Lot details
Registration No: UN 5645
Chassis No: 9629
Mot Expiry: June 2009

Many are the committed enthusiasts who could comfortably afford a more valuable vintage car than their 12/50 Alvis, but who find their needs amply satisfied by the many benefits that the model offers. Tough, reliable, and endowed with well above average performance yet with reasonable economy, the 12/50 also boasts good straightforward engineering and is supported by the most comprehensive technical information plus availability of a wide range of spares. Served both by the Alvis 12/50 Register (for cars up to and including 1932) and the Alvis Owner Club (any Alvis), 12/50 Alvis owners enjoy outstanding practical and social opportunities from each of these two first class organisations. The Alvis marque was launched shortly after the end of the Great War, offering a lively quality light car in the 1500cc class. The more discerning motorist was targeted, who placed quality and satisfaction before price. The first three side-valve-engined models lived up to that promise, but it was the engine redesign in 1923 to feature overhead valves that created the famous 12/50 model, an all-time classic.

The 12/50 evolved through various subtypes, and the company was ambitious enough not only to launch a successful six-cylinder model in 1927, of largely similar design and dimensions, but also introduced a supercharged front-wheel drive production model, directly developed from the firm's innovative racing cars. Such was their confidence that the 12/50 was dropped from the range at the 1929 Olympia Show, but the FWD proved to be a step too far and difficult market conditions saw production of the 12/50 recommence in September 1930. The `revival' 12/50 was designated the `TJ' type, and was closely related to its fore-runners. Only the larger longstroke engine option, (69 x 110mm, 1645ccs) was now specified, and a larger two-piece radiator was fitted. Minor changes included coil ignition replaced the former magneto. 1932 saw both the 12/50 and its twin-carburettor sports sibling, the 12/60 make their final bows.

Originally supplied with the firm's `Atlantic' sports saloon bodywork, this chassis has been "very thoroughly restored" and rebodied by the present owner with an accurate copy of the narrow sports tourer built by Messrs. Cross & Ellis and often fitted to 12/50s in the 1924-8 period (though, a modified version was available later too). During his 25 years of ownership, the vendor has covered some 18,000 miles in the car, which he variously describes as being in "good" (engine, transmission, interior trim, electrical equipment), "very good" (coachwork) and "mellow" (paintwork) condition. He also notes that the engine has been uprated with modern-style steel con-rods. The tourer's current MOT expires on June 19th 2009.