JOWETT (England) 1906-1954
Benjamin and William Jowett's light two-seater of 1910 was powered by an
816cc flat-twin engine, the basic layout remaining in production until 1954.
It was the outcome of some years of experimentation, but having achieved
their successful formula the Jowett brothers saw little reason to alter
their specification.
After World War One, the Jowett's engine was increased
to 907cc while a four-seater, the Long Four, appeared in 1923, to be joined
by a saloon version in 1926. Front-wheel-brakes finally appeared on most
Jowetts in 1929, about five years after the rest of the industry! The
faithful flat-twin was gradually refined, having received detachable heads
in 1929. It was again increased in capacity to 946cc for 1937 Also; from
1925 it had powered the reliable Bradford van and continued to do so after
World War Two right up until Jowetts ceased production in 1954 by which time
it had been stretched to 1008cc. Not that the twin had everything its own
way.
In 1936 the Ten was announced; powered by an 1166cc flat-four engine.
This engine configuration was used to power the Javelin of 1947, a modern
design by Gerald Palmer, with bodywork inspired by the Lincoln Zephyr.
Suspension was by torsion bar and roadholding was excellent. Unfortunately,
early cars were unreliable, which was; particularly damaging on the export
market. A sports car; the Jupiter, designed by Eberan von Eberhorst,
appeared in 1950 with a space-frame chassis: It ran at Le Mans in 1950-52.
Production of all models ceased in 1954.
©VEA
|