JOWETT JAVELINS

I was reading Issue 446 where a reader mentioned Jowett Javelins and you expressed an interest in tracking one down.

Unfortunately I don’t own one, but have enclosed a photo from the mid 1950s of my parents washing their Jowett Javelin out in the street in Melbourne.

My father, who was a WW2 bomber pilot and ex Burma Railway POW, bought the Javelin after the war as his first new car which he was very proud of. It was maroon in colour and I remember him often letting me push the starter button to fire it up which was pretty exciting for a five year old.

Jowett Javelins were built in Northern England between 1947 and 1953 with a total production run of approximately 23,000 cars with only a relatively small number finding their way to Australia.

They were powered by a f lat four 1486cc engine developing 50hp and were a class winner in the 1947 Monte Carlo Rally. With four-door fastback styling, a four-speed column gear change and leather interior they offered something different from the competition.

A couple of unusual features were the front suicide doors and the radiator which was located behind the engine.

The Jowett Javelin had a short life span and low production run but they were quite interesting cars and perhaps in hindsight a little ahead of their time.

Kind regards

Bruce Evans ED: Fantastic memories there, Bruce, and many thanks for sharing. Okay, anyone out there want to share their Javelin with us for a feature story? Drop us a line at uniquecars@aremedia.com.au.