Description
The 12/ 50 was the iconic Alvis model of the 1920's. This car was originally supplied in 1925 as a subframe SC (sport) 12/ 50 with a 2 seater wide body. It was extensively remodeled in 1930 while allegedly in the hands of George Tattersal, the Alvis works competition manager. It was given front wheel brakes and the body of a 4 seat silver eagle tourer. What is rather better documented is that the body was removed from the legendary "green car" supplied to Phillip fotheringham-parker. In 1930 the works agreed to exchange the body for a racing body off of one of the works team cars from the brooklands double 12 race. Philip subsequently achieved notoriety with the car when they both survived an excursion over the top of the brooklands banking. This body on the original 12/ 50 chassis and engine (matching numbers) offers more room than the standard narrow body 4 seater found on a 12/ 50s. It is largely fabric built which minimises weight and offers the extra advantage of a larger radiator. The car was laid up from 1942 to 1992 when it was bought by a past chairman of Rolls-Royce who had it restored by Wilkinson's of Derby to it's 1930 specification. It remains in excellent condition with very quiet engine. Extras include full weather protection and a fold down rear luggage rack that accommodates a large period trunk. As an Alvis of this period it enjoys the support of the owners club and the Alvis register and an extensive infrastructure of suppliers of new and used parts.
