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.

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