Alvis (1920-1940)

Along with other jobbing contracts, including for Zenith carburettors, Alvis made scooters. John ensured that he had the capability to make most things in-house (although car bodywork was outsourced).

The cars which established Alvis (jobbing engineers and makers of stationary engines) as a quality light car maker. SV engine designed by de Freville. An OHV Super Sports model lapped Brooklands at 80 mph.

Captain Smith-Clarke joined Alvis from Daimler in 1922, and became the driving force behind the alloy duck’s back SA, and all subsequent models (Dunn was Chief Designer).

Despite increasing production, cashflow issues led to coachbuilders briefly putting Alvis into administration in 1924. “S” later meant ‘sports’, but tourers and Alvista saloons were made on longer chassis.

Inlet flow was improved in 1926 and the production ‘big port’ SD was guaranteed to do 80 mph at Brooklands.

The engine was now bolted to the chassis without the previous subframe. The engine was enlarged; Alvis’s own 4-speed gearbox continued.

A singnificant move up market. 4-wheel brakes! Silver Eagle had bigger engines. Sports model of 1929 had triple SU cars. Shortened and lowered in 1930

Alvis were convinced of the advantages of FWD, and experimented with racers in 1925, then in 1926-27 by two GP cars. They competed in the British GP and the 200-mile race both at Brooklands, but engine failure stopped play.

Alvis entered two S8 cars in their only attempt at Le Mans – they came 6th and 9th, and won their class. One survives; the one shown is a well-known contemporary replica with S4 engine on the short FD chassis.

Alvis marketed their 1925 FWD competition car as the 12/80 in 1925, but none sold. But alongside the sportier cars, Alvis expected FWD to take over their saloon and tourer ranges too. Sadly, the public was not ready.

Photo: Red Triangle

After disappointing sales of the FWD 12/75, the long-running 12/50 was upgraded as a stopgap. The car was widened for more space, the fule tank was relocated, and coil ignition and harmonic damper added.

TK got twin carbs, and adjusted gear ratios; TL got knock-on wheels and a rev counter.

Sleek modern bodies from VDP and Charlesworth, on lower chassis. 4-speed syncro, ind suspension (from ’34) and Lucas P100 headlights. Kept up with the competition but getting heavier – bigger engine but also lengthened from 1935.

Just as the 12/50 had allowed Alvis to go upmarket with their 6-cyl cars, so the Firefly downsized the Speed 20 for the next generation of 4-cyl cars. Revised engine (same stroke as 6-cylinder). Firebird got bigger engine and syncro.

Firefly spare wheel is on boot; Firebird has it on LH running board

Luxury model on longer wheelbase, complementing the sporty ‘Speed’ models. Late models had detuned 3.5-litre engines.

Luxury grand tourers usually on longer wheelbase chassis (but VDP short chassis. Powered by the biggest Alvis engines, with seven main bearings, twin electric fuel pumps and triple SU carbs. Genuine 100 mph from late cars, but very thirsty.

Upgraded Speed 20 with the new 3.5-litre engine. Running boards removed from 1939. Twin side-mounted spare wheels. Fast but thirsty.

Cut-price Silver Eagle, designed by George Lanchester (q.v.). Slotted in below the Crested Eagle, and effectively replaced the Silver Eagle.

Photo: Wikipedia

Final 4-cylinder pre-war car – simpler and cheaper to build. George Lanchester’ last car – including new monoblock engine (same capacity as before). Horizontal slatted grille.

Photo: Wikipedia