Jowett car books - history and models (2/2)

The Jowett Bradford : Jowett's Unsung Hero

The Jowett Bradford entered production in 1946 as a temporary model before the release of the all-new Javelin saloon, designed by Gerald Palmer since 1942. Based on the 1938 8 hp commercial vehicle, it retained a pre-war design.

Despite its outdated engineering, the Bradford was highly popular among farmers and small businesses like bakers, greengrocers, and fishmongers due to its low cost, durability, and ease of maintenance. It was powered by a 1005 cc flat-twin engine, an improved version of the one used in the first Jowett prototype in 1906, making it seem old-fashioned compared to the modern Javelin saloon and Jupiter sports car.

Originally set to be discontinued in 1951, the Bradford remained in production until Jowett ceased operations in 1954. Ironically, it became the company's best-selling model, with nearly 40.000 units produced.

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The Jowett Jupiter - The Car That Leaped to Fame (New edition)

This is a comprehensive study of the Jowett Jupiter, from its development to its current status as a sought-after classic. Nankivell, a world expert on the Jupiter, covers the model's history, design, sporting achievements, and its ongoing legacy.

The Jowett Jupiter featured an advanced chassis designed by Austrian engineer Dr. Eberan-Eberhorst, who also designed the Auto Union Type D Grand Prix car. The Jupiter was a sporting success, with wins at the 1950 Le Mans 24 Hours and a 1-2 class victory at the 1951 Monte Carlo International Rally.

This book includes the full chronology of the Jupiter, its racing versions, and special-bodied Jupiters from manufacturers like Stabilimenti Farina and Abbott of Farnham. It also covers the car's current use, historic racing, and concours events, with updated images and information.

Key features include:
- Full history of the Jupiter
- New material and updated information
- Chronology and design analysis
- Details of coach-built Jupiters
- Competition results and updates
- A list of all Jupiters built and their current status.

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Sporting Jowetts

In this fascinating book on the sporting history of Jowett, Noel Stokoe presents a collection of personal stories from Jowett drivers who competed between 1906 and 1954. These accounts include epic journeys across Africa, class wins at Le Mans with the 1950s Jupiters, and rally victories by the Javelins.

The early post-war years were a unique time when private individuals could participate in major events and achieve notable success. Corporate sponsorship had not yet entered the sport, giving independent entrants a real chance. Unfortunately, this era ended by the late 1950s as corporate-backed teams dominated the field.

The book offers a captivating look back at these early years, highlighting the experiences of enthusiastic local drivers who, in an era of limited resources, took on the challenges of pre-war trials and record attempts. It preserves the spirit of a time when the underdog still had a fighting chance in motorsport.

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The Jowetts That Got Away

Jowett Cars were produced in Bradford from 1906 to 1954. Before 1935, all models used a twin-cylinder, horizontally opposed 7-hp engine. In 1935, a new four-cylinder, 10-hp engine was introduced alongside an improved 8-hp version of the twin-cylinder model. Pre-war production remained small, and no examples of these early models survive today.

In the mid-1930s, the Jowett brothers experimented with an inline engine, but it was never mass-produced. After the war, major changes occurred as both founders had retired. The Javelin saloon was introduced in 1947, followed by the Jupiter sports car in 1950. A new range, including cars, vans, and pick-ups, was planned in 1951 but never progressed beyond prototypes.

In 1953, Jowett launched the R4 Jupiter at the Motor Show, hoping to revive the company. However, only three prototypes were built, and the company ceased production in 1954.

This book is the first to focus exclusively on Jowett's unproduced prototypes. It includes rare, high-quality photographs and examines how different decisions or more investment might have changed the company's fate.

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