Lot 413: 1927 Alvis 12/50 Beetleback by Wilkinson

Since it first appeared before the British motoring public in 1920, the name of Alvis had been associated primarily with a combination of high speed reliability and good road holding at reasonable cost. Alvis' were solidly built from fine materials which made for long life.In the early Twenties the company was a consistent supporter of all kinds of speed events, with racing cars developed from the exceptional and now famous 12/50 model launched in 1923.The first task of the excellent engineer Smith-Clarke was to improve the original 1460 c.c. Alvis engine, by developing a new overhead valve cylinder head. These cars were admired universally, and they soon began to prove themselves in competition on the track, the greatest victory coming in the International 200 mile Brooklands race with a win in the 1l/2 litre class at an average of 93.29 mph.Manufactured in 1927 this Alvis is reported to run and drive superbly and is in good condition having been rebuilt in the late 1980s by the well renowned Alvis Coachbuilders 'I Wilkinson & Son' Derby, for a Mr Hickman of Andover Hants. The supporting invoice's covering this work are supplied in the history folder, together with a copy of the original works build sheet. Further service work is also documented showing how well this vehicle has been looked after.Finished in green with red coach lines and a green leather interior the car looks sporting with the black hood either up or down. The car is made even more practical by accommodating further passengers in the rear dickie seat and will provide plenty of fun for the family on country runs.