It’s always a special occasion when a rare classic car is up for auction, which is the case with a 1950 Jowett Jupiter that’s scheduled to be sold on the 21st March at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford. Auctioned through H&H Classics, the car’s estimated value is between £38,000 and £42,000 and with Jowett’s prestigious heritage, the price comes at no surprise. Jowett started producing cars in 1906, with their first prototype being described as the UK’s first real lightweight car. Jowett really took off after WW2 when it created rally cars and the Jupiter was one of the marque’s most impressive motors.
First built in 1950, the Jupiter was designed by former Auto Union engineer Eberan von Eberhorst, who provided a tubular chassis. Through a combination of smooth suspension and easy handling, the Jupiter became a successful rally vehicle. It had a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine and could reach a top speed of 90 mph. The Jupiter won three times at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as winning the 1951 Lisbon International Rally and 1952 Royal Automobile Club International Rally.
Based on the Jupiter’s success, Jowett produced a second model called the SC. By 1953, the company were facing financial difficulties, but decided to create a new R4 model that could reach 100 mph. However, it never went into production. Shortly afterwards, Jowett closed down in 1954. Around 900 Jupiters were built in total.
The Jupiter that’s being sold was involved with the 1951 Monte Carlo rally, but it didn’t compete in the event. H&H Classics reported the Jupiter has gone through a large amount of restoration work and that it’s supported by 1950s race photography at Silverstone, Dundrod and the Isle of Man British Trophy. According to Damian Jones, Head of Sales, “in the Jowett Jupiter you are buying a rare and classy piece of British car racing history. The car was a winner in its day against the toughest competition.”
The Duxford auction contains a variety of interesting vehicles, including a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette, 1929 Rolls-Royce Coupe, 1978 Fiat 124 Spider, 1914 Daimler TW20 Landaulette and 1993 TVR Chimaera.
For more information on the Jupiter be sure to visit the H&H Classics website,
