Description
H&H Classics Auction Sale at The Imperial War Museum, Duxford
15th Mar, 2023 13:00
1933 Alvis Firefly
Coachwork by Cross & Ellis
Estimate
£20, 000 - £24, 000
Registration No: KV 7063
Chassis No: 11116
MOT: Exempt
Subject to two-year restoration in 2010 amounting to c. £35, 000
Impressive history file containing build sheets, two logbooks, extensive documents on restoration and more
Previously purchased for the sum of £42, 000
Introduced in September 1932, the Alvis Firefly was built to the same high standards as its more expensive brethren. Notably low-slung, it was based on a 'double-dropped' ladder frame chassis equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, friction dampers and four-wheel 14in drum brakes. Utilising a 9ft 10. 5in wheelbase and 4ft 4in track, the model was praised by the contemporary motoring press for its ride/ handling capabilities. Powered by a 1496cc OHV engine - essentially a four-cylinder version of that found in the legendary Speed 20 - allied to either four-speed manual or ENV pre-selector transmission, the Firefly was reputedly capable of 75mph. Available with a choice of saloon, tourer, or drophead coupe coachwork, it remained in production until 1935 by which time some 871 are thought to have been sold. 133 of these were in Drophead form, with only 15 known to have survived.
Boasting the desirable manual gearbox, and originally specified in Deep Red with Polished Aluminium bonnet, Black wheels, Red leather interior and a Black Double-Duck hood, this charming Firefly was first owned by Rowland Hill of Truro, who collected it from the Alvis factory in February of 1934. Due to it being a little too draughty for his two young daughters, he only kept the car for just three years, selling it to Alfred Stone of Wadebridge, a bank manager, who kept it for 26 years until his death in 1963. Stone never let his wife drive the car, as it was a ‘man’s car’. To get even when he died, Mrs Stone. burnt all his personal effects, including many photos of the Alvis!
‘KV 7063’ would pass through six owners before being acquired by a Yorkshire gentleman in 2010, who immediately set about a comprehensive restoration spanning two years and c. £35, 000. This process was thoroughly documented, with a large collection of photographs on a CD included within the history file. Reputedly, the car was in reasonable mechanical condition and most of the costs associated were spent on bodywork and having the interior re-trimmed. Sadly, he did not get to enjoy the fruits of his labour for long and the car ended up at the Malcolm Elder dealership, where it was purchased by its previous owner in January 2012 for the princely sum of £42, 000. He kept it for 6 years until it was purchased by its current owner from Earley Engineering, Hereford in 2018.
Shortly after its purchase, the exhaust was altered to stainless steel with a flexible coupling connecting to the manifold. At the same time, new front tyres were fitted, which are now approximately 3000 miles old. It has been maintained when required since and has been enjoyed thoroughly, having been taken as far as France and even the tank sealed to protect against ethanol, but is now offered for sale simply due to lack of use.
Offered with the vehicle is an impressive history file containing communications with previous owners, an extensive 13 page photographed narrative of the restoration by the Yorkshire gentleman, the original buff logbook, the following continuation book, and original ‘Conditions of Sale’ handbook, a photocopy of the original build specification record, a large collection of previous invoices, previous MOT certificates, various technical sheets, wiring diagrams and more.
