Jowett Vehicles and Speedway Bikes
Ray Win was the Jowett Agent for the Nelson Marlborough areas during 1947 – 1953. He had garages and motor body building workshops in Cambridge Street, Richmond and then in Rutherford Street, Nelson. He also had strong interests in promoting speedway bike racing and sponsored a team of local riders during the 1970’s & 1980’s.
This collection showcases the Jowett marque, speedway bikes and yesteryear memorabilia and includes:
- A slice of motoring history of the Nelson district from the 1940’s and 1950’s
- The unique Jowett vehicles and their 2 cylinder horizontally opposed engines. See Jowett vehicles of 1931, 1938, 1947-1952
- Jowetts were the “working peoples” vehicles and the vehicles on display are mainly as they were when they were last used. The collection portrays the life-long passion of Ray Win
- The collection includes 15 speedway bikes which were raced by local Nelson and Westport riders during the 1970’s – 90’s
- Speedway racing is fast and furious – and without brakes! NZ speedway racing icons include Ronnie Moore, Barry Briggs and Ivan Mauger.
- The bikes on display include those with Godden, Jawa and Westlake motors. A speedway frame used by the legendary Dick Campbell is also in the collection along with the bike ridden by Jacqui Mauger, niece of Ivan Mauger.
The Jowett Bradford was a British light van that was produced from 1946 to 1953 by Jowett Cars Ltd of Idle, near Bradford, England. The vehicle was also available as an estate car from 1947 to 1953.
Also on display are pre-war Jowetts and a Jowett Jupiter.
The Jowett Javelin is an executive car which was produced from 1947 to 1953 by Jowett Cars Ltd of Idle, near Bradford in England. The model went through five variants coded PA to PE, each having a standard and “de luxe” option. The car was designed by Gerald Palmer during World War II and was intended to be a major leap forward from the relatively staid designs of pre-war Jowetts. Just over 23,000 units were produced.