The Beaulieu Javelin
Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2016 5:12 pm
On the 27th June 1968 I attended the now-famous Sotheby's sale of the AWF Smith collection of veteran, edwardian and vintage vehicles which included the Javelin that now resides in the Beaulieu Museum.
Back in 2010 on Jowett.net I mentioned my copy of the catalogue which was 'somewhere in the loft'. Well, today I found it!
The entry for the Javelin gives the registration number 204 LPG, says that it is a 1949 model and states that "This early de luxe saloon was originally owned by Sir Alfred McAlpine, and is in excellent condition. Speedometer reading 27,123 miles".
My plan had been that as the car was in too good a condition to use, I would offer it on loan to the museum if I could get it for less than £200.
My notes say that the hammer price was £190. I remember it well because I was the underbidder and Lord Montague himself was standing behind me at the time.
As the hammer fell I turned, found His Lordship with a big smile on his face as the successful bidder and I said 'You could have had that for free'. His face fell, but he didn't pursue the issue. Next Lot, 1951 Mercedes Benz 170S saloon, sold for £120. Those were the days!
Does anyone else remember that it was at one time possible to 'drive a vintage car' at the museum and the car in use was a Jowett?
I think I heard that they had used other makes but they didn't stand up to the rigours of being driven by inexperienced (vintage) drivers.
Anyone know more?
I have also just found in the box of rummagings, the INSTRUCTION BOOK THAT CAME WITH MY CAR!
I didn't even know I had it! The cover is missing and the corners are very dog-eared but the engine / chassis number is clear enough in pencil. TREASURE!
Back in 2010 on Jowett.net I mentioned my copy of the catalogue which was 'somewhere in the loft'. Well, today I found it!
The entry for the Javelin gives the registration number 204 LPG, says that it is a 1949 model and states that "This early de luxe saloon was originally owned by Sir Alfred McAlpine, and is in excellent condition. Speedometer reading 27,123 miles".
My plan had been that as the car was in too good a condition to use, I would offer it on loan to the museum if I could get it for less than £200.
My notes say that the hammer price was £190. I remember it well because I was the underbidder and Lord Montague himself was standing behind me at the time.
As the hammer fell I turned, found His Lordship with a big smile on his face as the successful bidder and I said 'You could have had that for free'. His face fell, but he didn't pursue the issue. Next Lot, 1951 Mercedes Benz 170S saloon, sold for £120. Those were the days!
Does anyone else remember that it was at one time possible to 'drive a vintage car' at the museum and the car in use was a Jowett?
I think I heard that they had used other makes but they didn't stand up to the rigours of being driven by inexperienced (vintage) drivers.
Anyone know more?
I have also just found in the box of rummagings, the INSTRUCTION BOOK THAT CAME WITH MY CAR!
I didn't even know I had it! The cover is missing and the corners are very dog-eared but the engine / chassis number is clear enough in pencil. TREASURE!