Lot details
Registration No: ERR 583
Chassis No: 15464
Mot Expiry: May 2009

Introduced in September 1937, the Alvis 12/70 was built to the same high standards as its more expensive six-cylinder brethren. Following an industry wide trend, the newcomer utilised a number of proprietary components including an Alford & Adler front axle, ENV rear axle, Marles steering and Bendix Cowdrey four-wheel drum brakes. Boxed both front and rear, its 8ft 10in wheelbase, ladder-frame chassis was notably light (and has thus long been sought after by special builders). A clean sheet design despite sharing the same bore and stroke dimensions (73mm x 110mm) as its Firebird predecessor, the 1842cc OHV four-cylinder engine employed a robust three-bearing crankshaft, single SU carburettor, one-piece cylinder block / crankcase casting and triplex chain-driven camshaft. Quoted as developing some 63bhp @ 4,000rpm, it was allied to four-speed manual transmission (complete with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears). Reputedly capable of 80mph and 25-30mpg, the 12/70 was typically bodied by Mulliner of Birmingham as either a four-door saloon or two-door drophead coupe. Though, London-based marque dealer Hugh Anderson also commissioned a tourer variant. Riding on conventional `knock on' wire wheels, the model remained in production until 1940 by which time some 776 are thought to have been made.

Finished in black over grey with dark green upholstery, this particular drophead coupe example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim and bodywork (while, he rates the paintwork as "fair"). Reportedly entering the current ownership during December 2001, `ERR 583' is since understood to have had its "back seat and side panel recovered". Sporting a wooden dashboard, bird of prey mascot, auxiliary driving lights, discretely fitted flashing indicators and piped carpets, this elegant four-seater Alvis is offered for sale with current MOT certificate and road fund licence.