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A collection of images of classic Alvis cars, and cars that are likely to become classics, taken at numerous visits to car shows, motoring museums, motoring events and on the road when the opportunity arises.
Begun in 1919 by T G John in Holyhead Road, Coventry, producing stationary engines, carbs and motor scooters. Geffrey de Freville joined him and designed the 4 cylinder engine with aluminium pistons and pressure lubrication - unusual for this time.
"AL" meaning aluminium and "VIS" meaning strong.
WW11 saw car production suspended, military vehicles and aero-engines were produced. In 1940 German Luftvaffe bombed Coventry and the factory with valuable equipment being hit, production suspended again until 1946. Despite this, war production continued on aero-engines as a sub-contractor for Rolls Royce.
1930
1933 Alvis Crested Eagle, ALE 850
Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 9th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 14th August 1933.
1982cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
The Crested Eagle model was introduced in May 1933 and continued in production until 1939, producing 602 chassis. It was the first with independent front suspension and to also use the pre-selector gearbox, later replaced with the all-synchromesh unit. It competed in the Luxury Class with the majority of the automobiles bodied as Owner-Driven Saloons or Limousines, but also included a smattering of sporty models. Coachbuilders Charlesworth Bodies Ltd. and Mayfair Carriage Company dominated this model Alvis, but there were at least eleven (11) other coachbuilders utilised.
Of the 602 crested Eagles produced over 7 years, research indicates that fifty-one (51) have survived. This is a unique Vanden Plas drophead coupe restored in 2012 by the owner and various specialists. 15 years in his ownership.
Vehicle first registered on 14th August 1933.
1982cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
The Crested Eagle model was introduced in May 1933 and continued in production until 1939, producing 602 chassis. It was the first with independent front suspension and to also use the pre-selector gearbox, later replaced with the all-synchromesh unit. It competed in the Luxury Class with the majority of the automobiles bodied as Owner-Driven Saloons or Limousines, but also included a smattering of sporty models. Coachbuilders Charlesworth Bodies Ltd. and Mayfair Carriage Company dominated this model Alvis, but there were at least eleven (11) other coachbuilders utilised.
Of the 602 crested Eagles produced over 7 years, research indicates that fifty-one (51) have survived. This is a unique Vanden Plas drophead coupe restored in 2012 by the owner and various specialists. 15 years in his ownership.
1933 Alvis Crested Eagle, ALE 850
Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 9th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 14th August 1933.
1982cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
The Crested Eagle model was introduced in May 1933 and continued in production until 1939, producing 602 chassis. It was the first with independent front suspension and to also use the pre-selector gearbox, later replaced with the all-synchromesh unit. It competed in the Luxury Class with the majority of the automobiles bodied as Owner-Driven Saloons or Limousines, but also included a smattering of sporty models. Coachbuilders Charlesworth Bodies Ltd. and Mayfair Carriage Company dominated this model Alvis, but there were at least eleven (11) other coachbuilders utilised.
Of the 602 crested Eagles produced over 7 years, research indicates that fifty-one (51) have survived. This is a unique Vanden Plas drophead coupe restored in 2012 by the owner and various specialists. 15 years in his ownership.
Vehicle first registered on 14th August 1933.
1982cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
The Crested Eagle model was introduced in May 1933 and continued in production until 1939, producing 602 chassis. It was the first with independent front suspension and to also use the pre-selector gearbox, later replaced with the all-synchromesh unit. It competed in the Luxury Class with the majority of the automobiles bodied as Owner-Driven Saloons or Limousines, but also included a smattering of sporty models. Coachbuilders Charlesworth Bodies Ltd. and Mayfair Carriage Company dominated this model Alvis, but there were at least eleven (11) other coachbuilders utilised.
Of the 602 crested Eagles produced over 7 years, research indicates that fifty-one (51) have survived. This is a unique Vanden Plas drophead coupe restored in 2012 by the owner and various specialists. 15 years in his ownership.
1934 Alvis Speed 20, AXK 279
Image taken at Faversham Festival of Transport on 19th May, 2024.
Date of first registration February 1943.
2200cc petrol engine.
Date of first registration February 1943.
2200cc petrol engine.
1934 Alvis Speed 20, AXK 279
Image taken at Faversham Festival of Transport on 19th May, 2024.
Date of first registration February 1943.
