Hello!

[TonyBelcher]

Just a brief Hi!
It's looking increasingly likely that I'm about to be a multi-Javelin owner which sounds quite daunting. I won't say too much until I have some paperwork in my hand but I'm retired with far too much energy, just got rid of two Westfields and finished a seven year house restoration project last month. Still working on a 5 ton Komatsu digger which is in bits in the workshop and a 5 ton dumper which isn't but the starter won't turn the engine which looks electrical. I grew up in Ingleton in the 50s and worked on lots of what are now classics in our local garage during school holidays and always hankered after a Javelin or a Standard Vanguard; I got over the Vanguard phase and now find myself here! It seems odd that there aren't any for sale at the moment. Is this because the country's running out of them? Or are you guys all hoarding them? As I said I have two available, one an un-restored runner and the other semi-restored but I'm having a lot of trouble trying to put a value on them. Any clues?
Anyway, thanks for reading this; I'll try to become more interesting as this project progresses!

Tony

[Jack]

Hi Tony,

Welcome to the forum. If you can tell us which cars they are, we can probably give you a good steer on price - we tend to watch the market fairly closely, and have a good grip on how much actually changed hands when cars in similar condition have sold, as well as knowing most of the cars being sold (either recently or knowing who previously owned cars and their likely condition).

We know of quite a few cars for sale, though not all are available online or through the usual websites (ebay and carandclassic.co.uk seem to be the usual suspects) there are specialist dealers who deal with Jowetts and know them well, quite a few are advertised in the Jowetteer, the JCC monthly newsletter, before being more widely advertised. Are you a member of the club?

If you are looking for a project there certainly are cars around, depending on how much work you want to do. As a guide the going rate for concours A1 Javelin is currently ballpark £10K dealer price, a non-runner project (no MOT or tax any more, but it wouldn't have either if they did!) is probably £1K, and everything else somewhere in between depending on what needs work - a few bubbles of rust or a dent here or there don't seem to affect the value much, but engine problems seem to affect the sell price a lot. Most of the Javelins in running order seem to be £7-10K asking price, so I guess you can work from there.

Jack.

[Chris Spencer]

Hi Tony , I am going to slightly disagree with Jack - he is right that a concours / award winning / top end car is going to be in the £8K - £10K region and I can see that price rising over the next few years - not in jumps but certainly climbing steady - at the bottom end of the market the odd complete basket case will appear in the £500 region but these are normally only suitable for spares £1K - £2K should get you viable project car but it will require lots of work, £3.5K - £5K should get you a reasonable running / on the road car that although can be used will be cosmetically challenged and will require paint / interior trim, £5K - £7K will get you a solid reliable car which presents nicely but could be improved further - has Jack states we are aware of several cars in the market currently - if you would like view a members car in detail so you can further assess - then just let us know and we shall put you in touch with someone local - If you view the Javelin page there is a thread ' Early Javelin Restoration' which details a full restoration currently underway and will give you some idea of the structural weakness / rust prone areas in the cars - hence this should give you a good insight as to what to look for - they are a rewarding car to own and quite unique in a lot of ways - with excellent back up from a very friendly club - if we can be of further help just post up the questions or send a pm and we will be right back to you.

Good luck in your search

Regards Chris

[TonyBelcher]

Jack and Chris - thanks for your friendly replies. Yes, I read the renovation story (do you mean the Swiss guy?) right through so now I have a rough idea of what may be wrong. Problem I have is that neither of these cars is in the Uk so not only do I have to guess prices (but thanks for your pointers both of you) but also have to rely on a friend to check them out. I think both of them are around 1953/4 (both are E2 PD). Was just reading the sad case of 'Ben' with his Jupe with the cracked block to see what other info I can glean from the club; already taking notes!

[Jack]

Jack and Chris - thanks for your friendly replies. Yes, I read the renovation story (do you mean the Swiss guy?) right through so now I have a rough idea of what may be wrong. Problem I have is that neither of these cars is in the Uk so not only do I have to guess prices (but thanks for your pointers both of you) but also have to rely on a friend to check them out. I think both of them are around 1953/4 (both are E2 PD). Was just reading the sad case of 'Ben' with his Jupe with the cracked block to see what other info I can glean from the club; already taking notes!

Hi Tony,

E2 PD will probably be 1952 - E0 is 1950, E1 1951, E2 1952 etc. And PD is the more common deluxe car, with wooden dashboard and a few other differences (as opposed to Standard)

You shouldn't need to go outside the UK to find a project Javelin - I would expect the shipping costs to be significant, for the same money (including shipping cost) you will probably find a car more locally for better price.

Let us know what kind of car you are looking for (if you want a restoration project, something running and driving, or a top notch car ready to go, what kind of work you would prefer to be doing to restore, ballpark budget) and we can probably help with a couple of reccomendations. Feel free to PM Chris or me if better offline.

Jack.