Lot details Registration No: ABT 322 Chassis No: 14315 Mot Expiry: May 2012
"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).
Like the vast majority of its siblings, this particular example - chassis number 14315 - was constructed on the 10ft 7in wheelbase. Bodied as a saloon by Charlesworth, one of Alvis's preferred coachbuilders, the 4.3 Litre was issued with the registration number `ABT 322' on June 4th 1937. Despatched to Messrs Thompson Ltd of Hull three days later, its first owner was Harold Hall Esq. of Walkington Hall, Walkington, near Beverley. Thereafter the car is known to have passed through the hands of C. Olivant Esq., R. Harvey Esq., S.V. Restorations and W.E. Young Esq. Still wearing its original saloon body by the time it entered the current family ownership, the Alvis nonetheless required total restoration. Stripped back to a bare chassis, it was given a very thorough mechanical overhaul which included the fitting of a refurbished front axle (new king pins etc), reconditioned gearbox (new internals etc), re-cored radiator, rejuvenated back axle, new clutch and fresh wiring loom etc. Using the crankcase from another 4.3 Litre engine (number 14206) as its basis, the replacement straight-six was treated to a new cylinder block, new cylinder head, new water pump, re-metalled bearings, new pistons and refurbished carburettors etc. As the project progressed the inspired decision was taken to commission renowned coachbuilders I. Wilkinson & Son of Derby to rebody the car using a period Vanden Plas design. Among a number of proposals submitted to Alvis by the famous London coachbuilder, it was arguably more rakish than that which graced the fabled 4.3 Litre Short Chassis Tourers.
Although far from universal the use of metallic paint was well established by the late 1930s. The stunning Aubergine hue which adorns `ABT 322' is thus not necessarily anachronistic and does justice to the supremely stylish two-seater's fold-flat windscreen, concealed hood, pontoon wings and cut-away doors. Trimmed with blue-grey leather upholstery, the inviting interior also boasts an engine-turned metal dashboard. Riding on silver-painted wire wheels and sporting recently re-plated brightwork, the 4.3 Litre is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. Part of a private collection but sparingly used since its completion eight years ago, the Alvis has the makings of a rewarding long distance tourer. Seemingly much admired wherever it goes, `ABT 322' is among the handsomest 1930s cars we have had the pleasure of offering. Worthy of close inspection, it is accompanied by a MOT certificate valid until May 2012, historic class (free) road fund licence valid until March 2012 and history file.
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