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
Jensen 541R
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
Peony Red Grills And Shields
April 9, 2021
Paul has fit the heat shield into the engine as well as the front grill and badge into our 1960 Peony Red Jensen 541S. Every
Lilac Jensen Gets New Seats
April 9, 2021
Our Jensen 541R restoration project, currently owned by our director, Gordon, is currently getting new seats made by our trim shop. Most recently the tubs
Black Jensen Teething Problems
April 9, 2021
Our 1960 541R Jensen is being collected next week however we’ve found it’s got some teething issues due to the throttle cable sticking. We think
Lilac Jensen Trim Continues
April 8, 2021
Recovering the rear side panels and rear side window surrounds included cutting out dark blue leather to cover the wood and glueing them to the
Jensen Hunting
April 8, 2021
We visited Jensen Service Limited in Winchester to take a look at this Jensen 541S. This classic Jensen would make the perfect restoration project…who’s in?
Grey Jensen Paint Touch Up
April 6, 2021
Chris has been working to re-apply the black raptor paint that was applied on the underside of the wheel arches which is used as a
Peony Red Gets More Chrome
April 6, 2021
Our 1960 Peony Red Jensen is coming along well. With the continuation of chrome fitting, Paul has been making an fitting seat belt strengthens to
Peony Red Jensen Taking Shape
April 1, 2021
Our stunning custom build Peony Red Jensen is really taking shape now. Thanks to the continuous hard work from our skilled classic car technicians, this
Lilac Jensen Update: Engine And Head Cloth
April 1, 2021
Ady has almost completed fitting the engine back together after its full re-build, part of which was done here and part of which was done
Grey Jensen’s New Speedo
March 31, 2021
Our lovely 1957 Grey Jensen 541R/S now has its new speedo fitted into the dash. It’s also had its steering centralised. John is now going
Peony Red Jensen Fitting And Fixing
March 26, 2021
Paul and Tom have been working on the Peony Red Jensen 541R today, both fitting more chrome to the body and fixing in place the
1957 Jensen Update
March 25, 2021
During testing we established a fault in the steering however we have since rectified the fault. Due to the Corvette engine, the manifold previously went
Another Jensen On Its Way Home
March 17, 2021
We’re steadily starting to part ways with our beloved Jensen collection as each project is finished and finds its way back to its owner. The
Peony Red Jensen Assembly Continues
March 12, 2021
Our lovely 1960 Peony Red Jensen 541S is at the stage where we’re putting lots of pieces back together and fitting them in, meaning that
1959 Jensen 541R Completion
March 11, 2021
Our lovely silver 1959 Jensen 541R has been completed and is leaving the workshop today. Although that’s one less Jensen in our workshop, we have
Jensen Advice Enquiry
March 11, 2021
Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we’re become Jensen specialists, meaning whether you have a Jensen to bring in or you’re just inquiring about, we can
Grey Jensen Snag List
March 10, 2021
Our 1957 Jensen 541 R(S) is currently being worked through its snag list, which is essentially a list compiled of areas that need to be
Peony Red Jensen Progression: Trim, Engine And Steering
March 10, 2021
Brian has been working on the door cappings for our 1960 Peony Red Jensen 541S. He began by fitting metal brackets to the rear door
Silver Jensen Gets New Straps And Springs
March 10, 2021
We’ve been working on securing the 1959 Jensen 541R’s rear axle frame. New rear axle straps have been manufactured by hand in the workshop and
More Jensens?!
March 3, 2021
It shouldn’t be news to our readers that we’re a bit mad about Jensen’s here…With a total of 8 Jensen’s in recently, and about 6
Corvette Jensen’s Last Tweaks
March 3, 2021
We’ve entered the finishing stages for our 1957 Jensen 541R. John is currently carrying out a thorough wiring check as we’ve had to modify the
Peony Red Project Continues
March 3, 2021
The bonnet, boot and internal components have been painted for our 1960 Jensen 541S. The parts sat in primer and a base coat before having
Twenty Twenty: The Year Of The Jensen
March 1, 2021
Some of you may remember we mentioned our busy Jensen workshop last year, and it hasn’t slowed down in 2021. We’ve become the Jensen Specialists
Peony Jensen Heat Shield
February 25, 2021
One of our technicians, Pauls, has made and fit a heat shield for our 1960 Peony Red Jensen 541R. Paul has cut out, measured up
Successful Test Scores For Our Jensen
February 25, 2021
our 1960 Jensen 541R has had its rolling road test from Hangar 111. The test has come back incredibly positive. Often these rolling road tests
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.
