Highlights

1645cc engine with large port head
Numerous updates and upgrades
Well maintained and ready to be enjoyed

The Appeal

The Alvis 12/50 hails from the pre-war era and gained popularity for its performance, reliability, and elegant design, becoming an icon of vintage motoring. Launched in 1923, it is now in its centenary year and what better way to join the celebrations than by having one of your very own?

This example has a storied history, wearing no fewer than four bodies during its life, and was well known in Alvis circles in the 1970’s, going by the name ‘Charlie Brown’, in reference to its period colour scheme. Featuring all of the desirable safety and reliability upgrades, it’s ready and eligible for a variety of vintage events.

Acquired by the current owner with the intention of adding to that history with some navigational rallies and hillclimbs, unexpected spinal surgery has unfortunately interrupted his plans. Hence it’s now reluctantly offered for auction and this is your chance to enjoy one of the seminal vintage Alvis models which is presented in fine fettle.

History and Paperwork

Manufactured 1928
Originally wearing a Carbodies beetle back body, research indicates that it was later fitted with a drophead coupe body and then during the war, it was converted to a pickup for carrying cement
The current 2+2 touring aluminium and ash body was fitted by coachbuilders Jarvis around 50 years ago
Previous owners had the car professionally maintained by Caleng Engineering who rebuilt the engine, fitted the gearbox with Register close ratio gears and upgraded the steering box with a new Register steering shaft
Records with the car show that is was used for VSCC and Alvis Register events with a Prescott competition history that includes evidence of a time of 62.49 secs recorded in 1991 at VSCC Prescott
Other work included:
- Full flow oil filter conversion
- High torque starter motor
- Large bore Solex 40MOV sports model Carburettor
- Dynamo converted to two brush operation with compatible voltage regulator, which charges well
- Converted to negative earth
- Electric cooling fan
Acquired by the vendor in September 2022
Work in current ownership includes:
- Re-cored radiator (£1800)
- Accelerator pedal shaft rebushed
- New pedal shaft and footboard rubbers
- Coil ignition conversion using a period conversion kit but with a modern Lucas distributor with electronic ignition for reliability measure (original BTH Magneto comes with the car, is in full working order and can be refitted in less than an hour)
- Set of new correct spark plugs
- New modern rear lights for safety
- Carburettor tuned - new float and needle valve
- Brakes inspected and adjusted
- Reproofing and waterproofing of hood and tonneau
Completed the Corinium Run April 2023 and Classic Cotswold Tour in May 2023 without any problems reported over 250+ miles, including two non-competitive climbs of Prescott Hill Climb (pictured in Octane magazine, issue 242)
Paperwork includes a volume of correspondence, notes, photos, handbooks etc plus two editions of the 12/50 owner’s bible "The Vintage Alvis Manual"
Also included are the following:
- Guide to the electrical system
- Invoices from Caleng Engineering
- Carburettor set up guide
- Details of the conversion of the gearbox to close ratio gears
- Pictures of the build of the current body, and a picture of the car wearing its drophead coupe body (both pictured in the gallery)
V5 present and correct
MOT and tax exempt

The Interior

Front seats recovered
Wood dash in good order
Fire extinguisher
Spacious and removable luggage trunk

With just one door - on the passenger side - to the benefit of rigidity, and usefully avoiding the spare wheel on the driver’s side, elegant entry to the car requires that you remember the correct angle of approach, lest you have to leap over the bodywork.

Once installed, you’re greeted with a wooden dash fitted with delightful instrumentation; the odometer font is a work of art in itself. The seller reports that all of the instruments and switches are fully operational, and even the clock keeps good time.

The front seats have been recovered in leather, show no signs of wear and are correspondingly comfortable. The rears, still in presumably original patinated leather, are likely to have seen little use as legroom is at something of a premium. They do however make for useful luggage space which is supplemented by the substantial trunk on the rear and numerous storage bins in the cabin - under the floor, beneath and behind the rear seats.

Modern conveniences include a hand held fire extinguisher, hidden USB charging point and battery isolation switch. The weather gear comprises a hood, sidescreens and a full tonneau and all are in excellent order, having been recently reproofed and waterproofed.

The Exterior

Aluminium body with period brown paint
Red painted spoked wheels
Leather bonnet strap
Hare mascot
Very clean underside

While very presentable, this is clearly a car that has been enjoyed as the period brown paintwork bears the rubs, marks and scratches commensurate with over 50 years of use. That said, there are no significant scrapes or dents and, with the body being aluminium over a wood frame, no signs of corrosion to it.

The painted wheels also carry the marks of use but are not buckled, there are no loose spokes and they wear a matching set of good Firestone tyres in the correct size. The underside is notably clean with no obvious signs of corrosion and easy access to all of the major mechanical components, both from underneath and also via removable floor panels.

The overall effect is that it’s a charming and very usable vintage motor car.

The Mechanics

Larger bore 1645cc engine with large port head
Close ratio gearbox
Stainless steel exhaust with aluminium Brooklands silencer and fishtail
Spares package included

Thanks in part to the installation of a high torque starter motor, the engine fires immediately and, once warm, runs very well indeed without misfire or hesitation. On the road, it offers surprisingly nimble performance and is very capable of keeping up with modern traffic, happily cruising at 55-60mph on an A road. The recently overhauled brakes bring it up well and in a straight line.

Even over the archetypal British B road, there are no untoward noises from the suspension, while the fishtail exhaust provides an amusing soundtrack. The owner is not aware of any obvious fluid leaks and would be eagerly competing in navigational events were it not for his recent back surgery. Given its robustness, it would also seem eminently suitable for VSCC hill climb or trials events.

A small package of spares accompanies the car, including the original magneto and starter motors. Pictures of these can be seen in the gallery.

Summary

A thoroughly well sorted and nicely presented 12/50 that would be perfect for celebrating the model’s centenary year and will doubtless be enjoyed for years to come.

Jokingly referred to by the owner as a poor man’s 3 litre Bentley, we can’t help but think that whoever buys this will have their life made considerably richer for having it in the garage.

Notice to bidders

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