Description
The Jowett 7/17 was a British light car produced by Jowett Cars Ltd in the early 1920s. Known for its reliability and efficiency, it was one of the early models that helped establish Jowett’s reputation as a maker of durable, economical vehicles. The “7/17” designation referred to the vehicle’s fiscal horsepower and actual horsepower output, with “7” denoting its tax rating and “17” its horsepower rating.
The car was powered by a 907cc, horizontally opposed, twin-cylinder engine that produced 17 horsepower. This engine layout, often called a “flat-twin,” helped lower the car’s center of gravity, contributing to better handling and stability. The engine was paired with a 3-speed manual transmission and was capable of modest speeds suitable for rural and urban driving during its time.
The Jowett 7/17 had a simple yet robust design, with a lightweight chassis and open body style, typical of early 1920s automobiles. It gained popularity for its low running costs and dependable performance, particularly in hilly and rough terrains where its strong torque output proved advantageous. The car’s practicality and durability made it especially popular among rural drivers and small business owners.
Although Jowett would eventually become better known for later models like the Jowett Jupiter, the 7/17 played an important role in the company’s early success and established a foundation of engineering excellence and reliability that Jowett cars became known for.