1929' Jowett 7/17

Jowett Motor Manufacturing Company of Idle, Bradford produced light cars and commercial vehicles from 1906 to 1954. Their products were renowned for both their durability and economy. As early as 1910, they produced a two-cylinder horizontally opposed, water-cooled engine whose basic design remained in production in the Bradford van and Bradford Utility models right up until the company’s closure in 1954.
This splendidly restored commercial is in amazing, museum-quality condition. The only other surviving example we know of is the restored Bradford Telegraph & Argus newspaper van displayed in the Bradford Industrial Museum. The buff continuation log book which comes with the van was issued a few days after Britain's declaration of war in September 1939. It confirms the vehicle to have been first registered in November 1929 but oddly describes it as a saloon which may well have been a transcription mistake. The van features the four-wheel braking system introduced that year, but not the detachable cylinder heads which were also introduced during 1929. After 1923 Jowetts had coil ignition and electric starting. The little 7HP engine, by then enlarged to 907cc was affectionately known as the ‘little engine with the big pull'.

On close inspection, the restoration quality is fabulous. The superbly crafted ash frame, the panelwork and coach painting is a credit to the builder. Such is the standard of the front and rear wings that we can only conclude that an expert craftsman has hand-rolled them to the standard of a new vehicle. This is a specimen example from an important Yorkshire-based motor manufacturer which would grace any serious commercial vehicle collection.