British automaker Alvis ended series production of its passenger cars in 1968, though there were subsequent efforts to revive the brand. That revival resumed this week when The Alvis Car Company announced an extended range of pre- and post-war Continuation Series cars, offering six body styles to be built using original Works drawings.
“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 fifty years,” the company said.
“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-litre or 4.3-litre Alvis-designed in-line 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.”
“Blending history with modern technology is a delicate task, which the brand has undertaken sensitively,” said Alan Stote, who owns the Alvis brand. “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.
“Our models are, literally, what Alvis would have created had it not halted production for over 50 years,” he added.“The factory had planned to build 150 4.3-litre 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.
“We offer a range of desirable options to make the car ideally suited for however you plan to use it. 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.”
Alvis noted that five cars already have been ordered its original Japanese distributor. Meiji Sangyo, and that the companies have renewed their former agreement with Meiji Sangyo as distributor for Alvis in the Far East.
Alvis said that each car will be hand built at its Kenilworth Works, which the company has maintained as its Red Triangle service and restoration parts business, and that as many as 5,000 hours will go into the assembly of each vehicle.
Those vehicles include a 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 models.
The 3-liter cars will have aluminum bodies over ash frames and steel chassis with 5-speed transmissions, 4-wheel disc brakes and ride on 15-inch wheels. The 4.3-liter cars will get fuel-injected engines with 6-speed gearboxes, disc brakes and 19-inch wheels. Automatic transmissions, power steering, air conditioning and other options will be available, as will matching 3-piece luggage sets.
Alvis was founded in 1920, started racing front-wheel drive models in 1925 and in 1928 finished 1-2 in class at Le Mans. In 1933 it produced the first all-synchromesh transmission.
For more information, visit the Alvis website.
I knew Alvis made wonderful cars but having lived in U.K. for 40 years I found British cars badly manufactured and service mechanics poorly trained. I would never buy anything British so good luck with this venture.