Registration: ERR 583
Chassis: 154464
Odometer: 20,213
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt

• 1 of 150 bodied as a Drophead Coupe by Mulliners of Birmingham
• Only 4 former keepers on the V5c registration document
• Supplied with a Green logbook, an array of older invoices (Red Triangle), and previous MOT certificates
• Ripe for light restoration and recommissioning

Alvis cars have always had something special about them. The firm’s ability to produce a car far greater than the sum of its parts started with the immortal 12/50 and carried through to their final model, the fast and elegant TF21, the last of which left the Coventry factory in 1967.

Engineering integrity, powerful and reliable engines, low chassis stance and excellent choice of coachbuilders were all critical factors in establishing the Alvis reputation for making sporting grand tourers.

The superb 12/50 was tweaked into the 12/60, which in turn was facelifted into the Firefly with its synchromesh gearbox. A much-needed increase in engine capacity to 1,842cc increased output to 62.5bhp in the subsequent Firebird model which kept performance up to scratch, despite ever heavier coachwork taking its toll on the traditional sprightly Alvis performance. By September 1937, George Lanchester had significantly reworked the whole car, the resultant 12/70 model becoming one of Alvis’ most successful models, 776 finding buyers before war broke out.

Good for 80mph and up to 26mpg in normal use, it continued in production in 1946 as the 14hp, a model which served the company well with nearly 3,450 leaving the factory before they focussed on larger engined models after 1951.

Most 12/70s were bodied by Mulliner and this fine looking DHC is no exception. This example does start, run, and drive but will require a degree of recommissioning to become roadworthy. It is believed that this Alvis has been stood since July 2024. This is a rewarding light restoration project, with some cosmetic attention in the interior, and is a perfect opportunity to use and improve.