Peony Red Grills And Shields
April 9, 2021
Paul has fit the heat shield into the engine as well as the front grill and badge into our 1960 Peony Red Jensen 541S. Every day our Peony Red is starting to resemble a real car more and more as it makes exciting developments daily.
Lilac Jensen Gets New Seats
April 9, 2021
Our Jensen 541R restoration project, currently owned by our director, Gordon, is currently getting new seats made by our trim shop. Most recently the tubs have been stripped to be recovered. All the old rails have been removed and old patterns have been measured up next to the tubs to see if they fit or if the designs need to be modified. Parts were then marked out in new white leather to cover the seats, including the seat skirts, side panels, and front section of the seat. Piping along the edge has been made and all the parts have been laid down over the tub.
Black Jensen Teething Problems
April 9, 2021
Our 1960 541R Jensen is being collected next week however we’ve found it’s got some teething issues due to the throttle cable sticking. We think this could be due to the angle of the cable over the rocker cover. Ady, our engine specialist has been working to resolve the issue.
Lilac Jensen Trim Continues
April 8, 2021
Recovering the rear side panels and rear side window surrounds included cutting out dark blue leather to cover the wood and glueing them to the front of the wood followed by wrapping around the underneath, trimming to shape and glueing down.
Making the new sideboards on the front squab seats for the Jensen included sewing up the corners first to fit over metal bars, stapling them onto the seat around the back, gluing the front of each sideband onto the foam, trimming away the excess leather and then the process is repeated for the other squab.
Jensen Hunting
April 8, 2021
We visited Jensen Service Limited in Winchester to take a look at this Jensen 541S. This classic Jensen would make the perfect restoration project…who’s in?
Grey Jensen Paint Touch Up
April 6, 2021
Chris has been working to re-apply the black raptor paint that was applied on the underside of the wheel arches which is used as a sealant. He has also been fixing a few cracks in the fibreglass where the rubber was too thick for the boot door and closing it had caused some stress cracks.
Peony Red Gets More Chrome
April 6, 2021
Our 1960 Peony Red Jensen is coming along well. With the continuation of chrome fitting, Paul has been making an fitting seat belt strengthens to ensure safety. Originally only being fitted to the metal shell, Paul has made some enforced pieces of metal to make sure the seat belts are fixed in well.
Tom is also linking up the main loom to the fuel gage and reserve, as well a securing it in place so that it runs to the rear loom.
Peony Red Jensen Taking Shape
April 1, 2021
Our stunning custom build Peony Red Jensen is really taking shape now. Thanks to the continuous hard work from our skilled classic car technicians, this classic is looking more and more like the beautiful motor it was meant to be. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!
Lilac Jensen Update: Engine And Head Cloth
April 1, 2021
Ady has almost completed fitting the engine back together after its full re-build, part of which was done here and part of which was done at Scholar.
The engine was originally stripped down and inspected for issues when Ady found that the engine needed to be re-bored to suit new pistons. The crankshaft was also reground and new bearings were fitted. Ady also fitted new oil pumps, rear seal conversion on the rear of crankshaft, new core plugs, new timing chain and new camshaft followers. The cylinder head is currently at Coltec, having an unleaded conversion and a reface.
Lydia has started on remaking the headlining on the lilac Jensen project. She first cleaned up all the metal poles that go into the loops across the headline and then inserted the poles inside the loops.
Lydia has also been working on the front seat squab. She began by marking it up so she would know how the pieces go back together, beginning by taking the back of first and then the front covers and adding in 3mm of foam. She then glued in some calico onto the back board to strengthen it when sewing. Lydia then made and added piping to go around the back board and covered the front of the backboard with new white leather. She then glued and sewed the piping in place. She then started making the pocket by drawing around an the original one onto the new leather, sewed the elastic in the top and tacked the folds in place at the bottom. Lydia then folded the edges under and glued the pocked onto the backboard.
Brian has also been working on this Jensen alongside Lydia and has bade the rear seat centre section of of the new leather. He begun by marking out the fabric, adding in extra foam and gluing the cover over the centre, pulling tight the leather over the sides. He’s also re-glued the foam back in place for the front seat squab which was done after he removed the old foam. Brian then made the new wood section for the bottom of the seat frame and added new foam to the side sections. New foam has been added to the middle section for the back of the squab.
