| Jowett Javelin | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Manufacturer | Jowett Cars |
| Production | 1947–1953. 23,307 made. [1] |
| Body style(s) | saloon |
| Engine(s) | Jowett flat four, 1486 cc |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 102 inches (2590 mm) [2] |
| Length | 168 inches (4267 mm) [2] |
| Width | 60 inches (1524 mm) [2] |
| Curb weight | 2120 pounds (940 kg) [2] |
| Designer | Gerald Palmer |
The Jowett Javelin was an award-winning British car that was produced from 1947 to 1953 by Jowett of Bradford. The model went through five variants labelled PA to PE, each having a standard and "de luxe" option. The car was designed by Gerald Palmer during World War II and was intended to be a major leap forward following the relatively staid designs of pre-war Jowetts. The flat four overhead valve engine of 1486 cc with a compression ratio of 7.2:1 was water-cooled and had an aluminium block and wet cylinder liners. It developed 50 bhp (37 kW) at 4100 rpm (52.5 bhp in the case of the PE) giving the car a maximum speed of 77 mph (124 km/h) and a 0-50 mph (80 km/h) time of 13.4 seconds. [2] Two Zenith carburettors were fitted and PA and PB versions had hydraulic tappets. The radiator was behind the engine. A four speed gearbox with column change was used. Design features included aerodynamic styling with the headlights faired into the wings and, for the time, a steeply sloped, curved windscreen. The body was of pressed steel, incorporating a box-section chassis and was made for Jowett by Briggs Motor Bodies in their Doncaster factory. The suspension used torsion-bars on all wheels (independent at the front) and internal gear-and-pinion steering. PA and PB models had mixed Girling hydraulic brakes at the front and mechanical braking at the rear. Later versions were fully hydraulic. The car had a wheelbase of 102 inches (2,600 mm) and a track of 51 inches (1,300 mm). Overall the car was 14 feet (4.3 m) long, 5 feet (1.5 m) wide and weighed about 1 (Imperial) ton (depending on model and year). The car was expensive costing GBP819 at launch. [1] Just over 23,000 units were produced.
Sporting achievements
An early example won in its class at the 1949 Monte Carlo Rally whilst another won the 2-litre touring-car class at the Spa 24-hour race that same year. In the 1952 International RAC Rally a Javelin again won its class and also took the "Best Closed Car" award, while the 1953 International Tulip Rally was won outright by a privately entered Javelin.
References
- ^ a b Robson, G (2006). A-Z of British Cars 1945-1980. Devon, UK: Herridge. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3.
- ^ a b c d e Culshaw; Horrobin (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2.
