1931 Jowett Kingfisher

About 200 Jowett Kingfisher 4 door long saloons were manufactured (in Idle, near Bradford, Yorkshire) between 1926 and 1931. Ours was one of the last off the production line in September 1931 (just before the factory burnt down), and was first registered in December 1931 (when it cost £275). It is believed to be the only remaining survivor of this model, so is unique. There is acres of leg room in the rear, so even the largest of wedding gowns can easily be accommodated, and two people can sit in comfort on the large rear bench seat. Space is somewhat more limited up front in the passenger seat, because the body tapers and is narrower at the front than the rear. The pale blue bodywork compliments any colours of bridal gown and suits, ensuring that the occupants look their best both in and alongside the car in their wedding photographs. The Kingfisher has a 907cc 2 cylinder horizontally-opposed (flat) engine (so almost half the size of a Subaru Impreza and 1/3 the size of a Porsche 911) that was rated at 7 hp when new (to get it into the same road tax class as the smaller Austin 7). Coupled to a 3 speed non-synchromesh gearbox, the vehicle achieves a top speed of 10 mph in 1st gear, 25 mph in second gear, and up to 40 mph in 3rd gear (with the acceleration of 0 to 30 mph achieved in a leisurely 16 seconds). Rod-operated drum brakes are fitted to all four wheels (which was very unusual in all but the most expensive cars in 1931). On a run, we do not use motorways (because of the significant speed difference with other motorists) and average only 24 mph, so please bear this in mind when considering the distance to be covered on your wedding day.