Grey Jensen’s New Speedo
March 31, 2021
Our lovely 1957 Grey Jensen 541R/S now has its new speedo fitted into the dash. It’s also had its steering centralised. John is now going to start it to see how it runs and to see if there are any teething issues which he will correct accordingly.
Peony Red Jensen Fitting And Fixing
March 26, 2021
Paul and Tom have been working on the Peony Red Jensen 541R today, both fitting more chrome to the body and fixing in place the underside bonnet clips.
Paul has been steadily getting through all the chrome pieces, fitting them to the body and ensuring they all sit perfectly. Tom has been fixing in place the clips which hold in place the bonnet rods and hinges that allow the bonnet to open.
Tom has also assembled the dash, fitted the boot and bonnet as well as fitting the indicators and chrome.
1957 Jensen Update
March 25, 2021
During testing we established a fault in the steering however we have since rectified the fault.
Due to the Corvette engine, the manifold previously went over the bell housing however when we removed the exhaust to gain access to fit a new modified oil pipe, we changed the manifold to go under the bell housing.
Another Jensen On Its Way Home
March 17, 2021
We’re steadily starting to part ways with our beloved Jensen collection as each project is finished and finds its way back to its owner. The most recent departure is our 1961 Jensen 541S that was collected today.
Although we’ve recently said goodbye to a handful of our Jensen’s, we’ve still got plenty to be getting on with as our Peony Red is progressing well, our Grey 1957 541R is almost out the door and its partner car, the black 1960 541R awaits it up at Bentwaters.
Peony Red Jensen Assembly Continues
March 12, 2021
Our lovely 1960 Peony Red Jensen 541S is at the stage where we’re putting lots of pieces back together and fitting them in, meaning that day by day, its looking more like a Jensen. Paul has fitted the vacuum pipe for the carburettor manifold as well as working alongside Tom to fit the sills. With the doors now on as well, the body of the car is more or less recognisable.
1959 Jensen 541R Completion
March 11, 2021
Our lovely silver 1959 Jensen 541R has been completed and is leaving the workshop today. Although that’s one less Jensen in our workshop, we have plenty more still to be worked on.
Jensen Advice Enquiry
March 11, 2021
Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we’re become Jensen specialists, meaning whether you have a Jensen to bring in or you’re just inquiring about, we can help. This gentleman was enquiring about a part for his Jensen.
Grey Jensen Snag List
March 10, 2021
Our 1957 Jensen 541 R(S) is currently being worked through its snag list, which is essentially a list compiled of areas that need to be checked and tweaked before its finished.
John is going through all the electrics to check that everything is live and works, and modifying wiring as he goes. He is also readjusting the bonnet lift lever as traditionally it would sit a little too close to the throttle peddle.
Kath is modifying the boot lid trim as the rubber and material is causing some irritation against the metal sills. Kath is currently taking the material off the metal to modify.
Scott is altering the bonnet pin so that the screw fits in tighter as the hole is currently slightly too small as the screw is getting caught mid way.
Due to the V8 Corvette engine that was fitted in Boston in the 1960’s, the owner of this Jensen has decided to have his own personalised model tag fitted to this Jensen that describes it as a 541 R S as it has features of both models.
Peony Red Jensen Progression: Trim, Engine And Steering
March 10, 2021
Brian has been working on the door cappings for our 1960 Peony Red Jensen 541S. He began by fitting metal brackets to the rear door capping and then glueing in the wadding. Brian then glued the leather cover to the door capping and turned the leather over onto the back to neaten up the corners and pull taught the material.
Paul and Ady have recently fit the engine into the Jensen which is arguably one of the key milestones in a restoration. With this now in place, engine refurbishments and adjustments can be made to ensure its up and running.
The assisted power steering pump has also been prepared and fitted into our Jensen.
Silver Jensen Gets New Straps And Springs
March 10, 2021
We’ve been working on securing the 1959 Jensen 541R’s rear axle frame. New rear axle straps have been manufactured by hand in the workshop and bolted in place to avoid unwarranted pressure being applied to the shock absorbers. This also ensures that the rear axle doesn’t move. Our Jensen didn’t originally have these so we’ve had to remove the exhaust lines to fit the straps.
The new front suspension springs have turned out to be too long so we’ve resorted to fitting the old ones back in be recomissioning them by painting and sandblasting them so theyre back to working order.
