1932 Alvis 12/60

Beetleback Roadster
Coachwork: Carbodies
Chassis #: 9649
Engine #: 5775

Sold for $121,000 at 2015 Bonhams Amelia Island Auction.
The Alvis Company was founded by engineer T.G. John in 1919 when he purchased the rights to an automobile engine. Along with that purchase included the brand name of its aluminum pistons - 'Alvis.' The first Alvis was the 10/30hp and it made its appearance in 1920. It came powered by a four-cylinder, side-valve engine mated to a four-speed gearbox.

In the early 1920s, newly appointed Chief Engineer Captain G.T. Smith-Clark and Chief Designer W.M. Dunn created the 12/50. Under its bonnet was a new overhead-valve engine that displaced 1496cc. It made its competition debut at Brooklands in 1923 where it secured a victory in the premier 200-Mile event crewed by Harvey/Tattershall. The production version followed a year later and would remain in production until 1932, by which time its engine capacity had grown to 1645cc.

In 1931, Alvis introduced their 12/60hp which featured a raised compression ratio and twin carburetors.

This particular example is a 'Beetleback' Roadster that wears coachwork by Carbodies. It has a known history since the 1940s. Its owner since 1961 was I. M. Patel, who imported the car to Canada in 1988. The current owner acquired the car in 2006 and began a comprehensive restoration. The work included a bare metal re-spray in black and grey. The interior has been re-trimmed in red leather.

The 4-cylinder overhead valve engine displaces 1645cc and is fitted with dual SU carburetors. There is a 4-speed manual transmission and 4-wheel mechanical drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2015