1929 Alvis 12/50 TG Two-Seat Tourer with Dickey seat

Highlights

Highly original, believed by a notable vintage car specialist to have never been apart
Desirable open two-seat open tourer bodywork
Recently completed a week-long vintage car tour of the Isle of Man and two other vintage events on the UK mainland, encountering no issues
Accompanied by a substantial history file

The Appeal

Much to the chagrin of the more sporting motorcar manufacturers, notably including one W.O. Bentley, most early motorists favoured enclosed bodywork. These heavy saloon cars restricted the capability of the chassis upon which they were built and that’s why we now see so many pre-war cars re-bodied as rakish open two-seaters. Original open tourers are a rarity, the sort of car bought only by true enthusiasts in period. That’s what makes this rather lovely Alvis that bit more special.

The 12/50 garnered an enviable reputation for its rugged engineering which translated to notable competition success and strong sales. They’re eminently usable even on modern roads, happily cruising at 45-50 mph in ‘TG’ standard ‘touring’ trim.

This very stylish 1929 two-seater tourer is commendably original and following a recent inspection by a highly respected vintage car expert, it was his opinion that it does not appear to have ever been dismantled for restoration at any point in its near hundred-year existence. It benefits from judicious maintenance and having had a few select components rebuilt over the years, but considering its age, very little has been needed to keep this Alvis running smoothly. The vendor informs us that the car recently completed a week-long tour of the Isle of Man and two other events on the UK mainland, encountering no issues along the way.

It continues to present beautifully inside and out while remaining in very usable condition. We’re assured that the 12/50 drives exceedingly well for a car of this type and during a very recent event in September 2024, a number of Alvis experts remarked on its sweet running engine and quiet timing gears (a rare thing so we’re told).

We’re utterly won over by this charming vintage tourer and the best thing about it is that it’s still being used. All too many of these pre-war motorcars languish in garages and museums. The vendor has kindly offered to show the new owner the “dark art” of seamless downshifts using the Alvis’ “crash” gearbox, right-hand gear selector and central accelerator pedal.

The History and Paperwork

Originally supplied to Bognor Regis, East Sussex and appears to have spent most of its life in southern England
Date of first registration: 05/04/1929
Retains its original registration number ‘PN3 306’
A packed box file full of Alvis information accompanies the car
The history file historic V5Cs, numerous invoices, old MOT certificates and a green old-style log book are included with the car
Last serviced earlier this year

The Condition

The car does not appear to have ever been dismantled for restoration - an opinion shared by a well-regarded vintage car specialist during a recent visit
The bodywork was refinished in 2001 at a cost of £2,569 and retains its superb overall appearance
The front seat has been recovered in new "Bridge of Weir " leather - (the vendor's wife does not like the smell of old leather)
As this car is used, the underside is a little oily and dirty but looks to be in superb order
‘Artillery’ wheels shod in period-style tyres which appear in good order

It can be challenging to paint cars of this vintage as the mechanical vibrations, flexing to the bodywork and shrinking and expansion of near-century-old materials don’t provide the most stable of surfaces. Nevertheless, this Alvis continues to present impeccably some 23 years since it was last repainted. It will of course have accrued some light patina but there’s certainly nothing noteworthy to report.

The folding hood looks to be in superb order, fitting tightly when raised and stowing away nicely behind the seat once lowered. The upholstery looks in fantastic shape having been recovered to a good standard while the original wooden dashboard is utterly charming with its period instruments and switchgear seemingly remarkably preserved considering the age of the car. The ‘Dickey’ seat at the rear deploys exactly as it should and the upholstery matches the front bench seat.

The Mechanics

Upgraded to 1.6-litre (1,645cc) as found in TE, TH and SD models
OHV four-cylinder engine
Four-speed non-synchromesh gearbox
The radiator was re-cored in 2012 at a cost of £1,100
In 2024, the hand brake ratchet mechanism was repaired, the engine oil was changed and the exhaust manifold gaskets were renewed
Running and driving very well, ready to enjoy

Alvis’ overhead valve engines were advanced for their time, and despite a modest 1645cc capacity, the 12/50 TG could easily clip along at 45-50 mph, which this car is reportedly still easily capable of. The controls and pedal arrangement take some getting used to, but it’s all part of these cars’ charm. The vendor states that, with the right technique, the gears all slot in smoothly both up and down the “crash” box. As we mentioned earlier, the vendor is willing to help the next owner get their head around the necessary double-declutching. We’re told that the brakes and steering are both very impressive, enabling this Alvis to be driven with confidence and precision.

Having completed several vintage car tours and a fluid service this year, this car is reportedly to be in very good health and ready to enjoy.

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