1948 Alvis 2.5 Litre Special

Lot details
Registration No: GSP 100
Chassis No: 22332
Mot Expiry: June 2017

- Handbuilt over a 3.5 year period and among the nicest Specials we have encountered

- Alvis TA14 chassis, Triumph 2.5 litre engine, 4-speed manual / overdrive gearbox

- Bespoke aluminium body, ash frame, alternator, halogen headlights, heated seats, aeronautical switchgear

Supplied new to Squadron Leader W.J. Gear MBE, 'GSP 100' began life as an Alvis TA14. A long time attendee at Vintage Sports Car Club events and with thirty-five years' motor industry experience to his credit, the vendor became the car's sixth keeper during April 2010. Keen to create a homage to the distinctive boat-tailed two-seater grand prix cars of the 1920s such as the Alfa Romeo P2 and Bugatti Type 35, he set about completely transforming the Alvis over the next three and a half years. Already bereft of its bodywork, the TA14 was stripped to a bare chassis (which was found to be true when jig checked) before being fitted with a notably handsome two-seater aluminium over ash body. The latter was beautifully crafted by Pete Southan who was one of the team responsible for resurrecting the ex-Lindner / Nocker Low Drag Lightweight E-type. Determined to improve the car's performance the vendor installed a refurbished Triumph six-cylinder engine and four-speed manual plus overdrive gearbox. The 2498cc unit has been altered to disguise its c.1960s origins but the original Alvis 1892cc four-cylinder powerplant and transmission come with the car should a new owner wish to re-instate them. Other enhancements to the Special's usability include an alternator, immobiliser, heated seats and halogen headlights. Sporting an aeronautical ignition switch, large diameter rev counter and assorted warning lights, the polished aluminium dashboard is complemented by a bespoke detachable wood-rimmed steering wheel and Navy Blue tonneau cover. A useful luggage / tool cubby exists behind the seats and the car has completed some 1,000 'shakedown' miles including a trip up the Shelsey Walsh hillclimb course in May 2014. Only offered for sale to fund another project, 'GSP 100' is among the nicest Specials we have encountered. Correctly registered with the DVLA, it comes with a comprehensive build file.