Description
Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire
Viewing: Tues 17th March 2026 from 12pm
Auction: Weds 18th March 2026
Location: Kelham Hall Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX
c. 1938 Alvis 12/ 70 Drophead Coupé
Entered from the Alyth Collection - No Reserve
Registration No: Un-registered
Chassis No: Not visible
MOT: Exempt
Entered from the Alyth collection
A worthwhile, and relatively complete project
Introduced in September 1937, the Alvis 12/ 70 was built to the same high standards as its more expensive six-cylinder brethren. Following an industry wide trend, the newcomer utilised a number of proprietary components including an Alford & Adler front axle, ENV rear axle, Marles steering and Bendix Cowdrey four-wheel drum brakes. Boxed both front and rear, its 8ft 10in wheelbase, ladder-frame chassis was notably light (and has thus long been sought after by special builders). A clean sheet design despite sharing the same bore and stroke dimensions (73mm x 110mm) as its Firebird predecessor, the 1842cc OHV four-cylinder engine employed a robust three-bearing crankshaft, single SU carburettor, one-piece cylinder block / crankcase casting and triplex chain-driven camshaft. Quoted as developing some 63bhp @ 4, 000rpm, it was allied to four-speed manual transmission (complete with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears). Reputedly capable of 80mph and 25-30mpg, the 12/ 70 was typically bodied by Mulliner of Birmingham as either a four-door saloon or two-door drophead coupe. Though, London-based marque dealer Hugh Anderson also commissioned a tourer variant. Riding on conventional `knock on' wire wheels, the model remained in production until 1940 by which time some 776 are thought to have been made. Just 150 12/ 70s were bodied in Drophead Coupé format.
More information to follow.
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Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
