1949 Jowett Javelin
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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Vehicle specification
- Year 1949
- Make Jowett
- Model Javelin
- Colour Gold
- Odometer 57,092 Miles
- Engine size 1486
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Huddersfield
- Location Yorkshire
- Country United Kingdom
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