Sometimes evocations of earlier cars can be not quite right, with something about their proportions or the materials used. This is certainly not so here: this Alvis is a superbly well thought-out motorcar. It is based upon a TA 14 chassis, and the vendor tells us that ‘the formal Mulliner saloon body which had adorned the chassis had long since bio-degraded into some corner of a farmers field, likewise the Alvis TE21 from which the engine came’.
So the chassis was found to be the ideal candidate for a new body to be produced. This work was undertaken by the vendor, who had completed an apprenticeship in the aerospace industry, so applied these principles to the construction of the body. The result being the fabulous boat-tail body you see here.
The three-litre straight-six engine under the bonnet gives the car a good turn of speed, and is complemented by hydraulic disc brakes and a matching Alvis gearbox.
So if you’re looking for an accessible route into Vintage sporting Alvis ownership, this car certainly ticks plenty of boxes.
Black leather and engine-turned aluminium dashboard
Expertly crafted rear-hinged doors
When building the body for this Alvis, the vendor decided to include doors, rather than opting for the simpler option of a low, doorless body. This meant a huge amount of effort had to be invested in making sure the doors were made properly and fitted correctly, but the result is that you can enter and exit the car with graceful ease and it certainly looks good too.
Inside, the upholstery was expertly finished by a professional coach trimmer and it looks superbly well done. The hides are just starting to soften and take on a gentle patina, giving the car a warm, homely feel.
The dashboard is a pleasing, complementary combination of black leather and engine-turned aluminium. This sports a full set of matching Smiths instruments and Lucas pull switches. The Bakelite and chrome steering wheel is large and comfortable, and has the indicator switch at its centre.
To the rear, the boattail contains a small luggage compartment, which is more of a nod to style than practicality — a sentiment embodied throughout this car.
Weather protection is provided by a removable hood, which the vendor tells us is effective at keeping its occupants warm and dry, while a fitted tonneau cover provides extra protection for the car when parked.
Hand-built to a very high standard, using aircraft construction techniques
Well proportioned, with the radiator over the front axle
It’s clear that a huge amount of careful consideration has been lavished upon the design of this Alvis’s body. It is built to very much true to the style of a true 1930s open tourer, rather than an ill-proportioned replica. The vendor went to great lengths to ensure that the position of the radiator was correct, along with using vintage-proportioned wire wheels.
Sitting on an original 1948 chassis, the body was constructed using aircraft building methods, which the vendor learned as an aerospace engineer. It therefore features ribs, stringers, longerons and stressed skins, rather than more traditional ash-framed coach building techniques. The long, louvred bonnet (modified from a TA 21), raked windscreen, cycle wings and boat-tail rear end all add up to bake a car which is bot well proportioned and stylish.
Wire wheels were fitted, which finish the car off beautifully. The Grey Lady rear axle came ready to fit wire wheels, but the TA 14 front axle had to be adapted for this purpose with hubs specially commissioned by Orson Engineering. This considerable effort was clearly well worth it.
The bright yellow paint suits the car very well, ensuring that it will be noticed wherever it goes, and the chrome trim is in very good condition. There are ‘pen nib’ motifs throughout the trim which tie the aesthetics together nicely. Underneath there is a little surface corrosion, as you would expect to see on a car of this age, but no obvious damage that we could see. ZCpJ8nzPiFNeNHtvkFdKgetlOse859BUQBioXcWj.jpg391.02 KB
The Mechanics
Three-litre Alvis TE 21 six-cylinder engine
Disc brakes
Leaf-sprung front suspension
The original drum brake assemblies will be included in the sale should the buyer wish to retro fit them.
Powered by a beautiful six-cylinder engine from an Alvis TE 21, the vendor informs us that a stereo system is not necessary with the symphonic thrum of the motor providing the perfect soundtrack to any drive.
Lifting the bonnet reveals this beautifully engineered unit, with its twin carburettors proudly on display. This gives the car a superb turn of speed, while remaining true to the car’s identity as a sporting Alvis.
Hydraulic braking and clutch systems are an advancement from the car’s original mechanical rod systems, and the front disc brakes allow the car to be driven with confidence. vuyUXNFI4w1qviyujsOVu4iJQhq1cTCr40rTk36a.jpg401.63 KB
Summary
In all, this is a superbly well crafted example of an Alvis ‘Special’. It is an exercise in the honourable art of coach building and improving upon an original design. It is pleasing to note that no original bodies were harmed in its production and that considerable thought and effort has been expended to ensure that it looks right. This is a car you will be proud to be seen in.
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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