineering.
Peony Red Jensen’s New Chrome and Dynamometer
June 2, 2021
Our 1960 Jensen 541S has had new chrome fitted around the door as well as ‘weather strips’. Paul has been working to apply the smaller chrome details.
Paul has also fitted a new dynamometer.
Final Adjustments On Our Grey Jensen
May 26, 2021
After the client came to see his two Jensen’s, he’s asked for some small modifications which has included changing the yellow Jensen badge to blue, adding mesh grills into the front side vents and we’ve noticed a few places where we wanted to touch up the paint. This Jensen will be leaving us very soon after its long restoration journey with us.
Peony Jensen Tweaks And Adjustments
May 25, 2021
Our 1960 Peony Red Jensen is having its newly built dashboard fitted by Tom and the chrome adjusted by Paul.
Kath has continued with the door side panels and had now completed the passenger side. She has screwed in the panels for the air vents, added carpet fasteners and was then ready for Tom to work on the dash and Paul to work on the chrome.
Peony Red Jensen’s New Dash And Door Cappings
May 20, 2021
Tom has been working on building up the dashboard for our 1960 Peony Red Jensen 541S. A keen eye for detail and a steady hand is needed to build up dashboards as it is a tricky job.
Brian has been adding wood to the front door to make the capping fit correctly. He’s then covered the door capping and new board for the side panel and added in a seat belt slot. Lastly he added the pipping between the side panel and rear quarter panel and glued it all in place.
A Visitor From Germany
May 18, 2021
Our friend and client has had both of his Jensen’s with us for the last 3 years as we’ve been tackling the mighty project of their full restorations. He flew over with his son to finally see his finished beauties; a 1957 Jensen 541 RS and a 1960 Jensen 541R. We’re delighted at how happy he was when he saw them. After a thorough inspection and a test drive of each, we got the verdict and the small list of one or two minor tweaks. Once complete, they can be shipped over to Germany to start a new life overseas.
Both of these Jensen’s have been made with a keen eye for detail and the owner has had a strong involvement over getting both original and bespoke parts for these two classics, which will be added to his ever-growing Jensen collection.
Our client has a large collection of Jensen’s including this Interceptor which is undergoing restoration elsewhere.
Peony Red Headliner Continues
May 11, 2021
Kath has continued on the 1960 Jensen 541S Peony Red headliner by bolting in the screws in the front header rail. She’s then covered the B posts in leather and added 3mm of foam to the rear. Kath has then covered the back parcel shelve in the same headliner leather and then followed it up by fitting the panels along the top of the head liner.
Next up, Kath made a pattern for the rear pocket sections and then glued it in place. She then removed the seat belt to fit the rear quarter panel. She then modified the rear quarter panel to make it fit better. Kath then attached the rear door capping and rear panel as well as fitting the seat belt back in place. She then repeated this process on the driver’s side.
Once everything was covered and fit, Kath could lay the rear seat in place to make sure it all fits. Next up is the sound deadening and carpet.
Lilac Jensen Fibreglass Repair
May 10, 2021
Our 1960 Jensen 541R is undergoing some fibreglass repair in our paint shop. Matt is currently working on the boot lid that needs to be repaired with filler, shaped up and smoothed down.
Crash Victim In For TLC – 1961 Jensen 541S
May 7, 2021
Earlier in the week we got delivered this 1961 Jensen 541S that had been the victim of a crash, and is looking a little worse for wear on the front end.
The incident occurred when the bonnet flew up on the motorway and smashed the windscreen, tearing the fibreglass bonnet in the process. This was a result of the bonnet catches not being done up properly.
We are currently working alongside the insurance company to assess the damage to see what exactly needs to be done.
Road Test Awaits
May 5, 2021
We’re currently awaiting a road test on our black 1960 Jensen 541R to see how it runs and if there are any teething issues.
