Lot details Registration No: EML 461 Chassis No: 13167 Mot Expiry: July 2011
"The general appearance suggests a real thoroughbred . . . this car is capable of a truly remarkable performance, but the manner in which this is achieved makes the Alvis doubly likeable. The independent front suspension and one of the most satisfactory steering systems which we have yet encountered make road holding particularly good . . . The all-synchromesh gearbox plays a very big part in the high averages which are so readily achieved with this car . . . the six-cylinder engine shows itself to be most docile at low speeds . . . Owing to the high top gear the engine spends a great deal of its life at speeds well below its peak. Consequently there is a material absence of noise or vibration; experience shows that a 300 mile journey is no more tiring than when undertaken in a first-class railway compartment" (The Motor, June 23rd 1938)
Unveiled in August 1936, the 4.3 Litre was the undoubted flagship of Alvis' pre-WW2 range. Based on a sturdy, cruciform-braced ladder-frame chassis equipped with independent transverse-leaf front suspension and a well-located `live' rear axle, the newcomer also boasted driver-controlled Luvax shock absorbers, Marles cam-and-roller steering and Clayton Dewandre servo-assisted drum brakes. An enlarged version of that found in the Speed 25, its 4387cc OHV straight-six engine featured a seven-bearing crankshaft, alloy crankcase / sump, cast-iron cylinder block / head, triple SU carburettors and cluster valve springs (nine per valve making for 108 in total). Credited with developing some 137bhp and 175lbft of torque, this potent unit was allied to the marque's famous all-synchromesh, four-speed manual transmission. Reputedly faster than the equivalent Lagonda V12 and Bentley 4.25 Litre both in terms of acceleration and top speed, the Alvis 4.3 Litre was judged something of a `supercar' in period. Available with a choice of 10ft 7in or 10ft 4in wheelbases and in a variety of open and closed guises, it remained in production until 1940 by which time some 166 are thought to have been made (though, some sources suggest the figure was 183 or 198 cars).
Beginning life as a four-door saloon sat on the 10ft 7in wheelbase, this particular example was extensively restored / reconfigured by renowned marque expert, Comptons of Welshpool, during the early 1990s. In addition to a thorough chassis overhaul, the Alvis was rebodied as a four-door, five-seater tourer. Since entering the current ownership three years ago, 'EML 461' has further benefited from the refurbishment of its back axle complete with new crown wheel and pinion (December 2009) and the installation of a replacement but correct type 4.3 litre engine. Entrusted to North of England Alvis specialist MCI Developments, the latter work comprised a full strip down / reassembly and was only completed in June 2010. Finished in Old English White over Red with Red leather upholstery and Grey carpets, the generously appointed tourer is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its bodywork, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment and interior trim (while, he rates the paintwork as "good" except for "a couple of small areas"). Riding on black painted wire wheels, the five-seater's appearance is augmented by full-length running boards, twin side-mounted spare wheels, auxiliary driving lamps and a folding windscreen. Boasting a hood, hood bag, tonneau and sidescreens, this well executed 4.3 Litre tourer is offered for sale with current MOT certificate and historic class (free) road tax valid until June 2011.
As marque enthusiasts will know, Red Triangle has recently announced its attention to build a series of brand new 'continuation' 4.3 Litre Short Chassis Vanden Plas style Tourers with an asking price of £170,000. It could be argued that by comparison 'EML 461' represents remarkably good value.
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has a current MOT expiring July 2011.
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