Description
Originally sold by Henlys of London and fitted with a Cross & Ellis tourer body, chassis 9809 was first owned by a publisher before changing hands in January 1929 to a silk merchant. There are no further recorded changes of ownership during the pre-war period.
By the early 1950s, the car—still retaining its original engine and chassis—had made its way to Fulwood, Preston, not far from our current showroom. In the 1970s, it was transformed into a 12/ 50 special and actively competed at VSCC events including Silverstone and Prescott. It was during this period that the desirable L201 SD short-stroke engine was installed.
In 1983, the Alvis underwent significant restoration by David Royle of Darlington. The body was replaced with a narrow, alloy sporting tourer design. A full set of period time sheets and a detailed photographic record of the restoration are included in the history file. The car was completed in time for the VSCC Golden Jubilee event at Malvern and was proudly presented by its then-new owner, John Morgan of Petworth.
Today, the quality of Royle’s craftsmanship remains evident. The body remains tight, with well-aligned panels and precise door fits—remarkable testament to the work carried out over four decades ago. The car is also equipped with a full set of wet weather gear, including a hood and side screens, neatly stowed behind the rear seat along with a basic tool kit.
The SD (L201) 1496cc engine is widely regarded as the most sought-after in the 12/ 50 series, offering a noticeable performance improvement over the earlier units. Combined with the excellent support available from the Alvis Car Club’s active spares scheme and established marque specialists such as Tim Walker and Red Triangle, ongoing ownership is both straightforward and enjoyable.
We know of several 12/ 50s that are in regular use—including daily commuting in central London. This car has every potential to join that club.