2200cc petrol engine.
Date of first registration February 1943.
2200cc petrol engine.
1934 Alvis Speed 20, AXK 279
Image taken at Faversham Festival of Transport on 19th May, 2024.
Date of first registration February 1943.
2200cc petrol engine.
Date of first registration February 1943.
2200cc petrol engine.
1934 Alvis Speed 20, AXK 279
Image taken at Faversham Festival of Transport on 19th May, 2024.
Date of first registration February 1943.
2200cc petrol engine.
Date of first registration February 1943.
2200cc petrol engine.
1934 Alvis Speed 20, AXK 279
Image taken at Faversham Festival of Transport on 19th May, 2024.
Date of first registration February 1943.
2200cc petrol engine.
Date of first registration February 1943.
2200cc petrol engine.
1940
1949 Alvis TA14 DHC, FBL 250
Image taken at Appledore Classic Vehicle Show on 16th July, 2023.
Date of first registration 1st April, 1949.
1892cc petrol engine.
Date of first registration 1st April, 1949.
1892cc petrol engine.
1949 Alvis TA14 DHC, FBL 250
Image taken at Appledore Classic Vehicle Show on 16th July, 2023.
Date of first registration 1st April, 1949.
1892cc petrol engine.
Date of first registration 1st April, 1949.
1892cc petrol engine.
1949 Alvis TA14 DHC, FBL 250
Image taken at Appledore Classic Vehicle Show on 16th July, 2023.
Date of first registration 1st April, 1949.
1892cc petrol engine.
Date of first registration 1st April, 1949.
1892cc petrol engine.
1950
1954 Alvis TC21, OYO 514
Image taken at Appledore Classic Vehicle Show on 16th July, 2023.
Date of first registration 15th June, 1954.
2993cc petrol engine.
Date of first registration 15th June, 1954.
2993cc petrol engine.
1954 Alvis TC21, OYO 514
Image taken at Appledore Classic Vehicle Show on 16th July, 2023.
Date of first registration 15th June, 1954.
2993cc petrol engine.
Date of first registration 15th June, 1954.
2993cc petrol engine.
1954 Alvis TC21, KDP 499
Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 9th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered in December 1954.
2993cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Looking much like its TC14 predecessor, but featuring independent front suspension and a new overhead valve, six-cylinder engine, the new 3-litre Alvis was announced in 1950 as the TA21. Styles along classic, pre-was lines, the 3-litre was reckoned by Autocar magazine to appeal to "discerning owners who appreciate quality and good handling as well as mere performance."
Nevertheless, more of the latter was available from the mildly face-lifted TC21 - introduced in 1953 - courtesy of a redesigned cylinder head, twin SU carburettors and improved exhaust manifolding, making the TA21's successor good for 90mph. Introduced at the 1953 Earls Court Motor Show, the model's ultimate incarnation was the TC21/100 'Grey Lady', the '100' being a reference both to the maximum horsepower and top speed. The Alvis TC21 was a natural rival to the Bentley MkVI and Lagonda 2.6 litre. Powered by a 2993cc OHV straight-six engine allied to a 4-speed Alvis manual transmission, it could be had in Mulliner Sports Saloon or Tickford Drophead Coupe guises. While those looking for more performance could specify, from Autumn 1953, the TC21/100 or 'Grey Lady' version which benefited from a higher compression cylinder head and taller final drive ration. Coupled with 100bhp and a headline grabbing 100mph top speed, only eighty-one TC21/100 Drophead Coupes were made. Notably stylish, the four-seater Drophead Coupe variant was coach-built by Tickfords featuring a well engineered three position hood, but in reality their coachwork seemed dated.
The Issigonis-designed TA 175/350 project based on a new V8 configuration had failed due to financial problems and the negotiations with Pressed Steel on bodies for that project also collapsed. By 1955, Alvis were in real trouble, and with the takeovers of Mulliners and Tickford by Standard-Triumph and Aston Martin, respectively, it was clear that new arrangements regarding body supply would have to be made; with a licence in place from late 1955, all Alvis bodies became based on Carosserie Hermann Graber designs. Indeed, the cars displayed at the 1956 Paris Salon and Earls Court were of Graber confection.
Owned for many years, this car was completely restored by the owner.
Vehicle first registered in December 1954.
