Classic & Sports Car UK – September 2019

September 2019 Classic & Sports Car 185

Initial plans called for the J40’s ‘engine’ to be
wood, but finished cars had a pressed-steel
replica of the A40 unit. Our featured example
has been detailed – from the factory, engines
were body colour with the rocker cover picked
out in black. The genuine spark plugs were all
factory seconds supplied by Champion, and the
horn was a bespoke ‘Lucas Junior’. Correct Ever
Ready 126 batteries are no longer available, so
most use a replica housing containing six AAs.

The JOY 1 prototype was scaled around the

smallest tyre Dunlop offered, with a 12in

diameter, but the production rubber was

bespoke with ‘Junior Roadster’ branded inner

tubes. Original Dunlop Cord tyres are now rare

and valuable, but reproductions are available.

Behind, the triangular hubs feature clever

bearings invented by Jim Blaikie using offcuts

of bright bar, though most racers are fitted

with needle-roller bearings for extra speed.

Working headlights were made specially for

the J40 by Lucas, and are operated by a switch

on the dash. The aluminium grilles and steel

wings tend to suffer damage from exuberant

driving, but spares are available via parts guru

Roy Halford (www.j40.co.uk). The ‘Flying A’ crest

was removed on later cars after it caused

nasty injuries. ‘Our’ car’s JOY 40 registration

replicates early brochure artwork; most had

an Austin water transfer on the numberplate.

PRETEND POWER LIGHT FANTASTIC TINY TYRES

DRIVER’S VIEW

Inside, there’s a replica of the A40 Devon

dashboard, complete with clock, 70mph

speedometer, plus temperature, oil pressure

and fuel gauges. The odometer on all reads

‘1948’ – the year of the first pre-production

cars. Seat trim used the same materials as

contemporary production models and, like its

roadgoing inspiration, the J40’s steering wheel

was made by Clifford Coverings. These are

often used to aid exit and can crack as a result.

Right: ex-miners work on

Joy Cars in special rotating

jigs inside the Bargoed

factory. Far right: Joe

Stanley (12) storms down

the start/finish straight in

the 2018 Settrington Cup