driveable Jupiter (or Kestrel) wanted

[Bill Jowett]

Despite having the surname Jowett I do not think I am directly related to the car making Jowetts. Nor am I a millionaire! But I do still hanker after owning a Jowett - probably a Jupiter possibly a Kestrel but frankly possibly anything! I was born in 1947 so that year would be nice. I do [b]not[/b] have the skills to renovate. I can give TLC. I live in Kent. If anyone has any suggestions/guidance I would be very grateful. Many thanks.

[Alastair Gregg]

Hello Bill

Good choice of vehicle (and surname). As I understand it the original Jupiter nwas made late 30's and the sports Jupiter based on the Javelin Engine and a stunning chassis by Eberhorst, production was started in 1950. The Kestrel I am a lot more hazy on but will research but that was made earlier in the 30's. So your year of Birth means you either go for a Bradford or a Javelin and a very early one at that. In fact I suspect you wouldn't get one. This leaves the good old Bradford. You can pick them up for under £2000 but they may want work doing. Finding somebody to do the work is hard but not impossible. Lets have your thoughts.

[PAUL BEAUMONT]

Bill, Big Al is spot on. The Bradford was introduced in 1946 and modified to the CB model for 1947. In many ways the CB Bradford was the last of Jowett Bros inspired Jowetts. 1947 Bradfords are around, not in great numbers, but in presentable condition, though you might have to pay a bit more than £2K for a nice example.
It very much depends on what you want to do with the vehicle. The Bradford is a useable and quite a useful motor vehicle. It is slow in modern traffic (50Mph max). It is available in utility or utility deluxe versions as well as the van and Lorry variants. If you want to show it, smarten up the aluminium crankcase and just let it sit there with the bonnet open and crowds will gather marvelling at only 2 sparking plugs and these a yard apart! etc.
If you want an everyday motor then you will need to find an early Javelin. 1947 was the year that this advanced motor car was launched. To show this off you need to drive it and let onlookers marvel at the aerodynamic bodywork and appreciate the "boxer" exhaust note. I am guessing that 1947 Javelins, as Big Al suggests, are more difficult to separate from their current owners!
If you are interested in a Bradford, as JCC Bradford Registrar, I would like to talk to you some more!

[Keith Andrews]

I donot have the skills to renovate.

Nor did most of us....once
To get work done be it body or drive train can get very expensive.
As a general rule of thumb, to purchase say, a small mig welder to do body work yourself is cheaper than getting the work done, plus u build up a reasonable tooled workshop...
As far as learning goes...The Jowett ppl world wide are good ppl and quick to help out...hence this site.
Think of it this way...
It doesnt take a rocket scientist skill/integence level to do panel or engine work...otherwise we wouldnt have any panel beaters and mechanics. (no offence meant to anyone in trades guys lol)
The biggest problem..well is in NZ is to source whitworth spanners/tools, other than thru 2nd hand shops and on line auctions, as I have done.

Anyone getting into classic/vintage cars as a hobby has to be prepared to learn basics then expand from there....or else be a millionaire

The advantage of classics as a hobby over normal modern cars, is there are no electic windows, areconditioning, computers, sensors, etc etc
They are basic and simple and logical, and therefore done right far more reliable, long lasting.

My Strong advice to u is Join the local club...even if u dont have a Jowett...get to know the guys, listen to there advice, and when a car turns up they will most problerly know the car and if it is suitable.

The biggest mistke ppl in your postion make is not joining a club 1st.

[Alastair Gregg]

Hello again Bill

The Kestrel model seems to have started life in 1933 and I can find no reference after 1936. The early or 10 Hp Jupiter started in 1936 and I can find no reference after that. I'm sure the Vintage experts will correct me if I'm wrong.

Best Regards

Alastair

[Hendrik Moulds]

Hi Bill,

I am just starting the long road of restoring a Bradford van (or two) and will let you know if I find any good contacts.
Hopefully you won't need them!