Lot 026: 1934 ALVIS SILVER EAGLE S.F. SPECIAL

Introduced in 1934, the Alvis Silver Eagle SF shared a number of design features with the marque's legendary Speed 20 SA model. Based - like its illustrious sibling - around a double-dropped ladder-frame chassis equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and fourteen-inch cable-operated drum brakes, it was powered by a smaller capacity version (2148cc vs. 2511cc) of the same triple SU carburettor fed OHV straight-six engine. Employing a shorter wheelbase than its nominally faster forebear, the Silver Eagle SF had the further advantage of an all synchromesh four-speed manual gearbox. According to its copy build sheet, chassis number 11429 (car number 16363) was dispatched by the works on 28th April 1934 to J. H. Galt Ltd of Glasgow (hence the Glaswegian 'US' series number plate). Originally fitted with sports saloon coachwork by Cross & Ellis, it was transformed into an open tourer by Comptons of Welshpool during the 1980s. Fabricated using aluminium over ash with a fabric covering from the bulkhead back, its four-seater body is trimmed in brown leather with matching carpets and black double duck weather equipment (hood, sidescreens, tonneau, hood cover etc). Upgraded with a 2762cc powerplant (taken from a 1939 Alvis Crested Eagle 19.82) as part of the Comptons conversion, it has been in the current ownership since March 1999. Said to be a "comfortable and capable performer quite able to keep up with modern traffic conditions", the Silver Eagle "successfully completed Alvis tours in the USA 2000 and New Zealand 2003, involving distances of approximately 3,000 miles on each tour". Treated to a new higher ratio (4.1:1) diff unit, cylinder head overhaul (complete with specialist valve / seat machining) and re-honed bores / fresh pistons rings prior to its Antipodean expedition, we understand that the Alvis has also benefited from a rebuilt dynamo, rejuvenated water pump, fresh fabric drive couplings / batteries, relined brakes, new solid state SU fuel pump and refurbished triple SU carburettors (seals, spindles, butterflies, balance tube etc). Reportedly "rolling road tuned with carburettors balanced, mixtures and ignition timing set etc", it boasts a Kenlowe fan and was last given an oil change and filter clean in January 2006. Finished in green, it is variously described by the vendor as being in "fair / good" (paintwork), "good" (engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, chassis, wheels / tyres) or "very good" (interior trim, bodywork) condition. Sporting Lucas P100 headlamps, this well-travelled Alvis is offered for sale with history file, MOT certificate valid until April 19th 2007 and historic class (free) road tax until March 31st 2007.