Warwickshire-based car manufacturer The Alvis Car Company is extending its range of road-legal, pre-and post-War continuation cars, using key components such as chassis that have been stored for over 50 years. Remaining firmly faithful to Alvis’ original spirit and design focus a century after it was founded, the Continuation Series has now been extended to include two chassis and six body options with post-war derivatives assembled using original chassis and engine blocks, unused since production stopped in 1968. Powered by either a 3-liter or 4.3-liter Alvis-designed, inline six-cylinder engine, each has been developed from the original Works designs and, thanks to fuel injection and modern engine management electronics, meets legislation in a number of markets including Japan, where five of the new cars have now been ordered.
Unlike many continuation cars on sale, Alvis has worked closely with VOSA to ensure its range is fully IVA-approved and road-legal. Each model is carefully hand-built at its Kenilworth Works, the home of Red Triangle, Alvis’ service and restoration center, that was created when the original Coventry factory closed in 1968. At the time, the factory’s stock of chassis, engine blocks and thousands of other components were brought to Red Triangle and have been carefully stored in their original crates ever since.
Each derivative takes between 4-5,000 hours to build and features period bodywork styles created by prestigious coachbuilders of the times: 3-liter Park Ward Drop Head, 3-liter Graber Super Coupe, 3-liter Graber Super Cabriolet, 4.3-liter Vanden Plas Tourer, 4.3-liter Bertelli Coupe and 4.3-liter Lancefield Concealed Hood.
The Alvis series also carry the distinction of being true continuation cars rather than a re-interpretation of something long gone. Alongside using original parts on the 3-liter cars, the 4.3-engined car chassis numbers follow on from the numbers allocated to the pre-war production run. “Our models are, literally, what Alvis would have created had it not halted production for over 50 years,” explains Alan Stote, owner of The Alvis Car Company. “The factory had planned to build 150 4.3-liter chassis in 1938. As the site suffered serious damage by bombing in 1940, only 73 chassis were completed so we will continue that series, with new chassis, built to the original drawings.”
All models are made to an individual specification with owners encouraged to visit the Works and review some of the 50,000 drawings, build sheets and history files for inspiration. “Blending history with modern technology is a delicate task, which the brand has undertaken sensitively. We are mindful of our original core values that ensured Alvis cars never suffered the fate of so many other British brands, which fall foul of quality standards and gained a bad reputation as a result. We offer a range of desirable options to make the car ideally suited for however you plan to use it,” adds Stote. “It can be a very practical and relaxing way to enjoy a classic driving experience, with added peace of mind thanks to a three year warranty.”
Specification
3 Liter models
- Choice of Super Coupe, Cabriolet and Drop Head Coupe body styles, all-aluminium body over ash frame on an original steel chassis
- 2993cc six-cylinder engine with fuel injection and Alvis engine management
- Five-speed transmission
- Disc brakes all round
- 15” wheels
4.3 Liter models
- Choice of Bertelli Sports Coupe, Lancefield Concealed Hood and Vanden Plas Tourer body styles
- 4387cc six-cylinder engine with fuel injection and Alvis engine management
- Six-speed transmission
- Disc brakes all round
- 19” wheels
Adding comfort to history, the Continuation Series offers a range of options including automatic transmission and power steering on the 3-liter models. Air conditioning, audio systems and servo-assisted brakes are optional across the range. Travelling in style is further enhanced by the choice of a three-piece matching Connolly leather Alvis luggage set.
Coinciding with the launch of its extended range, Alvis has signed an international partnership with large Japanese automotive name, Meiji Sangyo, appointing the Tokyo-based business as its exclusive dealer, covering the whole of Asia. In another link to Alvis’ history, Tokyo-based Meiji Sangyo was its main agent in the Far East in the 1950s. “It underlines the enduring appeal of our cars that Meiji Sangyo wanted to be our distributor in the Far East. Knowing how quality is appreciated in Japan, our agreement with Meiji Sangyo is a huge recognition of our values.”
For more information visit www.thealviscarcompany.co.uk
