1949 Jowett Javelin PA

Description

Charming shabby chic example; previous owner for 18 years and used frequently; driven 25 miles to the sale; use and improve

The only car made in Bradford, the first Jowett made its debut in 1906 but the model that really put them on the map was the 1947 Javelin, a compact family saloon so far ahead of its UK-produced rivals that it had more in common with the best that Europe had to offer.

Entirely designed by the late, great Gerald Palmer, who subsequently became Chief Engineer for BMC, it was powered by an innovative 1.5-litre flat-four engine featuring an aluminium block and wet cylinder liners, developing 50bhp and giving the car a top speed of 77mph and a 0-50mph time of 13.4 seconds. It had a four-speed column-change gearbox, feeding the power to the rear wheels, with road manners that wouldn't feel out of place in a car 40 years' its junior.

The Javelin went through five variants labelled PA to PE, each having standard and De Luxe options. Fast and economical, it achieved considerable competition success, coming first in class at the 1949 Monte Carlo Rally, winning the 2-litre touring car class at the Spa 24-hour race that same year, and winning the 1953 International Tulip Rally outright.

First registered in Surrey in July 1949, this Javelin PA sadly comes with no real history but the factory record indicates that it was supplied new via GW Wilkins of Kingston-upon-Thames and was originally black with a red leather interior.

From 2004 – 2022 it was owned by a Jowett spares dealer in Surbiton who used it regularly, including trips abroad. Six old MOTs show that it was already in regular use before he bought it while an online check of the MOT history shows that it was also tested from 2009 – 2012, always flying through with no advisories recorded. Now MOT-exempt, it has done around 4,000 miles in the last dozen years, the odometer currently showing 47,500 miles.

Our vendor, a serial Jowett owner and restorer, acquired the car two years ago and reports that it runs well, with a lively engine, and was driven 25 miles to the sale.

As you can see in the photos, it is in ‘shabby chic’ condition cosmetically with a pleasingly original interior but rather rather scruffy paintwork. Starting promptly and running well as we have moved it around on site, this rare and quirky Javelin is eminently usable as it is and could be smartened up over time as desired.  

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com