We’ve also discovered a hole in the front axle which has been welded and fixed before this classic Jensen swiftly leaves us this week.
More Jensens?!
March 3, 2021
It shouldn’t be news to our readers that we’re a bit mad about Jensen’s here…With a total of 8 Jensen’s in recently, and about 6 of them still being with us, Gordon and Craig thought that we may as well get some more in, so that’s exactly what we’ve done! On their way back from Newcastle, Craig and Gordon rescued these two vehicles from a barn in Cumbria. There’s nothing more exciting in the restoration world than a good barn find.
You’d be forgiven for getting confused about it being a collection of ‘two’ Jensen’s, but we assure you, there are definitely two cars there! One is a slightly dusty shell and the other resembles more of a box of parts, but once fitted all together, it’ll make two stunning classic early Jensen 541’s! We’ve got a large majority of the components however there’s still a lot we’ll need to fabricate ourselves.
Although the final plan of action for these restorations is undecided, we’re fairly certain we’ll market these two projects for sale, with the aim for it to be bought and subsequently restored in-house. These Jensens are likely to be much like the Peony red Jensen that also arrived with us in a less desirable state and was later bought by a client to be restored in house.
If you’re in search of a Jensen, we have multiple options for you. We have our early 1958 Jensen 541R up for sale, which comes in working condition, ready to drive. Or if you fancy more of a bespoke project, we have a restoration project to be bought that was formerly Gordon’s and is lovingly referred to as our ‘lilac’ Jensen, as this was originally the colour chosen by our director Gordon. This is awaiting an ambitious new owner to continue the restoration. Likewise, we also have our recent Jensens 541 which will also be marketed as bespoke restorations for someone who fancies themselves not only an early Jensen but would also like a bespoke project built to their exact requirements.
Watch this space for more information coming soon!
Corvette Jensen’s Last Tweaks
March 3, 2021
We’ve entered the finishing stages for our 1957 Jensen 541R. John is currently carrying out a thorough wiring check as we’ve had to modify the wiring to compensate for the V8 Corvette engine. We’re assembling the last bits such as the fuel pump which we’re waiting to arrive before we carry out a last service and test for teething problems.
Peony Red Project Continues
March 3, 2021
The bonnet, boot and internal components have been painted for our 1960 Jensen 541S. The parts sat in primer and a base coat before having their iconic Peony Red paint applied. The internal parts and engine block have been painted black to keep them uniform with the rest of the internal elements.
Paul has been working on the mechanical elements for our Jensen, which has included fitting the rear section boot floor, new hand brake cables, and re-manufactured the bolts on the rear axle half shaft.
Ady has been working on refurbishing the engine by attaching a new rear seal conversion and replacing the bolts that hold it in and fitting a new cylinder head with new valves spring and valve guides. The engine has also been rebored to take new pistons, the crankshaft has been reground and new bearings fitted. A new timing chain, cam followers and gaskets have also been fitted.
Ady and Paul are have also been working on fitting the re-conditioned gear box to the engine.
We’ve also fitted the rear lights this week, ready to be wired in.
Twenty Twenty: The Year Of The Jensen
March 1, 2021
Some of you may remember we mentioned our busy Jensen workshop last year, and it hasn’t slowed down in 2021. We’ve become the Jensen Specialists of the UK with a constant set of Jensen 541R and 541S projects passing through our doors on a regular basis. With projects ranging from full nut and bolt restorations to small fixes and services, we’ve been inundated with Jensen’s, and we love it!
2020 saw 8 Jensen’s in at the same time, which led to this amazing shot of them all lined up. Our technicians are now well versed in Jensen mechanics, electrics and bodywork as we’ve still got 6 of them in the workshop plus another stored at Bentwaters waiting to find a new home.
With only 193 Jensen 541R’s ever made and 127 541S’s made, and even fewer still on the road, we’ve had a large quantity of them in the workshop.
Peony Jensen Heat Shield
February 25, 2021
One of our technicians, Pauls, has made and fit a heat shield for our 1960 Peony Red Jensen 541R. Paul has cut out, measured up and fitted the panels which are made up of Asbestolux.
Successful Test Scores For Our Jensen
February 25, 2021
our 1960 Jensen 541R has had its rolling road test from Hangar 111. The test has come back incredibly positive. Often these rolling road tests flag more issues however on this occasion its come back perfect, and we’re delighted!
