FIVE TRIALS
We enjoy the Jowett Javelin and put it fully to the test
1 DAILY DRIVING
Yes, there really are people who use these cars reglarly, even today. And why not? The Javelin can more than keep up with modern traffic, the steering and brakes are well up to the job and it is wonderfully comfortable. Visibility is excellent and the car is easy to park. Then there’s the light clutch, excellent heater
(at least by the standards of its day), interior roominess and sheer charm, which would make just about anyone want a daily dose of Javelin. These cars are not especially prone to overheating, but you do need a water temperature gauge if Jowett didn’t fit one.
2 IN THE SERVICE BAY
An initial look under the bonnet – with the seemingly buried flat-four engine and the radiator behind it – could make a grown mechanic cry, but it’s relatively straightforward and the front grille assembly is easy to remove. Incredibly, just about every mechanical spare is available via the Jowett Car Club and marque specialists. Even engine blocks have been remanufactured. Jowetts have a devoted following and enthusiasts help each other. The cars need servicing every 3000 miles or so, but earlier cars have 20 greasing points, later Javelins have rather fewer.
3 ON THE SHOW CIRCUIT
The sound of a Javelin rolling up to a show, flatfour thumping away, would be enough to divert plenty of attention in your direction before they have even properly seen the car. Once fully in view, some uninitiated souls will be wondering what this exotic, unusual sounding beast might be. And when you open the bonnet, heads will dive straight under it. Javelins are different, but it’s not all about curiosity value – these cars are usable and capable of taking the lead on any road run. They wouldn’t even be adverse to the odd hillclimb. Not many 1940s saloons can boast that.
4 THE LONG WEEKEND
Want to pile into your Javelin for a long weekend? No problem! The boot is vast and even accommodates the car’s own toolkit. It will cruise happily at A-road maximum speeds and won’t object to motorways, provided you don’t thrash it. Even the longest journey shouldn’t be uncomfortable thanks to the excellent seats and generous interior space. There’s a lockable glovebox for your sherbet lemons and a flat floor for anything you couldn’t fit in the boot. And if this isn’t enough, the car should be giving you a credible 30mpg.
5 THE B-ROAD BLAST
This car is such good fun when you want to play. Let’s not get too carried away, please, but a Javelin is almost as chuckable as a Mini, and will take some quite nasty bends in its stride. Handling is predictable and you’re not bogged down by excessive understeer. We can’t think of a car from the Jowett’s era with more communicative steering; the controls are light and easy to use, although the pedals are rather offset. The long wheelbase and low-mounted engine add to the stability. Performance is peppy and torquey. In other words, enjoy!