Engineer T G John founded the Alvis company in 1919 when he acquired the rights to an automobile engine and with it the brand name of its aluminium pistons, 'Alvis'. Manufactured by T G John Ltd, the first Alvis car - the 10/30hp - appeared in 1920. Conventional yet well engineered, the four-cylinder, sidevalve-engined 10/30 was unusual among contemporary light cars in having a four-speed gearbox. Beginning in 1922 and using the 10/30 as a starting point, newly appointed Chief Engineer Captain G T Smith-Clarke and Chief Designer W M Dunn created the car that effectively established Alvis's reputation - the immortal 12/50. The latter was powered by a new overhead-valve engine of 1,460cc, and on its competition debut at Brooklands in 1923, secured a legendary victory in the premier 200-Mile event crewed by Harvey/Tattershall. Despite the enormous success of the 12/50 and its derivatives, Alvis switched to an all six-cylinder range in 1936 and would not offer another 'four' until the autumn of 1937, when the 12/70 was introduced for the 1938 season. Autocar remarked on the newcomer's smoothness of running, added refinement and lively performance from the rubber mounted 1,842cc engine, recording a highly respectable 81.82mph at Brooklands in their Hugh Anderson-bodied 12/70 tourer. The combination of the lightest pre-war Alvis chassis and the strongest engine made the 12/70 the basis of a numerous breed of racing specials, some more attractive than others. Production pre-war ran to over 750 cars.
This very attractive, well proportioned Alvis 12/70 Sports 'Special' has been built to a very high standard. Completed in 2005, it's lightweight 2 seater aluminium body and wings mounted on it’s refurbished and lightened chassis. Designed and built specifically for competing in hill climb, trials and other social sporting events, a period timing clock of Eastern European origin was installed. Having acquired it's VSCC papers in August 2006, it competed at that months Prescott hill climb. As far as we are aware it has not competed since. Fed by twin SU's it's original engine was comprehensively rebuilt in 2009, has covered a nominal mileage since, and is yet to be fully run in.
Included in sale, is a full tonneau cover, buff log book, ownership history, photographic record of build, sundry invoices, VSCC papers and the original production record.
VSCC Papers- twin carburettors- matching numbers
VSCC Papers- twin carburettors- matching numbers