1923 Alvis 12/40 ‘Duck’s Back’ Tourer
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Highlights
- Rare 1923 Alvis 12/40 TC ‘Duck’s Back’ Supersports
- Well known in Alvis circles
- Beautiful unpainted aluminium body with green wings and wheels
- Comprehensive restoration with photographic record completed in 2013
- Full history including multiple trips to and from England to Australia
- Sparingly used since high end refurbishment
The Appeal
Alvis set out its stall with its first car, the 10/30: very well engineered and built to a high standard, these were high end and well regarded motor cars. The 12/40 evolved the idea with more power and improved gearbox and axle.
Likely this 1923 12/40 is amongst the most unusual and well travelled of the handful of remaining examples. It was delivered as a chassis to Australia where it was fitted with a four seater body by Charles Kirkham of Petersham in Sydney.
In 2000 it was acquired by an ex-Alvis draughtsman who commissioned the duck tail ‘super sports’ bodywork. This work was undertaken by a restorer in South Wales with additional work by other UK specialists. It returned to Australia in 2009 for further high-end work between 2011 and 2013. The car was back in Britain in 2015 before being purchased by a Dutch collector in 2020.
Well known to the Alvis Register, this beautiful one-off Tourer is a very high quality vehicle in quite remarkable condition. For vintage collectors this is an exquisitely styled car in equally impression condition.
History and Paperwork
- Registered in 1923
- Chassis number 7664
- Full ownership history known and documented
- Comprehensive restoration completed in 2013
- Detailed photographic record of the restoration
- Currently registered in the Netherlands
This impressive car with a remarkable history. An early 12/40 chassis, it was supplied new to the Charles Kirkham coachworks in Peterham, Sydney, Australia where it was fitted with a four seater body.
By 1968 the car needed restoration. It moved around the country with different owners before being acquired from its third owner as a chassis in 2000 by UK-based Orchid Cars. It was then sold to an ex-Alvis employee, who had worked in the drawing office. He commissioned a rebuild based around his design for a ‘super sports’ style duck tail aluminium body.
This work was undertaken by a specialist in South Wales. It then passed to John Selway of Gainsborough who fitted new wings, hood frame, screen and retrimmed Sage Green interior. At this point the car gained its distinctive bright green wings and wheels and a double duck hood and tonneau. From there it moved to Early Engineering for mechanical work.
In 2009 the car was advertised by Early Engineering in the Alvis Register newsletter where it was spotted by its next owner. When he emigrated to Australia he took the Alvis with him. In 2011 specialist Tony Heard began a full rebuild which was completed in 2013. This work is accompanied in the history file by a detailed photographic record.
The ex-Alvis employee re-purchased the car in 2015 and returned it to the UK. In 2020 it was acquired by a Dutch collector and has been carefully curated in the years since.
The Condition
- Bespoke ‘duck tail’ aluminium bodywork in very good order
- Light green wings and spoked wheels present well
- Sage Green leather interior and matching carpet appear in smart condition for its age
- 'Duck's Back' Supersports bodywork is in fine fettle
- Bespoke hood ornament
- Chassis appears to be in good condition
- Spare wheel neatly tucked under duck tail
The Mechanics
- 1,598cc 12/40 specification 4cyl side-valve engine delivering 30hp
- Single Solex carburettor
- Top speed of approximately 100 km/h
- 4spd manual transmission
- Cable-operated drum brakes all around
- Reported to run and drive very well
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:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1923
- Make Alvis
- Model 12/50
- Colour Multicolour
- Odometer 7,040 Kilometres
- Engine size 1598
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Meerkerk
- Country Netherlands
4
bids
- edward.•••• €13,500 07/05/24
- Simon7 €11,000 06/05/24
- jmarech•••• €10,000 06/05/24
- Russ Ca•••• €5,000 05/05/24
The Gallery
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