Jowett Javelin

Key facts

Year

1949
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

1,486cc
Cylinders

Horizontally-opposed
Valves

Overhead
Output

50hp @ 4,100rpm
Maximum speed

76mph/122.31kph
Price new

£944
Manufacturer

Jowett Cars Ltd

The Javelin was altogether different in conception from any previous Jowett car. It had lightweight rigid unitary chassis-body construction. High gearing and a good aerodynamic shape made for responsive handling, with excellent acceleration and a high cruising speed.

The compact engine enabled more space to be designed into the passenger and luggage compartments, without making the car too long. One disadvantage of the positioning of this engine, however, was access. It was easier to carry out maintenance on the spark plugs, for example, by removal of the front wheels.

This example has been at Beaulieu since July 1968.