1935 Jowett Kestrel

Highlights

Rare and practical pre-war four seater
Smart, usable and unmodified condition
Regular use to 2022 with useful MOT history
Mechanical overhaul in 2021
Fascinating history file of invoices and correspondence

The Appeal

The Kestrel could only have been a Jowett and only built in Yorkshire. These innovative and well engineered cars were equipped with torquey 2cyl engines to tackle the spacious county’s numerous inclines.

It was Jowett’s mid-range four door, four seat model. Just 2,635 were built between 1933 and 1935, later cars like this one gaining the larger capacity 907cc version of that sidevalve motor.

Purchase of any Jowett gives access to the vibrant and very friendly Jowett Car Club, a point that is clear from this car’s history file. It is full of helpful correspondence between owners and the Club. There is also evidence of a recent engine overhaul by the previous keeper. The car was regularly MOT’d to 2020 with no advisories - it has covered only 400 miles since the last test - so should be in good, solid condition.

The car is a very usable example that is in good overall order. That is thanks to the work of the previous keeper, who bought it to relive his student days and enjoyed many memorable trips to the Lake District and beyond with his partner. She inherited it in 2022 on his passing and it is now regrettably for sale. Unused since 2022 it may require some light checks and recommissioning, but that recent work and use suggests that should be straightforward.

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History and Paperwork

First registered 5th October 1935
Previously painted black and green, a common factory colour
This was changed in February 2015 when the car was restored
Vendor reports ownership changes in 1981, 1984, 1989, 2010, 2014, 2020, and 2023
Acquired by seller’s partner in 2020 to relive his student youth
Inherited by current keeper on his passing
We are told that the car was running well until 2022
Kept in a garage since 2022
Service book missing but there is plenty of history and correspondence
Car is well known to Club with correspondence dating back to 1980s
Last MOT ran to 9th November 2021 with 55,273 miles and no advisories
No MOT advisories on previous tests
MOTs present for 1985, 1989, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2020
Lots of correspondence and receipts with Club and previous keepers
These are shown in the photographs and make interesting reading
Old tax discs and factory manuals

Recent maintenance includes:

Breather valve set
Crank handle
Valve springs
Exhaust gasket
Inlet gasket
Cylinder head gasket
Rear axle
Recut valve seats
Bore and hone cylinders

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The Condition

Pretty two-tone grey paintwork with blue coachline in presentable and tidy condition
The paintwork is not perfect and hand-applied in places but looks good
Some light marks to note to paintwork as shown in photographs
Bodywork appears generally solid with only minor points to note in photographs
Underside presents well with no MOT advisories for structure on last MOT in 2020
Sits on back spoked wheels in good order with older vintage tyres
Exterior fittings appear complete and mix of original and older replacements
Chromework is tidy but shows tarnish up close to some components
Practical four seater, four door body with rear hinged front doors
Large folding sunroof which appears to operate correctly
Original interior in presentable condition but with scope to improve
Blue leather front seats with mismatched bases but well kept trim
Cream retrimmed rear bench
Blue carpets are well kept but not new
Dashboard veneers and dials in good order and appear largely original
Some light staining to headlining but appears undamaged and presentable

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The Mechanics

7hp 907cc 2cyl sidevalve engine
Later Kestrel with 4spd manual gearbox with gearing set up for hills
No MOT mechanical or running gear advisories on last MOT in 2020
Car has only covered 400 miles since that test
History file shows extensive work to mechanicals as detialed above
Due to garaging and lack of use since 2022 may require some recommissioning
This may include fuel pump check and flush and new petrol
Car ran well prior to lay up, including trips to Lake District and classic car shows

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BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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