Lot Ended
Description
Just three
owners since 1972, the current for 26 years; only 3,000 miles since full engine
rebuild; well-maintained and in regular use; twin SU carb upgrade; Cross &
Ellis body; older restoration with bags of character
Alvis launched
its immortal 12/50 in 1923. This car was to build the reputation of the firm,
for it delivered extreme reliability, performance way beyond what would be
expected of a 50bhp car (thanks to its light weight), quality construction and a
feeling of ‘oneness’ way in excess of the sum of its parts. Clutton and Stanford
in their staple ‘The Vintage Motor Car’ said of the 12/50: “We cannot but
consider it one of the classic designs of the time, and it remains of all
Vintage sports cars the one which needs the least apology”.
The 12/50
developed through a bewildering number of series, each one carrying a range of
attractive coachwork. The most famous are, of course, the ‘Ducksback’ and later
the ‘Beetleback’ three-seaters, but for those requiring more space, Cross &
Ellis produced a most elegant four-seat tourer (as here).
The TJ was
produced from 1931 – 1932 with a 1,645cc four-cylinder OHV engine featuring a
harmonic balancer on the crankshaft and coil ignition. It had a four-speed ‘box
and four-wheel brakes, lower springs and a significantly taller radiator making
for a taller bonnet and bodywork.
First registered in Gloucestershire in
December 1931, this 12/50 TJ Four-Seat Tourer has had just three owners since
1972. Our vendor acquired the car in 1998 from a Mr MJ Ridley who had previously
owned the car from 1972 – 1974. Correspondence on file states that he had
rebuilt the car mechanically and then used it as everyday transport and for
racing and rallying in VSCC events, winning both the AOC Midland Trophy and the
Martin Smith Trophy in 1972. He then bought the car back in 1997 and once again
restored her as required (invoices on file).
Our vendor has used the car
regularly, covering some 7,500 miles in the last 20 years alone, according to
the MOT history, including a round trip from Lewes to Prescott, a journey of
over 300 miles. He has largely maintained the car himself but is fortunate
enough to live only 15 miles away from 12/50 guru Micky Radford who has provided
invaluable technical assistance over the years. There are many invoices and much
correspondence on file to show regular upkeep.
Early in his ownership the
car received a new wiring loom, rebuilt dash instruments, rebuilt rear leaf
springs and new leather spring gaiters to keep them in good shape. It was also
fitted with twin SU carbs, like the 12/60 model, which give a useful boost in
performance compared to the standard single carb set-up.
In 2007,
following a breakdown caused by a broken con rod (a 12/50 weakness), the car was
sent to Tony Leech of Caleng Ltd in Rugby to be fixed. As is the way with old
cars, one thing soon led to another and it ended up having a complete engine
rebuild with new pistons, liners, Phoenix con rods, crank journals, Reece
camshaft, valve guides, hardened exhaust valve inserts etc.
The
crankshaft, flywheel and clutch housing were all dynamically balanced. The carbs
were also rebuilt along with the clutch, dynamo, distributor, starter motor,
steering draglink and Marles steering box, the bill for this lot coming to
£8,985. The car has only covered around 3,000 miles since.
In 2014 it
received a new black mohair tonneau and hood bag. The hood and all six
sidescreens are also present and in serviceable condition. A spare wheel and
some spare brake drums and shoes are also included. Besides all the invoices,
the large history file also contains the current V5C plus older V5 and green
logbook from 1972, FIVA papers issued in 1997 plus a box full of useful manuals,
Alvis books and technical literature.
Although the car has been used less
frequently in recent years due to the vendor’s advancing years, it has been
started and run regularly. It has been starting easily and running well as we
have moved it around on site, with healthy oil pressure – as you would expect
from a rebuilt engine with so few miles on it.
As you can see in the
photos, it looks generally very presentable with a nicely mellowed air, although
the paintwork would benefit from some localised attention here and there.
Altogether a well-cared-for Alvis, from long-term ownership, with bags of
character which is ready for new adventures…
For more information
contact James on 07970 309907 or email [email protected]