Jowett Bradford

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Jowett Bradford
Manufacturer Jowett Cars
Production 1946–1953. 38,241 made [1]
Body style(s) van, estate
Engine(s) Jowett flat twin, 1005 cc
Transmission(s) 3-speed manual
Wheelbase 90 in (2286 mm) [2]
Length 144 in (3658 mm) [2]
Width 60 in (1524 mm) [2]
Height 69 in (1753 mm) [2]

The Jowett Bradford was a British light van, also available as an estate car from 1947, that was produced from 1946 to 1953 by Jowett of Bradford, England.

The vehicle was based on the pre war Jowett 8hp and was the first Jowett to be re-introduced after the Second World War and in spite of being very basic appealed to the post war market because of its economy and availability. The chassis featured half elliptic leaf springs front and rear with beam axles and the flat twin cylinder engine produced 19 bhp (14 kW) and drove the rear wheels through a three speed non-synchromesh gearbox. In 1950 the engine was updated to give 25 bhp (19 kW)[2] and synchromesh was fitted to the top ratio. This improved the top speed to 53 mph (85 km/h). The 10 in (254 mm) drum brakes were operated mechanically using a Girling system.

Initially only a van version was made but in 1947 it was joined by an estate car, the Utility, but this was little more than the van with side windows and rear seats. It was also manufactured in pickup form, and driveaway-chassis and cab-chassis versions were made for outside coachbuilders in which form it sold in large numbers both at home and abroad.

A Utility de-luxe tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1952 had a top speed of 53.4 mph (85.9 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-50 mph (80 km/h) in 47.6 seconds. A fuel consumption of 34.5 miles per imperial gallon (8.19 L/100 km/28.7 mpg US) was recorded. The test car cost £740 including taxes. The de-luxe specification had added £38 to the total for which you got trafficators, dual windscreen wipers, running boards, a rear bumper and some chromium plating.[2]

Jowett Bradford Badge


[edit] References

  1. ^ Sedgwick, M.; Gillies.M (1986). A-Z of Cars 1945-1970. Devon, UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-39-7. 
  2. ^ a b c d e f "The Bradford Utility de-luxe" (June 23 1952). The Motor.