The present custodian of this ALVIS TL 12-60 2-Seater SPORTS, Car Number 14006, UK registered GW 3726 is Christoph Karle in Germany who seeks more information of its past. As a Register member the following details were provided when he acquired it in 2012:
Original numbers; chassis 9133; engine 9619; gearbox 7853S
Completed chassis sent to coachbuilders (Carbodies, Coventry) for fitting of 2-seater sports (‘beetle-back”) body on 11 September 1931, returned to the Works on 10 October 1931 and despatched on or about 15 October 1931 to Charles Follett Ltd, 18 Berkeley Street, London W1 (the London agents). The Car Record is noted “London Show Model”.
The 1931 London Motor Show was held at Olympia between the 15th and 24th October. The catalogue shows on the Alvis stand (no 136): “12/60hp 4-cylinder Alvis 2-Seater Sports Car: fitted with 2-door, 2-seater sports body by Carbodies; cellulose finish in apple green; upholstery green furniture hide; safety glass is fitted as standard; Price, complete as shown, £450.”
After the Show, the car was registered in London GW 3726, and the guarantee was registered on 15th December 1931 to “Miss McAlpine, Marchwiel Hall, Wrexham, Denbighshire,” North Wales. (Some information about this house can be found on the Internet). It seems reasonable to conclude that this was Gladys Gwendoline McAlpine, second daughter of Sir Alfred McAlpine, and grand-daughter of Sir Robert McAlpine, founder of the civil engineering company that has been prominent in building major infrastructure works (including roads and railways) in the UK and elsewhere throughout the 20th century and beyond. As Gladys McAlpine was born on 7 November 1910, it seems likely that the Alvis was a 21st birthday treat for her. She became Mrs Brutton when she married in 1935 (later divorced), and died in Cheltenham in 1978.
She seems to have kept the Alvis for many years, as there is a note in the Register records ‘one owner from new’ when it was acquired, probably in the mid-1950s, by Paul Quiggin of Cambridge, who was one of the founder members of the Alvis Register (Membership no 2). Then two owners unknown to the Register, Stanley Pollard of Blackburn followed by J R Latham of Chorley. In April 1966 the car was sold to David Sunderland of Briercliffe near Burnley in Lancashire, and in May 2007 Alan Harpley of Hawes, North Yorkshire bought it.
Note: The 12-60 Car no 14006 was the first of the TL series cars. This was effectively a ‘face-lift’ to improve the appeal of the cars for the 1932 season (such changes frequently being introduced at Motor Show time for the next year’s models).
The main differences between the TK and TL series were that the latter had a radiator stone guard, and a different instrument layout usually incorporating a rev counter and water temperature gauge as standard. The most obvious difference was the fitting of centre-lock wire wheels with ‘corrugated’ drive plates, replacing the five-bolt arrangement on the TKs.
Greg Wrapson, Historian – The Alvis Register 14.12.2012 (Updated 30.07.2026)
Further snippets from Wayne Brooks include:
AOC Calendar, March 2007: 12/60 Beetleback 1931 Motorshow Car, part restored, offers on £17000. Tel: 01254 826385 (Lancashire).
Register Circular, August 2010 and again a year later: CAR FOR SALE 1931 TL 12/60 beetleback GW 3726. The first of the TL models and exhibited at the ’31 Motor Show. Some documented history including ownership by Paul Quiggin – one of the Register’s founder members. 200 miles since engine overhaul including new aluminium con-rods, crank: grind, line bore etc. – 50lb hot. Lightened clutch body, Tony Leech rebuilt steering box, new front brake cables, drag link safety mod. stainless steel silencer. Five new Lucas tyres and tubes (spare unused). Partial respray in May (dark green). Seats reupholstered in leather, part-leather trim. Mohair hood and sidescreens. Original Rotax headlamps/electrics, original instruments refurbished by Complete Dashboard Service (Hobson Telegauge not working but complete). Steering wheel restored. Dynamo not working. Wheels could do with respoking although satisfactory for MoT test which expires 17/06/2011. £46000. Same advert again in August 2011 with “Would welcome a part-exchange for a useable pre-1930 12/50 four-seat tourer” Repeat as November 2011.
Christoph Karle is currently preparing a comprehensive historical record of this remarkable vehicle and would be very grateful for our assistance.
In particular to find photographs of the Alvis stand at the 1931 London Motor Show, photographs of Car No. 14006 or registration GW 3726, factory photographs taken before or after the exhibition, sales or publicity photographs, correspondence relating to this particular car, delivery records concerning Charles Follett Ltd., Berkeley Street, London, any documentation identifying the first purchaser after the Motor Show, copies of advertisements or brochures in which this vehicle appeared and any additional information concerning the history of Car No. 14006 would be greatly appreciated.
Photos via Wayne Brooks
If you have any the photos or documents requested please leave a comment.
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