West Yorkshire Utility

After WW2, the first vehicles off Jowett’s production line – in Bradford – were Bradford vans. These were based on the pre-war Eight, and used the same 1005cc ‘twin.’ A ‘Utility’ version was soon offered, with side windows and seats at the rear. Tim Brown from Congleton recently discovered a ’47 example, which he heard about via the Jowett Car Club. A widow wanted to sell the vehicle, which had been in a leaking garage for 30-plus years.

“Her husband appears to have been a bit of a hoarder,” said Brown, “never throwing anything away. This was evident upon first visiting the Utility, which had to be unearthed to see it properly.” The Jowett looked complete, so Brown bought it. Restoration is now under way.

All that is known of its history is that it was sold new by Marriot’s Garage in Worthing, and has the Sussex registration JPO 827. If you know more, please get in touch.

Bodywork has suffered over the years

Beneath the bonnet is a 1-litre ‘twin’

Brown’s project is loaded onto a trailer