2993cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Looking much like its TC14 predecessor, but featuring independent front suspension and a new overhead valve, six-cylinder engine, the new 3-litre Alvis was announced in 1950 as the TA21. Styles along classic, pre-was lines, the 3-litre was reckoned by Autocar magazine to appeal to "discerning owners who appreciate quality and good handling as well as mere performance."
Nevertheless, more of the latter was available from the mildly face-lifted TC21 - introduced in 1953 - courtesy of a redesigned cylinder head, twin SU carburettors and improved exhaust manifolding, making the TA21's successor good for 90mph. Introduced at the 1953 Earls Court Motor Show, the model's ultimate incarnation was the TC21/100 'Grey Lady', the '100' being a reference both to the maximum horsepower and top speed. The Alvis TC21 was a natural rival to the Bentley MkVI and Lagonda 2.6 litre. Powered by a 2993cc OHV straight-six engine allied to a 4-speed Alvis manual transmission, it could be had in Mulliner Sports Saloon or Tickford Drophead Coupe guises. While those looking for more performance could specify, from Autumn 1953, the TC21/100 or 'Grey Lady' version which benefited from a higher compression cylinder head and taller final drive ration. Coupled with 100bhp and a headline grabbing 100mph top speed, only eighty-one TC21/100 Drophead Coupes were made. Notably stylish, the four-seater Drophead Coupe variant was coach-built by Tickfords featuring a well engineered three position hood, but in reality their coachwork seemed dated.
The Issigonis-designed TA 175/350 project based on a new V8 configuration had failed due to financial problems and the negotiations with Pressed Steel on bodies for that project also collapsed. By 1955, Alvis were in real trouble, and with the takeovers of Mulliners and Tickford by Standard-Triumph and Aston Martin, respectively, it was clear that new arrangements regarding body supply would have to be made; with a licence in place from late 1955, all Alvis bodies became based on Carosserie Hermann Graber designs. Indeed, the cars displayed at the 1956 Paris Salon and Earls Court were of Graber confection.
Owned for many years, this car was completely restored by the owner.
1954 Alvis TC21, KDP 499
Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 9th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered in December 1954.
2993cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Looking much like its TC14 predecessor, but featuring independent front suspension and a new overhead valve, six-cylinder engine, the new 3-litre Alvis was announced in 1950 as the TA21. Styles along classic, pre-was lines, the 3-litre was reckoned by Autocar magazine to appeal to "discerning owners who appreciate quality and good handling as well as mere performance."
Nevertheless, more of the latter was available from the mildly face-lifted TC21 - introduced in 1953 - courtesy of a redesigned cylinder head, twin SU carburettors and improved exhaust manifolding, making the TA21's successor good for 90mph. Introduced at the 1953 Earls Court Motor Show, the model's ultimate incarnation was the TC21/100 'Grey Lady', the '100' being a reference both to the maximum horsepower and top speed. The Alvis TC21 was a natural rival to the Bentley MkVI and Lagonda 2.6 litre. Powered by a 2993cc OHV straight-six engine allied to a 4-speed Alvis manual transmission, it could be had in Mulliner Sports Saloon or Tickford Drophead Coupe guises. While those looking for more performance could specify, from Autumn 1953, the TC21/100 or 'Grey Lady' version which benefited from a higher compression cylinder head and taller final drive ration. Coupled with 100bhp and a headline grabbing 100mph top speed, only eighty-one TC21/100 Drophead Coupes were made. Notably stylish, the four-seater Drophead Coupe variant was coach-built by Tickfords featuring a well engineered three position hood, but in reality their coachwork seemed dated.
The Issigonis-designed TA 175/350 project based on a new V8 configuration had failed due to financial problems and the negotiations with Pressed Steel on bodies for that project also collapsed. By 1955, Alvis were in real trouble, and with the takeovers of Mulliners and Tickford by Standard-Triumph and Aston Martin, respectively, it was clear that new arrangements regarding body supply would have to be made; with a licence in place from late 1955, all Alvis bodies became based on Carosserie Hermann Graber designs. Indeed, the cars displayed at the 1956 Paris Salon and Earls Court were of Graber confection.
Owned for many years, this car was completely restored by the owner.
Vehicle first registered in December 1954.
