The Jowett-Jupiter
Jowett Cars, Ltd., have released further news of their eagerly-awaited high-performance car, the Jupiter, advance details of which were given in Motor Sport last November.
The engine is a two-carburetter version of the flat-four Javelin unit, with it compression-ratio of 7.2 to 1 up to 8.0 to 1, depending on the fuel available. With the 8.0 to 1 compression-ratio the output is 60½ b.h.p. at 4,500 r.p.m., the b.m.e.p. being 118 lb./sq. in. The new steel-backed copper-lead bearings are fitted and a full-flow oil filter cum cooler is incorporated in the lubrication system; 10-in. 2LS Girling-Hydro mechanical brakes are used and the gear-ratios are 14.62, 8.01, 5.63 and 4.1 to 1, with 5.50-16 tyres. The wheelbase is 7 ft. 9 in. and the complete car weighs approximately 13½ cwt., “dry.”
The Jupiter will be delivered as a 2/3-seater drophead with winding side windows and substantial hood—a welcome addition to the dwindling ranks of open cars. The fixed windscreen is detachable for competition purposes and foggy nights. The body consists of 16 gauge light-alloy panels on a tubular steel framework, insulated from the tubular chassis frame by Silentbloc bushes. The standard colours will be copper, turquoise, scarlet, or green and the Jupiter will make its debut as a complete car at the New York Show this month, as a copper coupé upholstered with fawn head. The equipment of the Jupiter includes Smith’s heater, Stevenson jacking and Luca P7703 headlamps, fog lights and sports-coil, etc.
The maker’s claim it maximum speed of well over 90 m.p.h., matter-of-course cruising at 80 m.p.h., a speed of 72 m.p.h. at peak revs. (2,660 ft. per min. piston speed) in third gear, and an ability to accelerate from 0-60 m.p.h. in 15 seconds. Fuel consumption is estimated as 35 m.p.g. at a constant 45 m.p.h.—not that anyone is likely to drive a Jupiter at a constant 45 m.p.h. These claims we hope to have the pleasure of confirming in due course when we road-test the car.
The chassis price is the moderate one of £495 and the complete car is priced at £795, or £1,016 11s. 8d. when p.t. is paid.
Negotiations for building Jupiter chassis in the E.R.A. factory at Dunstable have broken down and the entire car will now be built at Jowett’s Bradford works.