26th May, 2021 13:00

Imperial War Museum Duxford

 
Lot 74
 

1932 Alvis Firefly Tourer

Sold for £37,125

(including buyers premium)


Lot details

Registration No: KV 3382
Chassis No: 10250
MOT: Exempt

  • Restored in the 1980s with Cross & Ellis-style tourer coachwork
  • Featured in 'Alvis Firefly Twelve' by Simon Fisher
  • Treated to a new clutch and replacement J-type steering arm by its previous keeper
  • Current ownership since 2015

Introduced in September 1932, the Alvis Firefly was built to the same high standards as its more expensive brethren. Notably low-slung, it was based on a 'double-dropped' ladder frame chassis equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, friction dampers and four-wheel 14in drum brakes. Utilising a 9ft 10.5in wheelbase and 4ft 4in track, the model was praised by the contemporary motoring press for its ride/handling capabilities. Powered by a 1496cc OHV engine - essentially a four-cylinder version of that found in the legendary Speed 20 - allied to either four-speed manual or ENV pre-selector transmission, the Firefly was reputedly capable of 75mph. Available with a choice of saloon, tourer, or drophead coupe coachwork, it remained in production until 1935 by which time some 871 are thought to have been sold.

Despatched to Messrs John Thompson of Wolverhampton as a Carbodies Saloon on 21st December 1932, ‘KV 3382' is understood to have acquired a replacement Cross & Ellis Tourer body during the 1980s when its then-owner and his brother embarked upon a ‘chassis up' restoration. Treated to a replacement ‘J type’ steering arm in 2007 and a new clutch six years later by its previous keeper, the four-seater entered the current ownership during 2015. Featured in `Alvis Firefly Twelve' by Simon Fisher (p.28), ‘KV 3382' is finished in British Racing Green over Black with Red leather upholstery. This most handsome 'Post-Vintage Thoroughbred' from one of Britain’s premier sporting marques is offered for sale with a history file comprising current V5C, instruction book, and some past MOTs / tax discs.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452

 

Auction: Imperial War Museum Duxford, 26th May, 2021

AUCTION VENUE
Imperial War Museum
Duxford
Cambridgeshire
CB22 4QR

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AUCTION VIEWING

Tuesday 25th May from 12pm to 6pm
Wednesday 26th May 2021 from 9am

BUYERS PREMIUM
12.5% (plus VAT @ 20%)

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