Lot details
Registration No: BF 5830
Chassis No: 3175
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- 1 of just 6 Kirkham bodied Alvis 12/40 cars known to have survived

- Supplied new to Mr Boyce, a Sydney-based Real Estate broker

- Known as 'Ally' and restored in the 1980s

- Repatriated to the UK in 2011 and currently part of a small Alvis collection

- A perfect way to celebrate the marque's centenary next year

Introduced in 1923, the Alvis 12/40 was an evolution of the marque's previous 10/30 and 11/40 models. Utilising a ladder frame chassis equipped with semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and rear wheel brakes, the newcomer cradled its 1598cc four-cylinder sidevalve engine and four-speed manual gearbox in a subframe (an engineering nicety that many rivals did without). Available with a selection of open and closed coachwork, soft-top versions were reputedly capable of 70mph and achieved numerous competition successes. Overshadowed by the 12/50, surviving 12/40s are few and far between today.

Dispatched from the Works on 29th July 1924, chassis 3175 was bodied as a Four-Seater Tourer by Chas Kirkham of Petersham, Sydney and indeed is reportedly one of just six such cars known to have survived. According to email correspondence on file, the Alvis was first owned by Mr Boyce, a Drummoyne Sydney-based real estate broker, before passing to John Claude Coles in whose family it remained until circa 1980. Consigned to auction by Jack Coles, the 12/40 was substantially complete but dilapidated when Australian Alvis Owners' Club member Fred Heming bought it. Christened `Ally' shortly thereafter, the Kirkham-bodied Tourer was sold to Mr Heming's friend Rob Simpson a couple of years later who promptly set about an extensive restoration. Completely stripped with new wood framing and metal being added as necessary, the Alvis was also mechanically overhauled. Used by Mr Simpson to tour all the Eastern States as well as South Australia and Tasmania, the 12/40 had its engine rejuvenated again prior to being repatriated to the UK during 2011. Currently part of a small marque collection, `BF 5830' has had attention paid to its carburettor (the float for which is engraved `Ally'), magneto and rear brakes by the vendor. Starting readily upon inspection and riding on fresh Excelsior tyres, this rare and handsome 12/40 would be a great car in which to celebrate the Centenary of Alvis next year.