1952 Jowett Bradford Utility

• Clearly restored although no paperwork, unfortunately
• UK, right-hand drive, 3-speed manual
• 1007cc side-valve, flat-twin (19bhp). 0-50mph in 47.4 seconds
• In a typical period shade of Mustard. Retrimmed red leatherette seating
• Showing 15,708 miles. Non-Runner

NB. On offer from a private collection, this vehicle has not been used for some time. It is a non-runner and is strictly sold as seen.

The Jowett Bradford was a British light van produced from 1946 to 1953 by Jowett Cars Ltd of Idle, near Bradford and was one of the most popular light commercial vehicles of the post-war period. It was also offered as an estate car, the Utility (in effect, little more than the van with side windows and rear seats) from 1947 to 1953. Based on the pre-war Jowett Eight, the 10cwt van was the first Jowett to be re-introduced after the Second World War and, in spite of being very basic, it appealed to the post-war market because of its economy, strength and reliability and the simple fact that they were available. The chassis featured half-elliptic leaf springs front and rear supporting beam axles and was quite light which was fortunate as it was powered by a 1007cc front-mounted, side valve flat-twin engine delivering a heady 19bhp driving the rear wheels through a three-speed, non-synchromesh gearbox. The 10in drum brakes were operated mechanically using a Girling system.

In 1950, the engine was updated to give 25bhp, improving the top speed to 53mph and synchromesh was fitted to the top ratio. A De-Luxe specification was also available which included trafficators, dual windscreen wipers, running boards, a rear bumper and some chromium plating, adding ú38 to the total cost. It remained in production until 1953 and during the, relatively short, seven-year production run, 38,241 examples were made. Sadly, after years of lying empty, the Jowett Bradford works was demolished in 1983.

Dating from 1952, this Bradford Utility appears to be a De Luxe with chrome radiator, headlights, front bumper, twin wipers and trafficators although the side-steps and rear bumper are not present. It's finished in an attractive shade of Mustard and has clearly been restored at some point but there is no paperwork with the car. The odometer reads 15,708 miles. Currently a non-runner but rolls quite freely and it doesn't look as though it would take much to turn it into a decent 'show' car.