1952 Jowett Jupiter Convertible

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. 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 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

Offered here is Phil Greens' (Jowett's ex-chief test driver) own Jupiter Convertible. He worked for Jowett between 1951 and 1953 and the history file contains a published account titled, ''My time in Jowett Cars Experimental Department''. In 2014, when Phil was 85, his son decided to re-home the Jupiter as his father admitted to be getting a little too old to enjoy her. It has been restored to a very good standard and is very well known in Jowett circles attending many club events. It was used on the first 'Jupitour' to Le Mans in 2000. Prior to that, the restoration was conducted by the highly respected Dennis Sparrow with the bodywork restored by Reece Brothers. MoT'd until March 2016 and complete with its original maintenance manual and various pieces of editorial.

With class winning pedigree at Le Mans three years running, this super fifties convertible represents great value. Just lovely and ready to enjoy.