2993cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Looking much like its TC14 predecessor, but featuring independent front suspension and a new overhead valve, six-cylinder engine, the new 3-litre Alvis was announced in 1950 as the TA21. Styles along classic, pre-was lines, the 3-litre was reckoned by Autocar magazine to appeal to "discerning owners who appreciate quality and good handling as well as mere performance."
Nevertheless, more of the latter was available from the mildly face-lifted TC21 - introduced in 1953 - courtesy of a redesigned cylinder head, twin SU carburettors and improved exhaust manifolding, making the TA21's successor good for 90mph. Introduced at the 1953 Earls Court Motor Show, the model's ultimate incarnation was the TC21/100 'Grey Lady', the '100' being a reference both to the maximum horsepower and top speed. The Alvis TC21 was a natural rival to the Bentley MkVI and Lagonda 2.6 litre. Powered by a 2993cc OHV straight-six engine allied to a 4-speed Alvis manual transmission, it could be had in Mulliner Sports Saloon or Tickford Drophead Coupe guises. While those looking for more performance could specify, from Autumn 1953, the TC21/100 or 'Grey Lady' version which benefited from a higher compression cylinder head and taller final drive ration. Coupled with 100bhp and a headline grabbing 100mph top speed, only eighty-one TC21/100 Drophead Coupes were made. Notably stylish, the four-seater Drophead Coupe variant was coach-built by Tickfords featuring a well engineered three position hood, but in reality their coachwork seemed dated.
The Issigonis-designed TA 175/350 project based on a new V8 configuration had failed due to financial problems and the negotiations with Pressed Steel on bodies for that project also collapsed. By 1955, Alvis were in real trouble, and with the takeovers of Mulliners and Tickford by Standard-Triumph and Aston Martin, respectively, it was clear that new arrangements regarding body supply would have to be made; with a licence in place from late 1955, all Alvis bodies became based on Carosserie Hermann Graber designs. Indeed, the cars displayed at the 1956 Paris Salon and Earls Court were of Graber confection.
Owned for many years, this car was completely restored by the owner.
1958 Alvis TD21, WRW 891
Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 9th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered in January 1958.
2993cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Year of Manufacture - 1959, and is powered by a 3 litre straight six engine and has disc brakes on front axle only.
Engine: 6 cylinder; OHV; 2993cc; Twin SU carburettors.
The body was a modified version of the TC 108G cabriolet styled by Hermann Graber in Switzerland, providing more legroom and headroom for rear passengers and an enlarged boot space to accommodate more luggage and golf clubs and with the three-section veneered dashboard. It was available with a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic gearbox. The engine now had an improved cylinder head with 6 separate ports and larger HD6 carburettors producing about 20% more power output.
Vehicle first registered in January 1958.
2993cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Year of Manufacture - 1959, and is powered by a 3 litre straight six engine and has disc brakes on front axle only.
Engine: 6 cylinder; OHV; 2993cc; Twin SU carburettors.
The body was a modified version of the TC 108G cabriolet styled by Hermann Graber in Switzerland, providing more legroom and headroom for rear passengers and an enlarged boot space to accommodate more luggage and golf clubs and with the three-section veneered dashboard. It was available with a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic gearbox. The engine now had an improved cylinder head with 6 separate ports and larger HD6 carburettors producing about 20% more power output.
1958 Alvis TD21, WRW 891
Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 9th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered in January 1958.
2993cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Year of Manufacture - 1959, and is powered by a 3 litre straight six engine and has disc brakes on front axle only.
Engine: 6 cylinder; OHV; 2993cc; Twin SU carburettors.
The body was a modified version of the TC 108G cabriolet styled by Hermann Graber in Switzerland, providing more legroom and headroom for rear passengers and an enlarged boot space to accommodate more luggage and golf clubs and with the three-section veneered dashboard. It was available with a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic gearbox. The engine now had an improved cylinder head with 6 separate ports and larger HD6 carburettors producing about 20% more power output.
Vehicle first registered in January 1958.
2993cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Year of Manufacture - 1959, and is powered by a 3 litre straight six engine and has disc brakes on front axle only.
Engine: 6 cylinder; OHV; 2993cc; Twin SU carburettors.
The body was a modified version of the TC 108G cabriolet styled by Hermann Graber in Switzerland, providing more legroom and headroom for rear passengers and an enlarged boot space to accommodate more luggage and golf clubs and with the three-section veneered dashboard. It was available with a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic gearbox. The engine now had an improved cylinder head with 6 separate ports and larger HD6 carburettors producing about 20% more power output.
