Description

1952 Jowett Javelin PD

Supplied new to New Zealand and recently imported from South Africa where it had formed part of a collection; recently recommissioned and running nicely with good oil pressure

Designed by Gerald Palmer and launched in 1947, the Jowett Javelin was powered by an unusual 1.5-litre flat-four engine featuring an aluminium block and wet cylinder liners which developed 50bhp. A four-speed gearbox with column change was used, feeding the power to the rear wheels and giving the Javelin good performance for its era – a top speed of 77mph and a 0-50mph time of 13.4 seconds.

The Javelin went through five variants labelled PA to PE, each having standard and ‘DeLuxe’ options. Fast and economical, it achieved considerable competition success, coming first in class at the 1949 Monte Carlo Rally, winning the 2-litre touring car class at the Spa 24-hour race that same year, and winning the 1953 International Tulip Rally outright.

According to Jowett Car Club records on file, this Javelin PD was dispatched new to Jowett Motors Ltd New Zealand on 8th April 1952. It later moved to South Africa where it formed part of a collection belonging to a Mr Ian Garrs of Pretoria.

Our vendor acquired the Javelin and several other cars from the collection in 2021 and shipped them back to the UK. The vendor was told that the car had previously been restored in South Africa including a new wiring loom and a reconditioned gearbox. There are no documents to substantiate this, but it has clearly been restored at some point in the not-too-distant past and looks generally very tidy with just a few blemishes here and there, as shown in the photos.

Acquired as a non-runner, it has now been recommissioned and fitted with a new water pump to get it in running order. Looking most attractive in light green with a smart brown vinyl interior, it has been starting promptly and running well as we have moved it around on site, with good 50psi oil pressure.  

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com