1926 Alvis 12/50 Beetleback Sports
Arriving soon at The Garage
1927 ALVIS 12/50 Beetleback Sports
An attractive and wonderfully characteristic example of the much-admired Alvis 12/50, fitted with handsome Beetleback sports coachwork and accompanied by an extensive recorded history stretching back to when the car was new.
THE ALVIS 12/50
Introduced in 1923, the Alvis 12/50 played a pivotal role in establishing the Coventry marque's reputation for fine engineering and sporting performance. That same year, an Alvis driven by Maurice Harvey won the Junior Car Club 200-Mile Race at Brooklands, averaging a remarkable 93.29 mph.
The distinctive Beetleback two-seater coachwork first appeared on the SD chassis in 1926 and remains one of the most attractive and recognisable styles associated with the model.
Having handled and sold a number of Alvis 12/50s over the years, including sporting-bodied examples, we have always had considerable affection for these capable vintage motor cars. Their engaging driving characteristics, sound engineering and excellent marque support have ensured an enthusiastic following, with examples regularly participating in VSCC events.
HISTORY AND PROVENANCE
NF 6166 has a particularly interesting recorded history. A copy of its original consignment note records despatch on 11 June 1927 to Mrs B. Watson of Stockport.
Originally supplied with saloon coachwork by Carbodies, the Alvis was subsequently rebodied in the attractive Beetleback sports style seen today.
The car is recorded as having been known to the Alvis Register since the late 1940s or early 1950s, with subsequent owners listed in its historical records.
The 2005 auction catalogue also refers to a 1957 article in Sports Car & Lotus Owner, which described NF 6166 as a 75 mph motor car with good handling and braking, capable of returning 28–30 mpg.
COMPREHENSIVE RESTORATION
During the late 1990s, NF 6166 underwent a thorough and detailed restoration, understood to have been completed in approximately 1998. This included the engine, gearbox, clutch, chassis, bodywork and running gear, together with attention to the instruments. The interior was retrimmed in red leather and the car repainted in black.
The extent of the work was described in the original sale catalogue as exceptionally comprehensive and is understood to be documented by a meticulously compiled file of invoices, receipts and restoration records.
The Alvis was acquired at auction in 2005 and has remained in the same family's ownership for over twenty years.
SUBSEQUENT ENGINE REBUILD
Following the discovery of damage to a connecting rod, a further substantial engine rebuild was commissioned during this ownership.
According to the owner, the work included the installation of a new Phoenix crankshaft and connecting rods with shell bearings, a high-capacity oil pump, a rebore of the cylinder block and new pistons, together with associated engineering work.
AN ATTRACTIVE VINTAGE SPORTS ALVIS
With its distinctive Beetleback coachwork, appealing black and red colour scheme, interesting early provenance and significant expenditure on restoration and mechanical work, NF 6166 is a particularly appealing example of this highly regarded sporting Alvis.
We look forward to examining the car and its extensive documentation in detail when she arrives at The Garage.
Please contact us to register your interest.
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