Highlights

Rare example with only 229 models produced
Features sports tourer bodywork by Cross & Ellis
Full restoration completed between 1992 and 2002
Extensive mechanical upgrades and maintenance
Previously toured Europe, showcasing its reliability

The Appeal

Manufactured only between 1931 and 1932, the Alvis TL 12/60 is a rare and much-loved pre-war model. Just 229 models were ever produced meaning few exist on the roads today and this particular car has to be one of the best around thanks to the thorough maintenance it has received.

It is later iteration, built towards the end of 1932 and features excellent sports tourer bodywork by Cross & Ellis. Thanks to a greater restoration process around 22 years ago, the ivory white paint decorating this stunning body is in fantastic condition and the rest of the car follows the trend.

Mechanically, it has undergone minor upgrades focusing on the engine’s internals, allowing the car to run just as it should. The previous owner has taken it on tours of Europe. Sun out, top down motoring is what this exquisite piece of automotive history is all about.

With rich documentation and a fantastic condition, this particular Alvis TL 12/60 is a great example. It features a number of engine upgrades improving its usability. While stunning bodywork by coach builders, Cross & Ellis coupled with a daring colour combination certainly do well to catch the eye.

The History & Paperwork

First registered 1932
Potentially first owned by the Alvis director
Paperwork documents 14 previous keepers
Extensive work carried out in the car’s later life
Full restoration between 1992 and 2002
Thorough mechanical work done from 2003
Current owner since 2023; the previous owner acquired the car in 2002
Previous owner used to tour Europe
Reluctant sale as the vendor's health has deteriorated
The car is SORN and stored in the vendor's garage

The Condition

Cross & Ellis coach built Sports Tourer body
Excellent chrome work
Gorgeous red interior
Intricate instrument cluster for the time
Very good overall condition

Featuring styling from coach builders, Cross & Ellis, this Sports Tourer is certainly a looker. A long Bonnet is Flanked by curvaceous wings, all of which leads to the main cabin of the car. This quintessential look defines the pre-war era of automobile and this particular example most definitely shows off the best of its time.

Stunning Ivory white paint looks to be in good condition is contrasted by the cherry red wheels. They too look to be in good shape and are complimented by a seemingly fresh set of Firestone tyres.

Chrome pieces on the front, including the large grille and round headlights seem to shine as they should, and several badges are proudly displayed front and centre. Towards the rear end, the tail light and the bumper assembly features some slight patina.

Barre some creasing in places, the soft top hood looks to be in good shape. It also comes with a set of windows to be fitted if needed.

Underneath, the ladder frame chassis as well as some of the mechanical parts are showing small signs of surface corrosion in places. This is most visible on the chassis around the battery and throughout the leaf springs. Though as a whole, this car certainly looks well taken care of.

Getting inside this beautiful 1932 Alvis TL 12/60 is certainly like stepping back in time. The crafted wood dash and simplistic steering wheel are just some of the charming elements to be found in this cabin.

The colour red dominates throughout with excellent carpets as well as leather seats that catch the eye. Bar some creasing in the front lower sections, they too seem to be in good shape. In fact, this car was subject to a full restoration no more than 22 years ago with a lot of work done to the interior. As a result, nothing more than touches of attractive patina decorate this car.

Lodged within the elegantly sculpted dashboard is the surprisingly advanced for its time, instrument cluster. This features a standard clock and speedometer, but also a rev counter as well as pressure and temperature gauges for oil and coolant respectively.

In its full upright position, the roof’s headlining to be in good condition and provides a nice contrast to the rest of the bright red interior. Towards the back, a small boot offers a modest amount of storage space all the while allowing to the underside of the car.

The Mechanics

1,645cc straight-four engine
Many upgraded engine parts
Frequently serviced vehicle, reportedly works as it should

Under the bonnet of this sporty TL Alvis sits a dainty, twin carb 1645cc four-cylinder engine reportedly capable of 54hp when new.

This particular motor has been upgraded. In recent years, the previous owner has fitted it with a Phoenix crankshaft and rods, an alloy flywheel, a new cylinder head and a total gearbox overhaul.

Throughout its life, this car has been very well maintained. Its mileage has long been tracked meticulously, it has received regular servicing and work has been carried out when needed. Furthermore, the engine bay itself looks to be in great condition. As a result, the previous owner we're informed that it runs as it should. The car has been previously taken on tours of Italy and France.

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