Javelin and Triplex

[jowettgeoff]

When researching the Javelin chapter for The Complete Jowett History, I had the enjoyable opportunity of interviewing Gerald Palmer regarding (of course) the development of the Javelin. It can be seen from old photos that the shape of the tail of the early cars had a distinct 'upward flip' and at the front, the screen was of a split flat-glass variety. Gerald couldn't remember anything about the minor alterations to the body shape (which would probably substantiate the view expressed by Reg Korner's son at Goodwood that his own father had been substantially responsible for the overall shape). However, it was revealed that Triplex approached Jowett to ask if they would be interested in using their new curved glass for the rear screen. Jowett said they would, but could they also have curved glass for the front too. 'Yes', came the reply, and thus the Javelin was (probably) the first British car to fit curved front and rear glass. Whilst the front curve is obvious, it needs a straight-edge (or a sharp eye) to confirm the rear.

G McA

[Forumadmin]

I also spoke with Gerald on the subject and he gave me the impression he came up with the silouette of the body shape. around all the mechanical components. It could well be some of the detail and lines may have been altered by Reg. We do know that Brggs design shop substantially modified the prototype so they could press the panels.

[robert lintott]

There is much coverage of these questions in Gerald Palmer's book "Auto-Architect", which was revised and republished in 2004 , covering his life and work . The approach from Triplex must have come in 1946 , after several prototypes had been produced with split sceens .Putting in a curved screen would have required changes to several body pressings by Briggs .According to GP " EAK 771 the prototype with the Triplex screen" was entered in a display in Central London on 27th July 1946 .( EAK was first used in Feb 1946) There is no mention of the rear screen , but GP states clearly that the Javelin was the first UK production car to be fitted with a curved screen.

The first post war Motor Show was held in 1948--I remember taking a day off school to attend -- and several new cars released at the Show had curved screens . The Javelin was present but not classed as "released at the show ", since it went on sale in 1947. Bob

[jowettgeoff]

I agree Keith, particularly your thoughts on the Briggs involvement. Some of the component pressings below the skin are quite complex and such detail would surely not have been designed by the likes of Palmer- or even Korner. I've scrapped a few bangers over the years but none has been as complicated underneath as the Javelin, particularly the area around the rear torsion bars. I suspect there were some rather clever people involved, (probably at Briggs), whom we'll doubtless never hear about. Although we do know that a number of trips to Briggs at Dagenham (where the first few Javelins were constructed) were made by Horace Grimley and others from the Jowett factory. What a shame Horace isn't still around to spill the beans.

[jowettgeoff]

Bob, I'm so envious of you being able to attend the '48 Motor Show. What a fabulous day that must have been for you. Sadly I was only four years old, and my experience of cars didn't extend much beyond my Triang peddle car!

Geoff.

[Keith Clements]

Having just completed a millimetre by millimetre restoration of a Javelin body shell both Chris and I have discussed many of the intricacies of its design. Amongst these were the probable modifications made by Jowett when they received the body shell (apparently painted and trimmed) from Briggs. We surmised the steering box support was one of these 'bodges' that was not well incorporated into the design. Others might include conversion to Left Hand Drive and the mod to support the rear shock absorbers. The heavy lead filler on many body panels, strengthening around the engine support tubes plus inclusion of dents to accommodate the rubber suspension most likely would have been put in by Briggs.

It almost suggests that the Jowett factory did little apart from fit the mechanical and electrical components to the Javelin.