Down to the Bare Bones – Teardown on the 1956 Jensen 541
October 6, 2021
Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we’ve built a reputation for being one of the leaders in the restoration of the Jensen 541 family. The latest
jensen specialists
Awoken From its Slumber – Collecting the 1956 Jensen 541
October 4, 2021
That’s our 1956 Jensen 541 safely in our enclosed transporter and on its way back to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Pettistree. It had
On Tour – Previous Bridge Classic Cars Projects on the Road.
October 1, 2021
First up on tour is the amazing 1969 Ford Escort Twin Cam that was cruising around Ireland on holiday with its owner. We worked on
Starting Over – Dismantling and Rebuilding the Interior of the 1956 Jensen 541
September 24, 2021
This is a perfect example of the level our in-house trim experts at Bridge Classic Cars work to. The first photo shows what was left
Decisions, Decisions… – Choosing the right colour for the interior of the 1956 Jensen 541
September 22, 2021
The choice of colour on a classic car interior is a big part of any restoration. Do you try and match as closely to the
Out with the Old – Interior Restoration on the 1956 Jensen 541
September 21, 2021
Work has begun on the interior of our incredible ”Barn Find” 1956 Jensen 541. As you can see, it’s not in the best condition but
Going That Bit Further – Continuing the interior on the 1960 Jensen 541R
September 20, 2021
Work is continuing on the interior of this in-house handmade interior of the 1960 Jensen 541R we have in with us for restoration at Bridge
Ingenius idea!
August 10, 2021
Dave has been working on the 1960 peony red Jensen 541S. He’s adjusted the cover for the gearbox so it can come apart for an
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
Peony Red’s Boot Lid Interior
June 30, 2021
Our 1960 Peony Red Jensen has had a new boot lid carpet. Brian has cut and glued a leather strip around the inside edge of
Peony Red Paint Perfections
June 23, 2021
Chris has been neatening up one of the side panels to correct some imperfections that have happened whilst assembling the car. It’s very common for
Jensen Update
June 23, 2021
Our soon to be Lilac Jensen is currently sat in our workshop awaiting its next stage.
Peony Red Is Finding Its Voice
June 23, 2021
Our 1960 Jensen 541S, fondly nicknamed ‘Peony Red’ after its colour, is currently having its horns fixed by Tom. He’s also checking over a few
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
1956 Jensen 541 For Sale
June 14, 2021
Now that we’ve received all the parts for this Jensen, it’s up for sale and ready for someone to take it on as a project.
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
Sound Deadening The Peony Jensen
May 13, 2021
Kath has been laying sound deadening in the Peony Red 1960 Jensen 541S which is starting to look more and more complete. Kath began by
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
Down to the Bare Bones – Teardown on the 1956 Jensen 541
October 6, 2021
Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we’ve built a reputation for being one of the leaders in the restoration of the Jensen 541 family. The latest of these that is just beginning its journey is this 1956 Jensen 541.
This car came to us as a semi barn-find. After pulling it into the workshop, our in-house restoration technician Scott began to separate all the associate parts that were left inside the shell. This is an important part of any ground-up restoration as it gives you a clear view of what is going to be needed and its availability.
With the body and chassis of the Jensen, Scott has been going through to assess what parts can be refurbished and what will need to have replacements made. Carefully Scott has been removing, cataloguing and storing the various fixings and components which can be fully inspected at a later date by our in-house restoration teams.
Expect to see more about the restoration of this 1956 Jensen 541 on our Blog very soon.
Awoken From its Slumber – Collecting the 1956 Jensen 541
October 4, 2021
That’s our 1956 Jensen 541 safely in our enclosed transporter and on its way back to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Pettistree.
It had been sat for quite a while awaiting its place in line for restoration. Our transport team carefully positioned the enclosed trailer up to the front of the sleeping sportscar. Inch by inch the car was tenderly pulled from the storage unit to keep it and the building around it safe.
With the car and all other parts securely stored and the area cleaned up, it was on its way to the workshop to begin teardown in preparation for its full restoration.
On Tour – Previous Bridge Classic Cars Projects on the Road.
October 1, 2021
First up on tour is the amazing 1969 Ford Escort Twin Cam that was cruising around Ireland on holiday with its owner. We worked on this very car earlier this year and it’s amazing to see it being used and enjoyed. Safe travels!
Next on the road is the 1960 Jensen 541S ”Prototype” which was taking part in Petit Tour in Belgium. This Jensen was in with us in 2017 and 2019 for a full restoration but it’s amazing to see it out and being enjoyed by its owner.
Starting Over – Dismantling and Rebuilding the Interior of the 1956 Jensen 541
September 24, 2021
This is a perfect example of the level our in-house trim experts at Bridge Classic Cars work to.
