Description
Rod Jolley, a master coachbuilder known for restoring some of the world’s finest cars, had the idea to create a pre-war racing Alvis to rival ERAs. With financial backing from his friend Paul Holdsworth, Jolley agreed to handle the build, using a Speed 20 chassis and a supercharged Speed 25 engine with a 4. 3 litre block and head. Jolley built the body, based loosely on a GP Mercedes and the Alfetta 158.
During fifty years of ownership, the Giron-Alvis has turned heads and become a highly regarded car, if not just for its race wins (in many cases in post-war classes!) but also for its genuine good looks thanks to Rod’s skilled coach work. Today, the single seater is still in exceptional condition, testament to the ongoing maintenance schedule that has been kept up.
Rod had previously worked with renowned Belgian engineer Louis Giron, who had built a 4. 3-litre engine for one of his road cars. Impressed by his expertise, Rod enlisted Giron again to help develop a methanol fueled engine fitted with a Godfrey Marshall blower. Giron a master engineer who began his career at Bugatti helping build the 1924 Grand Prix car, took great interest in the project and dedicated significant time to helping Rod complete the car.
Specs:
The engine is fitted with a billet steel crank and con rods, shell bearings, Mahle forged pistons, high lift cam and an updated oil pump. This was mated to a very desirable close-ratio Silver Crest gearbox with straight-cut gears and an uprated main-shaft for strength. Finally, the Godfrey Marshal supercharger was fitted with lightweight steel rotors.
This all adds up to an astonishing potential for 400hp.
