history of Jowett Cars

The first Jowett Car was developed in 1904, it had a two cylinder 6.4 HP horizontally opposed engine and was first registered in 1906. Production did not start in earnest however until 1910, at this stage the Jowett Light-Car weighed only 6 cwt. 

By 1921 the Jowett engine had been increased in size to 7 HP and for many years the Jowett brothers, William and Ben, restricted production to only 25 cars per week in an attempt to remain a small family business.

However, by the mid-twenties production had reached almost 100 cars per week, a level at which it remained until the Company was formed in 1935. In 1920 only a short two cylinder with optional dickey seat was produced but throughout the twenties the range was considerably extended.

In 1926 two standard 7HP Jowetts crossed the uncrossable wastelands of Africa from the Atlantic Coast to theRed Sea. This journey had never before been attempted, a distance of 3,800 miles, but the little 7 HP Jowett came out triumphant covering the distance in sixty days, 1,600 miles of this journey was done pulling trailers of fuel.

1946 saw the true successor of the prewar vehicle appear, the 8 HP Bradford 10 cwt van and lorry still with a flat twin water cooled motor. The Bradford offered economy, long life and simplicity to the thousands of tradesmen whom the war had deprived of transport.

 Bradfords were exported all over the world and approximately 43,000 were produced between 1946 and 1953. The horizontally opposed two-cylinder engine holds a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the longest production of any engine, from 1910 to 1953.

 During the latter war years, it was decided that it would be unwise to go back to the prewar model of car so it was decided to design an entirely new and revolutionary car. Thus, the Javelin prototype arrived and was modified and remodified until in 1947 they were launched and received enthusiastically by motor distributors and dealers all over the world. The Javelin has a 1½ litre flat four engine of 1485 cc. developing 50 HP, top speed was 80 mph.

 Seating capacity for six, petrol consumption, streamlined appearance, road holding and performance made the Javelin a very advanced car for its time. The Javelin was most successful in international competitions winning its class of the Monte Carlo Rally in 1949 and the same year winning the 2-litre touring class in the 24-hour Belgian Grand Prix at Spa.

 By 1953 approximately 23,000 Javelins had been produced. Due to the success of the Javelin, it was decided to manufacture a high-performance sports car. By 1950 the Jupiter was in production, using mainly the mechanics of the Javelin and increasing the engine size to 60 HP it was capable of 90 mph.

Built on a tubular steel chassis with a body made of aluminium it was quite a heavy car at 18 cwt, nevertheless it had exceptional competition success, notably winning the Le Mans 24 hour Grand Prix 1½ litre class in 1950, 1951 and 1952 also taking 1st place in the 1½ litre class at the 1951 Monte Carlo Rally. Approximately 960 were made between 1950 and 1953.

1954 saw the demise of the company although new models were in the pipeline and a few prototypes made. The factory was sold to International Harvesters and over 100 staff moved with a vast stock of spares to carry on a spares service until 1963. 

JOWETT CAR CLUB of NEW ZEALAND

The Jowett Car Club of New Zealand was formed in 1962 to provide fellowship amongst owners of Jowett Cars and to provide them with a forum for the interchange of information and opportunities to use their cars for leisure activities .

 The Club assists owners with servicing and maintenance and supplies spare parts. The Club owns a significant supply of spare parts and today Jowetts are better served for spares than many other popular makes of more recent manufacture. A bi-monthly magazine keeps members informed.

Regional Branches of the Club cater for local activities such as, Club runs, picnics, car shows, technical evenings and mechanical assistance. Annual National Rally brings members from all over NZ together. 

On the NZ Club register there are 174 full members and 90 family members along with 250 Jowett vehicles.