DAILY AUCTION PICK by GRIFF
1952 JOWETT JUPITER CONVERTIBLE
Jowett Cars Limited of Idle, Bradford manufactured a two/three seat sports coupé, the Jupiter, from 1950 to1954. Based on the highly successful Javelin Saloon, which was Britain's first completely new post-war car, the Jupiter retained the horizontally-opposed engine, torsion bar suspension and much of the running gear from the Javelin all housed in a completely new aluminium body designed 'in house' by their Chief Bodywork Designer, Reg Korner. The Jupiter's chassis, made of chrome-molybdenum steel tube, had been designed by Eberan von Eberhorst, then working at ERA, who brought the design with him when the ERA project was shelved.
The first Jupiter was unveiled in March 1950 and won the approval of the motoring press and customers alike. It achieved significant competition successes, with perhaps the most notable being a record-breaking class win at the 1950 Le Mans 24 Hours and then repeating the feat in 1951 and 52. Hardly surprising, considering that the input from ERA had resulted in a torsionally stiff chassis which, when combined with the 1486 cc flat four's excellent power output, was the ideal formula for success in long-distance racing.
There followed a period when the Jupiter was seen as an attractive and fast means of transport which was also able to perform well in club races and rallies
In post-WWII Britain, steel allocation to manufacturers was based on export performance, and Jowett cannily aimed the Jupiter at the American market hoping to fill the gap left by MG, and happily it was a success with its elegant styling and swooping lines. Jowett eventually sold the factory to International Harvester for tractor assembly, however a total of around 900 Jupiters had been built with the last Mk.1a finding a home on the 17th.of September,1954
The first Jupiter was unveiled in March 1950 and won the approval of the motoring press and customers alike. It achieved significant competition successes, with perhaps the most notable being a record-breaking class win at the 1950 Le Mans 24 Hours and then repeating the feat in 1951 and 52. Hardly surprising, considering that the input from ERA had resulted in a torsionally stiff chassis which, when combined with the 1486 cc flat four's excellent power output, was the ideal formula for success in long-distance racing.
There followed a period when the Jupiter was seen as an attractive and fast means of transport which was also able to perform well in club races and rallies
In post-WWII Britain, steel allocation to manufacturers was based on export performance, and Jowett cannily aimed the Jupiter at the American market hoping to fill the gap left by MG, and happily it was a success with its elegant styling and swooping lines. Jowett eventually sold the factory to International Harvester for tractor assembly, however a total of around 900 Jupiters had been built with the last Mk.1a finding a home on the 17th.of September,1954
Offered here is Phil Greens' (Jowett's ex-chief test driver) own Jupiter Convertible. He worked for Jowett between 1951 and 1953 and the history file contains a published account titled, ''My time in Jowett Cars Experimental Department''. In 2014, when Phil was 85, his son decided to re-home the Jupiter as his father admitted to be getting a little too old to enjoy her. It has been restored to a very good standard and is very well known in Jowett circles attending many club events. It was used on the first 'Jupitour' to Le Mans in 2000. Prior to that, the restoration was conducted by the highly respected Dennis Sparrow with the bodywork restored by Reece Brothers. MoT'd until March 2016 and complete with its original maintenance manual and various pieces of editorial.
With class winning pedigree at Le Mans three years running, this super fifties convertible represents great value. Just lovely and ready to enjoy.
The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale takes place on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th November 2015 at the NEC, Birmingham.
The NEC Classic Car Sale Auction Catalogue 2015 admits two people in to the auction and viewing. Tickets for the Lancaster Insurance NEC Classic Motor Show will also be required and are available for purchase from http://www.necclassicmotorshow.com
Viewing
Viewing of the lots will be available all day on Friday 13th and on the mornings of the Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th of November 2015.
Bidding
Bidding at the auction can be done either in person by attending the sale, by telephone, by leaving a commission bid or live, online viaProxibid. Full details of registration requirements and a buying guide can be found on the Silverstone Auctions website (http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/buying).
On each day, the automobilia, lifestyle and watches auctions start at 10:30am and the car auction starts at 1:30pm.
For further information please contact Silverstone Auctions on +44 (0)1926 691 141.
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