Highlights

Rare, innovative and capable post-war executive saloon
Presented in highly original
Subject to copious work during present ownership

The Appeal

Issigonis wanted one for his Morris Minor. He didn’t get it. There was supposed to be one fitted to the Citroën DS. But alas, tight budgets put pay to putting compact boxer engines in otherwise futuristic cars during those economically challenged post-war years. One company did succeed with the burgeoning technology - Jowett Cars Ltd.

The Javelin was a mightily impressive car for its day - especially coming from a relatively small British firm. An ambitious design masterminded by Gerald Palmer during the War, the Javelin boasted streamlined styling while retaining a luxuriously appointed, spacious interior that could carry up to six persons. Nearly 80mph was attainable thanks to that aforementioned flat-four OHV water-cooled powerplant. It featured an innovative aluminium block, twin Zenith carburettors and, unconventionally, the radiator was mounted behind the engine.

Just over 23,000 Jowett Javelins were made and we’re delighted to offer this 1949 example - produced in the same year a Javelins won their class at the Monte Carlo Rally and Spa 24 Hours Touring Car! Acquired by the vendor in 2020, it’s had a good deal of work completed including an interior and light mechanical overhaul, bringing it up to a smart, driveable standard.

These rare, fascinating saloons deserve more widespread recognition, so it would be fantastic to see nice survivors like this car continuing to attend shows and maybe even partake in the odd road rally event.

The History and Paperwork

Just six registered keepers recorded
57,092 miles indicated
UK market right-hand drive example
Exempt from road tax and MOT
Huddersfield Rally 2023 Jowett Car Club rally plaque included
Several invoices from Jowett Car Spares

The Condition

Period-appropriate gold colour scheme complemented by red upholstery
Older respray (believed to be 1980s), weathering in nicely
The vendor notes some minor blistering in the paint and we note a general age-commensurate patina to match the trim and interior
The bumpers, grille and hubcaps have faded gently over time
The bodywork looks very straight and all four doors appear very well-fitting
All looks very clean and sound underneath
The interior has reportedly undergone some refurbishment during current ownership
Nice patina to the seats
Smart carpets and headlining
Very smart original dashboard and controls with discreet additional instrumentation/switchgear mounted underneath

The Mechanics

1.5-litre (1,486cc) OHV flat-four
Four-speed manual gearbox
Original-looking and well-presented engine compartment
Engine believed to have been recommissioned during the early 2000s
We’re informed that the transmission is a little noisy so may require some work
All new brakes fitted during present ownership
Water pump and radiator were overhauled/replaced as necessary
Replacement battery

BEFORE YOU BUY

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