One of the last 12/50 TJs, featuring a 1645 cc OHV engine with coil ignition
Converted from a four-door Atlantic body to its present Duck Tail open tourer specification in 1968
Extensive engine rebuild carried out in 2019 by Alvis specialist Just Classics
Equipped with wet weather equipment consisting of a full hood with side screens as well as a tonneau cover
Presented in fantastic condition inside and out, with just the right level of patina
The Appeal
Revered for its sprightly performance and enviable reliability, the innovative 12/50 was the car that really put Alvis on the map. With a thoroughly modern overhead valve engine and a range of body styles to suit every customer, the 12/50 remained in production through various iterations between 1923 and 1932. Here we have a rebodied late TJ example, dating from 1932.
Originally equipped with Atlantic four-door coachwork, this Alvis was subsequently rebodied in a style reminiscent of the Carbodies “duck’s back” models in 1968. It has since accrued a charming patina and so the bodywork now feels as vintage as the chassis. In 2019, the engine was entrusted to Alvis specialist Just Classics who carried out a comprehensive rebuild. As a result, the car is said to drive wonderfully, with ample performance and no faults to report.
If you’re looking for a suitably sporting open vintage car, we can strongly recommend this attractive and well sorted 12/50
The History and Paperwork
Retains its original registration number
Converted from a four-door Atlantic body to its present Duck Tail open tourer specification in 1968
Registered with the VSCC during the 1990s
Detailed history file containing technical information from previous owners as well as various invoices and old MOT certificates
Invoice for the 2019 engine rebuild present and amounting to £6,857.27
Exempt from MOT testing and road tax
The Interior
Delightfully patinated leather upholstery
Seating for four - although those in the rear are best suited to smaller passengers
Period correct instrumentation
Open topped and with the option of aero screens, this Alvis feels very sporting from the cockpit and we really enjoy the patina that’s been accrued over the years. The leather upholstery has worn in beautifully, with some cracking and fading but nothing we’d term excessive.
The dashboard has a great aged look and we love all the period instrumentation and switchgear. The steering wheel, levers and pedals have weathered nicely too, and so feel great in operation. Rubber matting lines the floors and proves practical should you be caught in a shower with the roof down. We like the contrasting red leather on the door cards and note it to be in really good condition.
The Exterior
Fabric bodied duck tail coachwork fitted in 1968
Aluminium bonnet with louvres
Leather trunk for luggage situated at the rear and a wooden box flanks the driver’s door
Equipped with wet weather equipment consisting of a full hood with side screens as well as a tonneau cover
Full windscreen with electric wipers which lowers in order to use the individual aero screens
We adore the way this Alvis looks. With its roof and full windscreen lowered, it takes on a sporting and rakish appearance. Raising these transforms it into a practical tourer and the car looks great in both configurations.
The fabric covered bodywork looks really smart, with no major blemishes or any tears we could make out. We enjoy how it is offset by the bright aluminium bonnet and similarly sporting red wire wheels. The paintwork on the wheels, fenders and chassis presents well, with no obvious signs of corrosion.
There’s some attractive age to the convertible hood and tonneau cover and the vendor demonstrates that both work well. All the lights including the central foglamp appear in good order, as does the brightwork.
The Mechanics
1645 cc four cylinder OHV engine
Four-speed non-synchromesh manual gearbox
The engine was rebuilt in 2019 which included the replacement of the pistons, connecting rods and valves
Holding its fluids, running well and driving brilliantly
The vendor remarks that this Alvis is wonderful to drive. The body that’s now fitted is much lighter than the car’s original coachwork, so there’s plenty of performance to use from that powerful 1645 cc four cylinder OHV engine.
In 2019, it was entrusted to Alvis specialist Just Classics who set about rebuilding the engine. The work was very extensive, including the replacement of a number of key components. As a result, it apparently holds its fluids and runs beautifully. The gearbox operates as it should and the brakes are said to be in good working order. At the same time as the engine rebuild, the remainder of the mechanicals and electrics were serviced and so the vendor reports that the car is in rude health overall.
Summary
Here we have an attractive and incredibly usable vintage Alvis.
With charming bodywork, pleasing patina and healthy mechanicals, this 12/50 TJ is ready to be enjoyed and we're sure it will embark on many more adventures.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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