Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
29th November, 2023 13:00
1933 Alvis Firefly Drophead Coupe
Coachwork by Cross & Ellis
Estimate
£25, 000 - £30, 000
Registration No: AUW 36
Chassis No: 11051
MOT: Exempt
1 of just 871 manufactured with just 133 Drophead Coupes
Presents with its original Drophead Coupe coachwork by Cross & Ellis
Comprehensively restored between 1985 - 1993 and still presenting well today
Entered from a private collection
Offered with copy of the Alvis Car Record confirming its finished in the original colour scheme
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 very few known to have survived.