The first photo shows what was left of the rear seat of the 1956 Jensen 541. There wasn’t a lot left after years of uncovered storage. But, thankfully our in-house teams could disassemble the old seat to then reverse engineer the piece.
Kath and Brian managed to completely recreate the wooden base piece by piece using the same techniques as the original trimmers. Once the wooden base had been built up and fixed together, it was time to start hand shaping the foam.
The foams of the seats have to be hand faired to make sure it flows perfectly once the covers are made for this particular car. Being able to reference the previous 541 series interiors, our in-house trimmers got the shape of the foams spot on.
Next up for the interior of the 1956 Jensen 541 will be its interior colour choice and the trim team will begin to make its covers.
Decisions, Decisions… – Choosing the right colour for the interior of the 1956 Jensen 541
September 22, 2021
The choice of colour on a classic car interior is a big part of any restoration.
Do you try and match as closely to the original as possible or do you personalise and make it unique to your own taste? Tough call. But, our in-house trim shop team will do either request to a world-class level.
This is the stage that we are at with the restoration of the interior of the 1956 Jensen 541 at Bridge Classic Cars. With the volumes of swatches that we carry for our clients to choose from, you can have almost any combination imaginable and always to the highest level of fit and finish.
This Jensen is starting from the ground up with its interior. So, while the choices are being made, Kath will be making the custom-fit handmade padding that will sit under whatever colour combination this very lucky client chooses.
Check-in on the News Page for more updates on this very exciting project.
Out with the Old – Interior Restoration on the 1956 Jensen 541
September 21, 2021
Work has begun on the interior of our incredible ”Barn Find” 1956 Jensen 541. As you can see, it’s not in the best condition but that’s not a problem for our incredible in-house trim shop.
The original interior unfortunately had succumbed to the passing of time. As you can see, there wasn’t much left after our in-house trim team began to pull it apart.
This interior will see the light of day again!
Be sure to keep an eye on our news page for more updates about this project very soon.
Going That Bit Further – Continuing the interior on the 1960 Jensen 541R
September 20, 2021
Work is continuing on the interior of this in-house handmade interior of the 1960 Jensen 541R we have in with us for restoration at Bridge Classic Cars.
This entirely bespoke and fitted interior being made by our in-house trim shop shows the level of detail needed for such a unique and classic car. The foams are individually cut and refind to make sure that the seat fits the owner well but also follows the classic, following lines of the original interior trim.
The Jensen 541 family are all so unique and entirely handbuilt that the interiors are as individual as the car. This particular car is a very special project to us here at Bridge Classic Cars so keep an eye out on our news page for more updates on this fantastic example of the marque.
Ingenius idea!
August 10, 2021
Dave has been working on the 1960 peony red Jensen 541S. He’s adjusted the cover for the gearbox so it can come apart for an easier inspection. Bolts have been fitted so it’s fixed in securely but also has a way to undo. We definitely have clever people working for us!
Lydia has also had a part to play in this process by sanding carpet, glue and paint off one of the floor panels that sits underneath the gearbox.
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.
Peony Red’s Boot Lid Interior
June 30, 2021
Our 1960 Peony Red Jensen has had a new boot lid carpet. Brian has cut and glued a leather strip around the inside edge of the boot lid and then glued down the carpet to the inside, cutting holes in the boot to support the arm and catch.
We’ve also sent the entire car off to Demand engineering to get the exhaust manufactured and fitted. We’ve found that the profile of the downpipes are not the correct profile so we’re also having them re-profiled so that they allow the exhaust to sit correctly.
Peony Red Paint Perfections
June 23, 2021
Chris has been neatening up one of the side panels to correct some imperfections that have happened whilst assembling the car. It’s very common for scratches and knocks to occur when building a car back together and luckily Chris is on hand to correct any accidental damage.
Jensen Update
June 23, 2021
Our soon to be Lilac Jensen is currently sat in our workshop awaiting its next stage.
Peony Red Is Finding Its Voice
June 23, 2021
Our 1960 Jensen 541S, fondly nicknamed ‘Peony Red’ after its colour, is currently having its horns fixed by Tom. He’s also checking over a few issues with the wiring and ensuring that the lights work and the earth cable is responding correctly.
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
1956 Jensen 541 For Sale
June 14, 2021
Now that we’ve received all the parts for this 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.
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.
Sound Deadening The Peony Jensen
May 13, 2021
Kath has been laying sound deadening in the Peony Red 1960 Jensen 541S which is starting to look more and more complete.
Kath began by covering the section of floor she was working on, with leather and then started to lay the sound deadening, being careful to check how each piece fitted and glue them securely in place. She then went over the sills and added the carpet under the rear seats and bound the ends. Then Kath started laying the carpet in the passenger footwell, around the side of the centre tunnel and bound the edges.
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.
