Highlights

One of only two Sedanca De Ville bodies fitted to the 3½ Litre chassis, and the only UK-registered example
Unrestored, retaining its original aluminium coachwork by Mayfair Coachbuilders Ltd of London
First owned by the 2nd Baron Fairhaven, who kept the car for 25 years
Only eight registered keepers from new over 90 years
Extensive history file including the original buff log book, period correspondence, and an original sales brochure

The Appeal

The Alvis 3½ Litre was produced in very limited numbers, with just 70 chassis leaving the Coventry works. Each was supplied as a rolling chassis to be clothed by the buyer's chosen coachbuilder, making every surviving example individual and often varying greatly in spec or appearance. Limousines, roadsters, saloons... but perhaps none were so luxuriant and endlessly fascinating as the Sedanca De Ville. This style was already becoming somewhat anachronistic by 1936, and was remarkably scarce. Mayfair Coachbuilders Ltd of London fitted it to just two of these chassis. This is the only UK-registered example of the pair.

Its provenance is notable and tinged with nobility - the car was first owned by Henry Rogers Broughton, 2nd Baron Fairhaven, who kept it for a quarter of a century. In the roughly 65 years since, it has passed through just seven further hands, many of whom are recorded in the surviving original buff log book. The accompanying history file is rich, including letters from the first owner and his son, period press articles, an original 3½ Litre sales brochure, and instruction manuals. The car is also featured prominently in Nick Walker's authoritative reference work, Alvis Speed Models In Detail.

The car has never been restored, and has benefited from significant recent attention, including a voluntary MOT. It's a rare, noble machine indeed, and we're sure it'll gain plenty of interest at auction.

Key Information

Mileage: 06,985 miles (indicated, five-figure odometer)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: Voluntary MOT until August 23rd 2027
Technical specs: 3,571cc straight-six petrol, four-speed all-synchromesh manual, cable-operated drum brakes
Paperwork: original and current log books, letters from the first owner and son, service invoices, press articles, original 3½ Litre sales brochure, photocopy of the 3½ Litre instruction manual, original bound Speed 25 manual, and a production list of all 3½ Litre chassis

The Detail

Engine overhaul carried out within the past ten years
The seven bearing crankshaft 3571 cc straight-six engine is fitted with triple SU carburetters and twin SU electric fuel pumps
Brake and steering service completed
New exhaust fitted
Electrical repairs undertaken
Two new tyres fitted
Approximately £15,000 spent on recent maintenance and servicing
Aluminium bodywork shows some minor dings and scratches consistent with age
Black paintwork with cream coachlines presents in good overall condition, with age-commensurate patina
Interior leather is original, with age-commensurate wear
Independent front suspension via transverse leaf spring; conventional longitudinal leaf springs at the rear
Accompanied by a photograph of the only two 3½ Litre Sedancas De Ville side by side

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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