Alistair driving the car at the 2013 International. Nic Cooper's photo.
The car was sold new by Charles Follett Ltd, the London Jensen Dealer, in March 1960 to a Miss Barbara Marie Cheetham of Eaton Square, Belgravia
Alistair’s dad Dick dad brought the car in 1970 after returning from touring with the band Sounds Incorporated. A friend of his had one and Dick always liked them, after spending all day driving around South London / Kent, he passed three car showrooms on the way home late at night and spotted the R sitting at the back of the garage at J.P Brown car sales, Blackfen Road, Sidcup, Kent. He went back early the next day and purchased the car for £625 pounds.
During the 70's it was their everyday car, taking them on holiday to France and Spain as well as the UK. Dick was a founder member of the club, having membership number 100. Following Dick’s death in 2013 the membership number was transferred to Alistair.
During the 80's Dick had company cars so the 541R came off the road and sat in a cold wet garage for around 10 years. In 1989 she went up to Mike Byrne for a full restoration and in 1990 she had a new interior fitted. She also went up to Paul Boulton for front suspension work etc.
Many people in the club knew Dick and his wife Marjorie. People outside the club would be more likely to have known Dick as Wes Hunter, the bass guitarist from the 1960's band Sounds Incorporated. Dick worked with many famous artists including Little Richard, Cilla Black, Dusty Springfield,Gene Vincent, The Beatles,Joe Brown, plus loads of other bands from the 60's as well as Shakin Stevens... In Alistair's words Not bad for a guy from South London....
Alistair and his car will be on the JOC stand at this year’s NEC Classic Car Show.
Dick in his youth
A visit to the Houses of Parliament, 2003
Dick and Marjorie talking to Kermit at the 2002 International
In the concours at what I think was the 2005 International
In the concours at the 2006 International
Lord Strathcarron presenting the cup for the best 541 to Dick, 2006 Concours
Arriving at the 2007 International
At the 2007 International
In the rain, 2013 International
Thanks to David Newby, Nic Cooper and David and Jane Turnage for the photos.
