Alvis Archive

Spanning both the vintage and post-vintage periods the six cylinder models spawned the Speed models and continued alongside them. A fine photo, taken in 1938 of a 1929 model came our way via Robin Gilbert and some research by Greg Wrapson identified the car.

The photo came not from a motoring magazine but from a London County Council Estates and Valuation department which just happened to feature the TA 16.95 Atlantic Saloon. Dated 18th January 1938, the subject was Neate Street, Cobourg Road, London SE5 which was later cleared of slums to become Burgess Park. Martin Taylor has kindly donated the original print to the Trust, having rescued it many years ago. Identified as chassis 7756, car 12563, the registration UV 4874 had not previously being recorded.

This photo and another sent in by Ian Hardaker are now included in a much expanded gallery of over 100 photos on the Silver Eagle page, together with three Model Registers of the cars as they left the factory.

Hugh Stirling sent in more green themed photos and in the process uncovered another gap in our knowledge.

If you have any period or current photos you would like included in the model galleries, email them to alvisarchive@btinternet.com

If your preference is for a Speed 20, take a look at our expanded gallery of over 100 photos of the SA model, click Speed 20 SA, download a Model Register and then follow on with the later Speeds.

Another 1930s photo has come our way with a suitably wintry European landscape featuring a well known Firefly. This had been added to the Firefly gallery which has also been expanded to over fifty images including the same car in later life. Click on Firefly

Another cover photo used more than once is this one which adorns the December 1996 Bulletin, which you can download and read.

We were pleased to welcome Andy Bye, Director of Museums & Archiving of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs to Bowcliffe together with Director of Research Paul Chasney in his Graber TF21.

We spent much of the time together discussing the challenges of operating an archive in current conditions. The experience and enthusiasm of Andy in putting together the Rootes Archive Trust in their own property in Wroxham was invaluable in putting our situation into context.

One of the items of discussion was raising funds to support the archives running costs. As it is the season for bargains, we are offering new members of the Trust a free copy of Roy Probert’s “Leonides” worth, we are told by those in the know, at least £25. How to join and claim your copy is here Becoming a Friend. See also AERO ENGINES.

The AOC stand at the NEC Classic Car Show was given an award for the Most Interesting Selection of Cars. Steve Horne’s report can be read on NEC Classic Car Shows.

A new page has been added to the Albums 2012 Alvis in Wales.

The photo gallery has also been expanded to include new material on The 12/70 page.

We were delighted to receive a complimentary copy of Peter Horrobin’s new book “One Life, Many Cars” for the archive with Peter’s letter proclaiming that profits from the sales will go towards restoring his inspirational but crashed Speed 20. You can read the background to the book on www.peterhorrobin.com but more than a half of the pages are pure Alvis enthusiasm. Readers born in the 1940s will identify with all that is written and hopefully younger readers will be fascinated by a history of how motoring used to be. With 227 excellent photographs and engaging narrative throughout its 144 pages this hard backed book would be a sound buy for the festive season. Privately published, it can be purchased on Peter’s website.

The Trust has become a member of the Federation of British Historic Vehicles (FBHVC – http://www.fhbvc.org) which provides useful guides for owners of historic vehicles, including updated guidance on fuel. Membership also comes with benefits for our Followers such as product discounts, and for the Trust by means of commission on those discounted sales. If you are interested in discounted oil and additive products, click on Club Motul.

Followers can get a discount on tickets for the Classic Motor Show at the NEC this month 12-14 November – click on https://classicmotorshow.seetickets.com/tour/classic-motor-show and enter code CCL100. Both the FBHVC and the Alvis Owner Club have large stands this year.

If you enjoyed the photo galleries from the 1950s, three updated galleries are now available to browse on Speed 20 SB SC SD.

Today we feature a Bulletin from November 1996 when the Editor was John Price-Williams. The accompanying “pinkun” includes sixteen cars for sale, only one pre-war, a 1934 Firebird tourer for £17,500 which has seen many owners since then. The first owner was Richard Hughes OBE, the author of “High Wind in Jamaica”. It was exhibited at the Scottish Show on the James Galt Stand 28, Kelvin Hall, Edinburgh, 16 – 24 November 1934 and delivered to Folletts on the first of January 1935.

Four TA14s were offered, two saloons, one inviting offers, the other at £7,950, a shooting brake at £1,500 and a Riverlee saloon restoration project for £1,500. A TB14 was offered for £13,500. Take a look at www.alvis14.com for more information on Riverlee.

A rebuilt TA21 Tickford was offered for £20,000 and two restored Grey Lady saloons for £9,950 and £16,000.

Two TD21s, one for restoration offered around £3,000 and a good condition one for £7,800 ono.

Four TE21s, three saloons for £7,500 £10,000 and £13,500 and a 20,000 mile Dhc for £25,000. A TF21 Dhc for £35,000.

Inflation over the 25 years as measured by the UK Retail Price Index doubles the prices quoted for comparison with today.

Going further back in time, there are 133 photos in 1950s – Album 3, some needing identification if you would like to click on the photos and make a comment.

The Bulletin cover shows a Speed 25SB Charlesworth saloon and the last TF21 Mulliner Park Ward drophead.