Winning bid
£30,250

1954 Jowett Jupiter

HIGHLIGHTS

  • RHD South African import
  • Extremely rare and original example
  • Excellent condition
  • All import paperwork complete and ready to register
  • Vendor happy to assist with registration for the new owner

THE APPEAL

The Yorkshire city of Bradford is a long way from South Africa, but that’s the journey made by this Jowett when it was first built. 

Now repatriated, the car is a fabulously preserved example of one of the quirkiest and most interesting sports cars of the 1950s.
Powered by a horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, the Jupiter was based on the chassis of the Javelin saloon and was renowned for its well-balanced handling and surprisingly peppy performance. 

Less than 1,000 are believed to have been made between 1950 and 1954, making this late example a very rare car indeed.

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

  • Imported from South Africa
  • All import paperwork complete and ready to register
  • Vendor happy to assist with registration for the new owner
  • 42,000 miles believed genuine
  • Tax and MOT exempt

THE INTERIOR

  • Retrimmed in red leather
  • Six-dial dash
  • Wood-rimmed wheel
  • Excellent carpets

Retrimmed in red leather with matching door and footwell trims, the Jowett is beautifully exhibited and is in fine condition. 

The floor is coated with black rubber for protection and the centrepiece of the dahs is its ornate six-dial instrument binnacle, showing fuel, water temperature, oil pressure and amperage. 
It also features a charming plaque celebrating Jowett’s class victories at Le Mans in 1950, ‘51 and ‘52.
It’s a cosy cabin – not a car for larger drivers.

 
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THE EXTERIOR

  • Repainted in original white
  • Excellent chrome
  • Sports disc wheels
  • Excellent underneath

The vendor reports that the Jowett is in terrific condition underneath and is a very solid example. 

The upper body is also terrific, with no marks or major damage, just a couple of very small stone chips. One side light lens is missing, but this is a standard BMC item and will be replaced before sale.
All of the chrome and trim is in fine condition, as are the sports steel wheels, while the folding canvas hood is also in terrific fettle.

 
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THE MECHANICS 

  • 1,486cc H-O 4cyl
  • Four-speed manual column change
  • Twin Zenith carburettors
  • Surprisingly lively

Jowett’s signature was its horizontally-opposed engines and the 1,486cc unit in the Jupiter runs a higher compression than in the Javelin saloon, developing 60bhp. 

That might not sound a huge amount, but it’s a light car and the power output was enough for 0-60mph in 11.7 seconds and a comfortable cruising speed of 80mph. 

Impressive figures for 1954, so it’s no wonder that the car was popular in endurance racing, rallying and hill climbs. 
This one will be fully serviced and fine-tuned before delivery to its new owner and the vendor reports that it drives very well indeed.

 
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SUMMARY

If you want a fabulous example of one of the rarest and most unusual cars of the 1950s, then here’s your chance to buy a real head-turner. 

A rare and extremely pretty two-seater roadster in lovely overall condition, and from a dry climate that has ensured it has survived brilliantly well. 
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only.  Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
Please take care when making a bid as once your bid is placed, it cannot be withdrawn and will not be cancelled. If you are unsure do not bid as no refunds will be given.
A nonrefundable buyer deposit is applied to all items won at auction. Please see our FAQs and T&Cs for further details.
All bidding is subject to our T&Cs. By registering and bidding you agree to the terms. Please ensure you clearly read them alongside the special terms and conditions contained in this listing.
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Auction Details

  • Year1954
  • MakeJowett
  • ModelJupiter
  • ColourWhite
  • Odometer42,198 Miles
  • Engine size1486cc
  • Seller TypeTrade
  • TownNorwich
  • CountyNorfolk
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

49 Bids

Billybo••••
Bid
£30,250
05/09/22
Aurelia••••
Bid
£30,000
05/09/22
Billybo••••
Bid
£29,999
05/09/22
Aurelia••••
Bid
£29,750
05/09/22
Billybo••••
Bid
£29,500
05/09/22
Aurelia••••
Bid
£29,250
05/09/22
Billybo••••
Bid
£29,000
05/09/22
Aurelia••••
Bid
£28,750
05/09/22
Billybo••••
Bid
£28,500
05/09/22
Aurelia••••
Bid
£28,250
05/09/22

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