Description
1937 Alvis SA 3 ½ litre “Continental” Tourer
We are proud to offer this impressive Alvis motorcar, which was professionally re-bodied in the1990’s using a rolling LWB chassis from a 1937 4. 3 litre model fitted with a Speed 25 3½ litre engine. It’s creator, Alan Wildin, was a time-served coachbuilder and founder of highly regarded, Alwin Bodies Ltd, whose firm’s motto was “Quality First “Quality Counts”. Alan’s dream was to build a traditionally styled pre-war car, with open coachwork, to his own design for his personal use. The project started in 1993 with a no expense spared approach, the running gear was subject to a complete dismantle and meticulous rebuild then clothed with a curvaceous aluminium, hand-built, alloy body (all welded together using oxyacetylene) then mounted on a framework of English ash, the original lengthy bonnet being retained, along with the P100 Lucas lamps. From conception to birth, took two years, all painstakingly itemised in an accompanying bound volume Book of around 100 pages. with day to day information about the engineering programme along with some interesting anecdotal history, backed up by 120 colour photos, these show that not a stone was left unturned, and that the thousands of hours, had they been charged at his normal commercial rates, would have been eye watering, think in excess of £200, 000 today! Alan’s criteria for the body, included no visible spare wheel, wide doors, fold-flat windscreen, no side windows, foldable convertible hood, full tonneau cover up and front wings running continuously through to the rear wings, via full length running boards. It was intended that the overall design would emulate the golden age of 30’s motoring and one with which Alvis would have approved. Finished in period Burgundy Red, complimented with Connelly Hide upholstery and Wilton floor carpets to tone, and glass-like finish walnut veneers. The result is a beautifully executed example of traditional craftsmanship that does credit to it’s designer builder. The skilled precision involved is amply demonstrated by the absence of wing piping in the rear wings, which Alan said was only used by others to disguise poorly fitting components! In April 1995 the car passed its first MOT and was taxed and back on the road, subsequently being campaigned extensively by the Wildin family, attending AOC events including Brooklands and Prescott. Since 2009 it has been kept in dry storage, but run periodically, ensuring all mechanical parts are kept in working order. Approx 7, 500 miles have only been covered since its renaissance. so Now ready for a new owner to experience the thrill of getting behind the wheel of this quintessentially British Alvis Tourer, on a lovely sunny, exhilarating Sunday drive. Just invest and enjoy!
Comes with History Folder and Book of the Rebuild, V5 correctly registered as an alvis Tourer, books and tools.
For more information about this remarkable car, call/ John on number above. Car located in Lytham St Annes, Lancs. One-way transport at £1. 70 pr/ mile.
Note: There is a rumour that this car beat the Flying Scotsman, in a race from London to Edinburgh, but maybe just a story. Nevertheless it was photographed alongside the Locomotive at some point.
