A classic piece of Britain’s motoring history has a new lease of life – thanks to a Huddersfield man.

John Denton, who runs Quarry Garage at Mount, has lovingly restored a Jowett car.

And it’s new look is in stark contrast to how it was when John acquired it.

It had lain in bits in Heckmondwike for years.

Now the car is gleaming and set to feature at car rallies and exhibitions, proudly bearing an original Huddersfield registration plate of CX 7340.

It’s not the first time John, a trained engineer, has restored a car.

He spent two years bringing a 1929 MG Midget M-type back to life.

The 1925 Jowett 7 car was in use originally in Huddersfield in the 1930s, as there are records of it being taxed.

But its whereabouts for the next decades remain a mystery.

John said: “By 1974, it was in a dismantled state minus a body when it was found in Heckmondwike.

“It was found by a friend of mine and another enthusiast, Stuart Baxter, who worked with me at that time in the experimental department at David Brown Tractors.

“I undertook a huge search for spares and parts essential to the restoration, which took years.

John Denton and daughter Lucy with the restored Jowett
John Denton and daughter Lucy with the restored Jowett

“And that was massively assisted when we came across a similar but totally derelict car in the remains of a collapsed lean-to shed in Birmingham.

“It had been there since 1939 up until 2012.

“That lucky find gave me a treasure trove of parts vital to the restoration of the Jowett.’’

John’s research uncovered the car was originally built at the Jowett factory in Bradford, which produced the cars from 1910 to 1954.

Now he hopes Examiner readers may be able to piece together some more of the history.

“I’d love to know about the car’s early life,” he said.

“Any information will be much appreciated and I’d offer anyone who can help a ride in the car.

“It will be on show over the weekend at Quarry Garage, along with some other classic cars.”

JOWETT FACTS

The firm was founded in1901 by brothers Benjamin and William Jowett.

They first made cycles and then motorcycles

The first Jowett car was made in 1906 but did not go into production until 1910

The firm made 11,444 models of the Jowett 7

The company folded in 1955