Lot details Registration No: GG 4051 Chassis No: 8804 Mot Expiry: None
Introduced in August 1923, the 12/50 was responsible for placing Alvis firmly on the motor manufacturers' map. Relentlessly honed by chief engineer Capt. G T Smith Clarke, it went on to become one of the quintessential Vintage sports cars offering quite exceptional roadholding and performance for its class. Briefly discontinued in 1929 when Alvis placed all its eggs in the front-wheel drive basket (FWD FA - 8/15 models), it was hurriedly reintroduced during September 1930 as the 12/50TJ, a guise in which it is widely credited with saving the marque. Built around a super-strong 9' 4.5" wheelbase ladder-frame chassis, the 12/50TJ featured all round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, cable-operated drum brakes and a Marles box that gave notably direct, positive steering. Powered by a high-revving (4,500rpm limit) 1645cc OHV four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed (right-hand change) crash gearbox most variants were capable of some 75 - 80 mph.
Finished in dark blue with light blue leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. First registered in Glasgow (or so its number plate would imply), an accompanying buff logbook shows that 'GG 4051' began life as a saloon. Rebodied as a 'Beetleback' Sports Tourer prior to entering the current museum ownership in 1969, its distinctively shaped tail houses a dickey seat. While other pleasing features include subtly 'cut-away' doors, helmet wings, louvered chassis side rail covers and a wooden dashboard. Participating in a number of road runs and rallies when not on display, it rides on wire wheels and sports an Alvis hare mascot. A charming Post-Vintage Thoroughbred, this handsome 12/50 is offered for sale with somewhat scruffy weather equipment (hood, sidescreens etc) and sundry paperwork.
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