18th Oct, 2006 0:00
Kempton Park Racecourse
1933 Alvis Firefly Two Seater With Dickey
Sold for £9,000
(including buyers premium)
Registration No: WD 6135
Chassis No: 14868
Mot Expiry: April 2007
Introduced in September 1932, the Alvis Firefly was built to the same high standards as its more expensive brethren. Notably low-slung, it was based on a 'double-dropped' ladder frame chassis equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, friction dampers and four-wheel 14in drum brakes. Utilising a 9ft 10.5in wheelbase and 4ft 4in track, the model was praised by the contemporary motoring pressing for its ride / handling capabilities. Powered by a 1496cc OHV engine - essentially a four-cylinder version of that found in the legendary Speed 20 - allied to either four-speed manual or ENV pre-selector transmission, the Firefly was reputedly capable of 75mph. Available with a choice of saloon, tourer or drophead coupe coachwork, it remained in production until 1935 by which time some 904 are thought to have been sold.
Finished in green over black with tan leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "fair" (paintwork), "good" (bodywork), "very good" (wheels / tyres, electrical equipment) or "excellent" (1479cc engine, four-speed 'crash' manual gearbox, interior trim, chassis) condition. Supplied new in Warwickshire (or so its registration number would imply), 'WD 6135' is understood to have begun life as a drophead coupe by Cross & Ellis. Converted into a two-seater plus dickey special at some later date by person or persons unknown, it is thought to retain its original coachwork as far as the bulkhead. Said to be "mechanically excellent", the Alvis apparently benefits from "a new battery, fresh stainless steel exhaust and overhauled radiator". Sporting a smart black mohair hood but somewhat scruffy sidescreens, it is summed-up by the seller as "a very reliable good fun car" that is "a challenge to drive". Riding on wire wheels and supping on unleaded fuel, this sporting Firefly Special is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until April 2007 and historic class (free) road tax until August 2007.
Auction: Kempton Park Racecourse, 18th Oct, 2006
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
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