The flat-twin Jowett had a remarkable run from 1911 to 1953. Benjamin and William Jowett had already
made motorcycles for Alfred Angas Scott, as well as proprietary engines, when they produced their first
complete car. This was a true primitive with side tiller steering, fixed cycle-type wire wheels, and
armoured wood frame. The starting handle doubled as crankcase breather, but the rest of the car was
surprisingly modern; an 816cc pressure-lubricated side-valve flat-twin engine mounted in unit with a cone
clutch and a centrally-controlled three-speed transmission; final drive was by worm gear. By the
outbreak of war the tiller was replaced with a steering wheel and Jowetts were steel-framed. They boasted
not only bevel drive but also detachable steel wheels. Wheelbase was a compact 2133mm (84 inches). A
two-seater weighing 391 kg (860 pounds) producing a top speed of 27 km/h (43 mph) sold for £160
($900).
Shortly after WWI, the Jowetts were still two-seaters, but now they featured Lucas Magdyno electric
lighting. In 1921 engines were bored out to increase capacity to 907cc. In 1923, coil ignition was
installed.
The cars were incredibly tough, even penetrating the narrow and slippery Bradford-Esholt sewer.
Although their reputation was initially confined to Yorkshire, they gained appreciation when they were
exhibited at the London and Glasgow shows in 1921. In 1923 Jowett enthusiasts founded Britain's first
one-make club.
Production climbed steadily, from 10 to 12 per week in 1922 to 85 by 1929. Until 1928,
brakes were not up to the standard of the day with only rear-wheel and transmission brakes. Starters were
an optional extra in 1923, but not standardized until 1926. Even the 1929 Jowetts had non-removable
cylinder heads which meant that a mechanic had to rotate the unit in the frame and remove the whole
cylinder from the bottom end to clean carbon off the underside of the head.
The Long Four of 1923 was a successful attempt to market a full four-seater in the 7 hp taxation class,
something never achieved by Austin, whose model Seven was technically an Eight. Wheelbase was 2591mm (102
inches), but track remained at a narrow 1143mm (45 inches). The Jowett was, however, light and it could
putter along at an easy 56-64 km/h (35-40 mph) even if the steady beat of the flat-twin engine was not to
everyone's liking. The model continued with minimal change until 1929, when some attempt was at last made
to improve Jowetts by changing the look of the radiator. The last of the pre-war twins retained mechanical
brakes.
1934 – 4-speed transmission
1936 – Flat-four cylinder in Model J
1937 – The twin is now 946cc
1940 - Synchromesh transmission
1947 – New Javelin has flat-four push-rod engine, independent front suspension with torsion bars
front and rear, and unitary body construction. Top speed of 130 km/h (80 mph)
