Lot details
Registration No: TW 3090
Chassis No: 4363
Mot Expiry: Feb 2008

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 and is widely credited with saving the marque. Built around a super-strong 9ft 4.5in wheelbase platform chassis frame, the 12/50 TE featured all round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, cable-operated drum brakes and high-geared steering box. Powered by a torquey, free-revving 1645cc OHV four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed (right-hand change) crash gearbox most variants were capable of some 75 - 80 mph. Rugged, versatile and brimful of character, the 12/50 enjoys a special place in many enthusiasts’ hearts.
Finished in green over black with maroon leather upholstery, this particular example wears 2/3-seater touring coachwork by Cross & Ellis (its wide, three-place front bench being augmented by two extra pews in the dickey). Exhibiting a pleasing patina, 'TW 3090' is thought to have been maintained and repaired as necessary rather than ever having undergone extensive restoration. Entering the current Alvis aficionado ownership in 1994, the 12/50 has since been treated to two 'top-end' engine rebuilds (though, we are informed that the unit's 'bottom-end' would likely benefit from some attention in the next year or so), a replacement 3rd/4th gear selector fork (a known weak point) and the 2002 refurbishment of all four wings. Of Alvis manufacture and therefore not subject to the same fatigue cracks suffered by the Marles equivalent fitted to later cars, its steering box has also been recently overhauled. In the past few years, this sturdy and reliable car has competed in many VSCC rallies, driving tests and Inter-Register events. The most outstanding achievement has been to enter, and finish, Le Jog (the Lands End to John O'Groats Reliability Trial) no less than four times including three outings as part of the Marque winning Team - the Alvis Hares in 1995, 1996 and 1997.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle now comes with MOT until February 2008.