Jensen 541S Looking For Its Forever Home
May 4, 2021
Our 1960 541S Jensen is looking for its forever home and is best suited to someone who aims to restore it with us. Alternatevly is can be purchased and taken away as it is but we recommend carrying on the restoration with us as you’ll soon end up with your very own bespoke Jensen. We can either restore it back to original specifications or we can do a custom build just for its new owner, meaning the colour, interior and mechanics can be redesigned to suit.
For just 19k, this restoration project could be yours as it is, but with an open-ended budget, it can transform into whatever you want.
First registered in 1960, 838 ABP has been taken out of long term storage. The car we would consider to be 95% complete but everything requires a full restoration.
Enquire at info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk
Grey Jensen’s Radiator Issue
April 27, 2021
Our 1957 Jensen 541R/S is having issues with its radiator as well as an oil leak. The radiator has been removed so we can address the issue.
Peony Red Jensen Gets New Chrome And Shaping
April 27, 2021
Our Peony Red Jensen has had its new chrome applied however we’d found that the rear window chrome wasn’t fitting properly so we’ve made an adjustment to allow the chrome to fit. This will be painted before fitting the chrome.
Lilac Jensen Update
April 27, 2021
Ady has taken apart the lilac 1960 Jensen’s rocker shaft to be cleaned out and rebuilt to ensure it works as it should.
Brian has been gluing foam onto the front face of the rear quarter seat panels. He then stapled the cover to the top of the wood and glued the cover down over the lower mill board section. Once the rear quarter panel of the seat was finished, he could then get started on the others by following the same process. The next step was to glue the front flap to the seat base and add foam and wadding to the inside and outside of seat tub. By pulling the cover around the tub and gluing the edges, the cover can then sit taught to the seat, giving it a fitted and tight finish. The excess leather is then trimmed and the seat tub is finished.
Lydia has also been working on the lilac Jensen by cleaning up the metal frame for the front base seat and then covering the front of it in calico and wrapping it around the frame. She then drew out the flute line patterns for the front squab and the front base seats. Jensen’s don’t usually have fluting around the front squab and front base of the seats however this is something Gordon has requested. Lydia then cut out the leather for covering one of the front seat tubes. Then she clipped the front to the back for dewing and then she sewed all the pieces together.
Radiator Trouble Resolved
April 15, 2021
We’ve had some issues with the radiator in our 1957 Jensen 541R/S which has now been resolved as has the issues surrounding lagging oil pipes.
Lilac Jensen Interior Seats
April 14, 2021
Lydia has been working on the interior of the 1960 Jensen 541R which is Gordons restoration project and is fondly referred to as the Lilac Jensen as that’s the colour he’s chosen for the paintwork.
Lydia has made the second front seat backboard. First, she started by glueing white leather to the millboard, creating the piping to go around the curved edge and then glueing the piping in place around the underside edge of the board. She then marked out lightly where to place the pocket which she made before. Then she glued it into place around the curved edge. After sewing the pocket in place, she took apart the cover of the second seat tub. She marked out the tub which will help her recreate the cover for it. Once she’d taken apart the front base cover, Lydia took it all apart.
Green With Envy
April 9, 2021
David Turnage popped into the workshop today as he has manufactured the spare wheel carrier for our Peony Red Jensen. David arrived in his fantastic dual-toned green 1939 Alvis Speed 25. This spectacular green machine is in pristine condition and is David’s pride and joy. David is the 541 Registrar of the Jensen Owners Club.
“In the Alvis Speed Twenty–Five the makers have produced a car which will delight those who appreciate fast motoring with an ample margin of safety. A very quick response to the accelerator is matched by exceptional steadiness under heavy braking conditions, light and accurate steering, and road holding of that special quality which is so rarely encountered nowadays.” – George Butlin
This is the spare wheel carrier that David manufactured for us:
Running Smooth
April 9, 2021
Our 1957 Jensen 541R/S is having some final adjustments to its engine and mechanics. We’ve just fitted heat protection to our plug leads, made a bracket to secure the alternator, made a gear leaver and re-bled the clutch and breaks.
