1930 Alvis 12/50

Listed in ‘The Vintage Alvis’ by Hull and Johnson (1995), this 12/50 was originally a Carbodies saloon, confirmed on the bulkhead, as supplied new to Merlyn Motors, Bristol.

The Alvis Book and The Alvis Register record this TJ 12/50 as chassis 8457, dispatched on 23rd October 1930.

The new and attractive two-seater body with occasional seating by Jenkins was added, we understand, in 1977. The car is fitted with the well-known and accepted performance modification of twin carburettors and a close ratio gearbox.

The Alvis was purchased at a (Bonhams) auction in 2004, since when it has covered no more than 4,000 miles.

The car starts and runs but will need some light recommissioning to get it back to full, rude health and ready for adventures on the open road.
 

The car’s unusual Beetleback body and 2+2 configuration gives it something of a rakish, boat-tail look that seems perfectly suited to its proportions and stance.

The bodywork seems to be in really very decent condition, and we’ve seen no dents, dinks or creases of consequence anywhere.

The shut-lines and panel gaps are what you would hope and expect to find on a prestigious hand-built car and the car’s brightwork has survived the passage of time without succumbing to the ravages of foxing or pitting in any meaningful way.

The black paintwork has retained a decent amount of shine, but as this is no concours show-pony, there are scuffs, scratches, stone chips and paint cracks aplenty to be seen once you’ve got your eye in.

We’ve noticed that, since the 2004 auction, the car has gained twin red coachlines that run from the front grille along the flanks before sweeping around the Beetleback curves and descending towards the rear bumper.

We think they are a welcome addition and certainly serve to emphasise the car’s curvaceous lines.

Purists may beg to differ – we don’t know.

The hood goes up and down without too much trouble but it has seen better days and there is a tear in it.

The black-painted wire wheels look decent, but the tyres may be a little long in the tooth.

The car’s lights, lenses, badging and exterior fixtures and fittings are all pretty reasonable. 
 

Condition-wise, the interior is very much the equivalent of its exterior counterpart: it looks to be pretty original and authentic but it’s not perfect.

The red leather seats, front and back, have an attractive patina and some light creasing and signs of wear on the outer beading around the bolsters.

The car’s wooden floors are scuffed but feel solid, as do the running boards.

The hood lining is rather shabby, as is the boot space inside the Beetleback, which is currently full of sundry spare parts, tools, containers of various lubricants and fluids, and other detritus.

The steering wheel, other controls, dials, switches, levers and buttons are intact and, as far as we’re aware, fully functional.

There is an isolator switch between the front seats.
 

The engine looks to have everything in its right and proper place and the car’s undersides have given us no reason whatsoever to doubt the car’s structural integrity.

In the years between 2004 and now, the following work has been carried out.

•    New battery 3 years ago - hardly used
•    6mm machined off the cylinder head to increase compression, and the valves and seats re-cut
•    Gearbox rebuilt
•    New clutch and flywheel
•    Dynamo overhauled
•    SU carburettors rebuilt
•    Electric fuel pump overhauled
•    Engine damper replaced
•    Oil filter fitted (modification)
•    Electric radiator fan fitted (retro style)
•    Indicators fitted (retro style)
•    Extra brake light fitted (retro style)
•    Steering Box modified in accordance with the Alvis Club recommendations
•    Floor modified to suit longer legs.

Various service work was carried out by Red Triangle and Tim Walker amounting to £10,000.

There is a handful of reported issues that could be addressed as part of a light recommissioning of the car.

These include the following.

•    The rev counter is currently disconnected
•    The voltage regulator doesn't work, and there is a push/pull switch on the dash to turn the charge on or off
•    There is a clicking noise from the worn bush in the speedo drive. There is a used assembly in the parts bag that could be repaired and deployed
•    If the car is left for a long time (a couple of months) the fuel eventually evaporates and runs back to the tank - it then needs to be sucked through to the pump.

The car doesn’t currently come with a great deal of history (we will update the listing if and when that changes), but it is recorded in both the Alvis Book and the Alvis Register.

It comes with a recent, clear HPI report, a V5C, a set of keys, various old MoT certificates, copies of manuals and handbooks, and a copy of ‘The Vintage Alvis’ book.
 

Any Alvis 12/50 is a well-regarded and much sought-after model among vintage car aficionados.

This particular vehicle has the added benefit of having been rebodied with a highly distinctive Beetleback 2+2 configuration.

We think this charming survivor is just a few minor jobs away from regaining much of its considerable former glory.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £15,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.