1960
1965 Alvis TE21, GGJ 137C
Image taken at British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, on 10th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 20th August 1965.
2993cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Alvis, once a major car manufacturer, began to concentrate on military vehicle sales after World War Two. There was their only new post-war car design which started life as the TA21, 3-litre in 1950. It had a new 6 cylinder engine, independent front suspension and classic coachwork by Mulliners (as saloons) or Tickfords (as convertibles).
To update the car in the 1950s, Alvis marketed a limited run with a body designed by Swiss coachbuilders Graber. Demand for this sleek new model was so high that production was moved to Britain, to Alvis' factory at Coventry. The car subsequently went through several mechanical and equipment updates to finally become the TF21.
In 1965 Alvis was taken over by Rover and two years later car production was topped and the firm's output became purely military. This TE21 - the last but one version of the series - is therefore one of the final examples in a distinguished line of Coventry Alvises.
Engine: 6cyl. 2993cc. Top speed 120mph (193km/h). Power: 150bhp. Coachwork: Saloon. Price new: £2,998. Registration mark; GGJ 137C.
Vehicle first registered on 20th August 1965.
2993cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Alvis, once a major car manufacturer, began to concentrate on military vehicle sales after World War Two. There was their only new post-war car design which started life as the TA21, 3-litre in 1950. It had a new 6 cylinder engine, independent front suspension and classic coachwork by Mulliners (as saloons) or Tickfords (as convertibles).
To update the car in the 1950s, Alvis marketed a limited run with a body designed by Swiss coachbuilders Graber. Demand for this sleek new model was so high that production was moved to Britain, to Alvis' factory at Coventry. The car subsequently went through several mechanical and equipment updates to finally become the TF21.
In 1965 Alvis was taken over by Rover and two years later car production was topped and the firm's output became purely military. This TE21 - the last but one version of the series - is therefore one of the final examples in a distinguished line of Coventry Alvises.
Engine: 6cyl. 2993cc. Top speed 120mph (193km/h). Power: 150bhp. Coachwork: Saloon. Price new: £2,998. Registration mark; GGJ 137C.
1965 Alvis TE21, GGJ 137C
Image taken at British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, on 10th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 20th August 1965.
2993cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Alvis, once a major car manufacturer, began to concentrate on military vehicle sales after World War Two. There was their only new post-war car design which started life as the TA21, 3-litre in 1950. It had a new 6 cylinder engine, independent front suspension and classic coachwork by Mulliners (as saloons) or Tickfords (as convertibles).
To update the car in the 1950s, Alvis marketed a limited run with a body designed by Swiss coachbuilders Graber. Demand for this sleek new model was so high that production was moved to Britain, to Alvis' factory at Coventry. The car subsequently went through several mechanical and equipment updates to finally become the TF21.
In 1965 Alvis was taken over by Rover and two years later car production was topped and the firm's output became purely military. This TE21 - the last but one version of the series - is therefore one of the final examples in a distinguished line of Coventry Alvises.
Engine: 6cyl. 2993cc. Top speed 120mph (193km/h). Power: 150bhp. Coachwork: Saloon. Price new: £2,998. Registration mark; GGJ 137C.
Vehicle first registered on 20th August 1965.
2993cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Alvis, once a major car manufacturer, began to concentrate on military vehicle sales after World War Two. There was their only new post-war car design which started life as the TA21, 3-litre in 1950. It had a new 6 cylinder engine, independent front suspension and classic coachwork by Mulliners (as saloons) or Tickfords (as convertibles).
To update the car in the 1950s, Alvis marketed a limited run with a body designed by Swiss coachbuilders Graber. Demand for this sleek new model was so high that production was moved to Britain, to Alvis' factory at Coventry. The car subsequently went through several mechanical and equipment updates to finally become the TF21.
In 1965 Alvis was taken over by Rover and two years later car production was topped and the firm's output became purely military. This TE21 - the last but one version of the series - is therefore one of the final examples in a distinguished line of Coventry Alvises.
Engine: 6cyl. 2993cc. Top speed 120mph (193km/h). Power: 150bhp. Coachwork: Saloon. Price new: £2,998. Registration mark; GGJ 137C.
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