 |
| Jowett Jupiter Convertible 1952 |
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.
 |
| Jowett Jupiter Convertible 1952 |
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.
 |
| Jowett Jupiter Convertible 1952 |
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.
Niciun comentariu:
Trimiteți un comentariu