![]() The restyled bonnet aided better cooling and the bulbous wheel arches, somewhat reminiscent of the Mercedes 300SL, aided stability at speed.įirst registered in July 1958, this 541R was, according to a copy of an amusing letter from a previous RAF pilot owner, acquired by him in 1970 and used regularly on long high-speed trips within Germany. The model benefited from disc braking on all four wheels, overdrive as standard and much-improved rack-and-pinion steering. ![]() Most desirable of the 541 range was the 'R' of which just 193 were made between 19. ![]() Performance was good although the engine’s power delivery characteristics made the car an ideal long-legged tourer rather than an out and out sports car. Power came from a 135bhp six-cylinder version of the 4-litre Austin engine driving through a four-speed transmission with optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive. The body was mounted on an immensely strong, tubular-framed chassis featuring independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension, a leaf-sprung hypoid bevel rear axle, cam-and-roller steering and Girling hydraulic brakes. Styled by Eric Neale, the 541 debuted in 1955, its purposeful but pleasing styling being not only head turning but also very aerodynamic – the drag factor of 0.39 being one of the best of its generation. Magnificent top-gear acceleration is available between 10mph and over 80mph, without any trace of a flat spot, and it is rarely necessary to change down for hill-climbing." "What really appeals is the outstanding manner in which it runs either quite gently or very, very quickly, according to the driver's wishes. ![]()
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May 2023
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