c.1938 Alvis 12/70 Drophead Coupé
No Reserve – Entered from the Alyth Collection

Registration No: Un-Registered
Chassis No: Not visible
MOT: Exempt

• Entered from the Alyth Collection, a collection of motor cars kept in storage in Scotland for over 30 years
• A worthwhile and relatively complete project

Introduced in September, 1937, the Alvis 12/70 was built to the same high standards as its more expensive six-cylinder brethren. Following an industry wide trend, the newcomer utilised a number of proprietary components including an Alford & Adler front axle, ENV rear axle, Marles steering and Bendix Cowdrey four-wheel drum brakes. Boxed both front and rear, its 8ft. 10in. wheelbase, ladder-frame chassis was notably light. A clean sheet design despite sharing the same bore and stroke dimensions (73mm by 110mm) as its Firebird predecessor, the 1,842cc OHV four-cylinder engine employed a robust three-bearing crankshaft, single SU carburettor, one-piece cylinder block and crankcase casting, and triplex chain-driven camshaft. Quoted as developing some 63bhp at 4,000rpm, it was allied to four-speed manual transmission (complete with synchromesh on second, third and fourth gears). Reputedly capable of 80mph and 25-30mpg, the 12/70 was typically bodied by Mulliners of Birmingham as either a four-door saloon or two-door drophead coupé, but London-based marque dealer Hugh Anderson also commissioned a tourer variant. Riding on conventional `knock-on' wire wheels, the model remained in production until 1940, by which time some 776 are thought to have been made. Just 150 12/70s were bodied in Drophead Coupé format.

Nothing is known of the history of this 12/70, except that it was acquired some thirty years ago or more for the Alyth Collection, where it has resided primarily in the company of Rolls-Royces and Bentleys. Although presented as a major restoration project and in a partially dismantled state, most of the panels look to be in a saveable condition and we have no doubt that, with a bit of time and effort, the chassis and drivetrain could be returned to roadworthiness.

Considering the Mulliners Drophead Coupé body is such a rare thing, with only 150 made and a small handful surviving, we would strongly advocate for this car being restored rather than relegated to being a spares donor. While there may be some interest in turning it into a special, we would point out that many clubs including the Vintage Sports-Car Club are increasingly denying eligibility to specials which have been made by discarding original coachwork. Instead, we would encourage prospective special-builders to bid for one of the two Alvis TA14 bare chassis also offered at no reserve from the Alyth Collection.

There is no paperwork with this lot.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430