Lot details
Registration No: CXE 184
Chassis No: 13520
Mot Expiry: Aug 2013

Introduced in 1935, the Alvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 shared a number of design features with the marque's legendary Speed 20 SA model. Based - like its illustrious sibling - around a double-dropped ladder-frame chassis equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and fourteen-inch cable-operated drum brakes, it was powered by a smaller capacity version (2362cc vs. 2511cc) of the same triple SU carburettor fed OHV straight-six engine. Employing a shorter wheelbase than its sportier forebear, the Silver Eagle SG had the further advantage of an all synchromesh four-speed manual gearbox. Available with a choice of open or closed coachwork by the likes of Cross & Ellis and Holbrook, the Silver Eagle SG was a strong yet refined performer in the best traditions of the Coventry manufacturer.

According to its accompanying Alvis Car Record Sheet, this particular example - Car Number 18070 - was clothed with Cross & Ellis Drophead Coupe coachwork (body number 1385) before being despatched to marque distributor Messrs Follett Ltd of London on April 6th 1936. Initially Birch Grey, it is now finished in Green over Black with Fawn leather upholstery. Pleasingly retaining its original brass identity plate, the Silver Eagle has been upgraded from 16.95hp to 19.8hp power at some stage; the larger engine currently installed being of the same type used by the contemporaneous Speed 20 model. Paperwork on file indicates that the Alvis has passed through the hands of Lt. Col. Salter, Mr. C. Pendlebury, Mr. R. Robinson, Mr. P Henchoz, Mr. M Elder and Mr D. Griffiths.

Since entering the current ownership in 2008, the Drophead Coupe has undergone a series of improvements. Entrusted to renowned specialists Red Triangle for circa £10,000 worth of work in 2008/09, the Alvis had attention paid to its engine, brakes (new cables), electrical system (flashing indicators added) and crown wheel and pinion (uprated to 4.5:1). The Silver Eagle's cruising ability was further enhanced in February 2010 when Auto Classico Ltd fitted an overdrive complete with shortened propshaft and carried out some fuel tank repairs; the relevant bills totalling some £3,000. Thereafter Tim Walker Restorations Ltd were responsible for refurbishing the triple SU carburettors, relining the front brakes and overhauling the steering box among other jobs at a cost of around £2,800.

Benefiting from a negative earth conversion and boasting a reconditioned electronic ignition distributor, the car had its inlet manifold removed and skimmed before being refitted with a new gasket as recently as October 2012. An elegant and usable Post Vintage Thoroughbred that has been treated to numerous sympathetic enhancements, 'CXE 184' is offered for sale with history file and MOT certificate valid until August 2013.