Highlights
- Exquisite Restoration
- Only known Clubman’s Drop Head Coupe still remaining
- Impressive History File
The Appeal
This is an extremely rare Clubman’s Drop Head Coupe which has been restored to excellent driving condition by previous owners. It’s got a full history file of the restoration, which includes invoices for work done, material samples for the interior, service records, and parts purchased for the job.
The vehicle is in absolutely stunning condition being nearly a century old, and it runs and drives as good or better than it would have on the day it was sold in 1930.
The vehicle is in absolutely stunning condition being nearly a century old, and it runs and drives as good or better than it would have on the day it was sold in 1930.
Based on the content of the history file, it seems to be a one-of-one in existence. To quote The Alvis Register Ltd., “…Even if it wasn’t [the only Cross & Ellis DHC ever made], there cannot have been many of them and it is pretty certain to be the only survivor…”
The History and Paperwork
- Up to date V5
- Genuine Instruction Book & Spare Part Catalogue included
- Large historical file with restoration documentation & invoices
This car was built and registered in July of 1930, with the still-remaining registration number of RX 7272. It was supplied by Vincent’s of Reading, whose supplier’s plate is still affixed to the left side of the dashboard, see pictures. After seeing several owners, it was restored to a high level.
Included in the sale are multiple binders of documentation of the restoration as well as the maintenance and servicing records. Within these files are letters of correspondence between owner’s groups members concerning the car, invoices, restoration design planning, samples of materials used in the restoration with correspondence, and receipts for transfer of ownerships, among other documents.
Additionally, the vehicle comes with its original instruction booklet and spare parts catalogue.
The Interior
- All electrical equipment said to be in working order
- Stunning wood panels
- Very clean boot
- Gauges and instruments in superb condition
Stepping into this vehicle, it certainly doesn’t feel like nearly a century old; it feels as if it’s significantly younger. Sure, it’s got the old-timer look and feel you’re clearly looking for in a car of this age, but the material choice and overall design has absolutely stood the test of time. It has been restored and refurbished, but care has been taken to preserve the original specification from the build sheet, whenever possible.
The wood panels are thick and beautifully finished; no veneers in sight. The gauges are still clear and easily readable while driving, and the steering wheel, pedals, and gear lever are all distinctively well made. Everything feels solid and has a used-but-loved feel; the owners over the years have taken care to preserve or properly restore this true piece of automotive history.
The wood panels are thick and beautifully finished; no veneers in sight. The gauges are still clear and easily readable while driving, and the steering wheel, pedals, and gear lever are all distinctively well made. Everything feels solid and has a used-but-loved feel; the owners over the years have taken care to preserve or properly restore this true piece of automotive history.
Being the drop head coupe that it is, the headlining, latches and levers, and peripherals which come along with the convertible hood are all in outstanding nick. While the current owner hasn’t ever taken the top down, just by the top’s look and feel you can tell it’s a thing of luxury, just waiting to be used. The convertible roof’s material is in great condition, with only a couple small marks on the top which are assumed to be non-permanent and should likely come clean when treated. There are no rips or tears to be seen, and the rear glass and all latches are in near-perfect condition.
While the interior does show wear and tear, it is a more of an endearing sign of its use, and in our opinion is exactly how an antique car should be. There are a couple of tears and marks on the front and rear seats as to be expected, but it all helps to tell the vehicle’s story.
We’re assured that all of the electronics and mechanics are in working order.
The boot is very spacious and tidy, and just above that is a tool chest. While many of the tools are not present, there are still some that come with the sale.
The Exterior
- Very straight body
- Paintwork in good to excellent condition, with minor scratches and dings from normal use
- Black with red accent stripe colourway – Perfectly suits the elegance of the vehicle shape
- Convertible top in excellent condition
The exterior of the vehicle is in an above average condition for a used car of its age, there is no glaring damage or overly noticeable defects to mention. While there are a couple of light scratches, chips from the road, and wear marks where there are moving parts, these issues are nothing major to note, and are simply signs of the vehicle’s use. The paint is in excellent condition, in the original colours, and the brightwork is absolutely gleaming. It would be near impossible to miss this thing coming down the road…
The window glass is in good condition, rather tidy and with the small chips expected from normal use, but nothing larger than a pinpoint.
The light lenses are all crisp and clear, without any fogging. There’s a hairline crack noticed in the passenger’s headlight and driver’s taillight; these are quite small and require the viewer to be up close to catch, see photos.
The underside of the car is in great condition, with no visible signs of trouble, and in an overall cleanly state. We’ll let the photos talk here.
The original Alvis Hare mascot on the bonnet is an unexpected treat. The next year, Alvis’ mascot was changed to an eagle. The hare is in perfect condition and shines brightly. The other emblems and badges on the vehicle are all in near perfect condition as well, and really speak to the vehicle’s high standard of workmanship overall.
The original wheels are in excellent condition, with all spokes intact and with paintwork and brightwork shining elegantly. There are some paint chips visible, but overall, it is nothing that detracts from the vehicle. All centre caps are present and in above average condition.
The tyres are all showing good tread and are ready to put on the miles.
The Mechanics
- Servicing up to date
- Owner states it runs perfectly
- 2.2L 6 cylinder triple-carburettor engine still running strong
- Around 70hp and an advertised 85mph top speed
Hopping in this Alvis to drive to the photo location, we were pleasantly surprised by how the vehicle quickly sprang to life without hesitation. Not only that, but how smoothly it accelerated and decelerated. Anyone with a taste for truly vintage vehicles will tell you, this isn’t usually the case with these old-timers. This Alvis is something special. The current owner states he’s brought it up to about 50mph, and while this doesn’t sound particularly fast, it sure feels like it’s flying. It was advertised with an 85mph top speed, and the owner states that even at 50mph, there was certainly more room to push it faster.
The engine compartment is in a very clean and tidy state, with the stamped labels and instructional plaques all in easily readable condition. The mechanics are all clean and lubricated and are just asking to be used and enjoyed. There are no visible leaks when we saw it, but there was some oil on the underside of the sump. The Alvis is started on coil ignition and when running, is changed over to magneto.
The transmission is a 4-speed crash gearbox which is in perfect working order. A previous owner has fitted an overdrive which operates correctly. Another thing to note… the accelerator pedal is in the middle! Better set some time aside to get used to that before taking off in this one, but it does provide a truly unique driving experience that you’ll likely never forget.
The vehicle’s ride is smooth and predictable. The suspension is in great condition, with the leather protective boots all intact and showing little signs of wear.
Summary
This is a one-of-one car which offers a truly one-of-one driving experience. It demands attention, not just because it’s a true century-old classic automobile, but because of its unique styling and extremely rare body.
This could very well be, and most likely is, the only Cross & Ellis DHC in existence today. Not to mention, it is already restored to a high level based on the original build sheet, and is in full roadworthy condition, ready to take you for a ride you won’t soon forget.
This could very well be, and most likely is, the only Cross & Ellis DHC in existence today. Not to mention, it is already restored to a high level based on the original build sheet, and is in full roadworthy condition, ready to take you for a ride you won’t soon forget.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
