Jowett Jupiter
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Jowett Jupiter | |
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| Manufacturer | Jowett Cars |
| Production | 1950–1954. 900 made [1] |
| Class | sports car |
| Body style | convertible |
| Engine | Jowett flat four, 1486 cc |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 93 inches (2362 mm) [2] |
| Length | Series 1 163 inches (4140 mm) Series 1a 168 inches (4267 mm) [2] |
| Width | 62 inches (1575 mm) [2] |
| Curb weight | 2100 pounds (462 kilogram) [2] |
The Jowett Jupiter was a British car made by Jowett of Bradford from 1950 to 1954.
Following the launch of the all new Jowett Javelin the company decided to use its power train in a sports car, the only one the company ever made. For the chassis design Jowett approached ERA to design one and they came up with a tubular steel fabrication based on a design by Professor Eberan von Eberhorst who had been with Auto Union. [1] The suspension used torsion bars front and rear and was independent at the front. On this frame Jowett built a steel and aluminium open body with a bench set for three people. There was no external access to the boot (trunk) and the bonnet (hood) was rear hinged and opened complete with the wings.
The flat four overhead valve engine of 1486 cc was more highly tuned than in the Javelin and had its compression ratio raised from 7.2:1 to 8.0:1 developing 60 bhp at 4500 rpm giving the car a maximum speed of 85 mph and a 0-50 mph time of 11.7 seconds. [2] Two Zenith carburettors were fitted. A four speed gearbox with column change was used.
The Jupiter was an instant success with a record-breaking class win at Le Mans in 1950, a class 1-2 in the 1951 Monte Carlo International Rally, the outright win of the 1951 Lisbon International Rally, and a class 1-2 at Dundrod in a gruelling 4-hr sports car race around dangerous country lanes circuit in Northern Ireland in September 1951. Le Mans was again class-won in 1951 and 1952, and lesser events were taken in 1952 but by 1953 newer faster cars were proving a match for the Jupiter which was after all a well-appointed touring car first and foremost.
The Mk 1a came out in late 1952 with a little more power (63 bhp) and an opening lid to a boot of larger capacity.
As well as the 731 Mk1 and 94 Mk1a made by the factory, a further 75 chassis were supplied to external coachbuilders such as Stabilimenti Farina, Ghia Suisse and Abbott of Farnham.
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[edit] Jupiter R1
A racing derivative of the Jupiter, the R1, was entered in the 1951 1500cc sports car race at Watkins Glen, driven to first place by George Weaver. In the Le Mans 24 hour race in 1952 another example won its class at 13th overall, driven by Marcel Becquart and Gordon Wilkins. Three examples of the R1 were made - one survives.
[edit] Jupiter R4
The original Jupiter was a somewhat heavy car and this handicapped its performance. An intended successor, the R4, was made with fibreglass body and a new lighter chassis and showed the potential of being a genuine 100 mph car but Jowett closed before the car could reach production. Three prototypes were made of which two survive. [1]
[edit] External references
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Robson, G (2006). A-Z of British Cars 1945-1980. Devon, UK: Herridge. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3.
- ^ a b c d e Culshaw; Horrobin (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2.
[edit] Books
- The Jowett Jupiter, the Car that Leaped to Fame - Edmund Nankivell published by Batsford 1981 ISBN 07134 3835 5
- Jowett Javelin and Jupiter, the Complete Story - Edmund Nankivell and Geoff McAuley published by Crowood 2003 ISBN 186126 562X
