Lot Ended
Description
1930 Alvis TJ 12/50 Tourer
Vintage chassis;
original Cross & Ellis body; previous long-term owner; twin carb
conversion; involved with the VSCC for almost 70 years
Chassis
number 8677 still wears its original Cross and Ellis four-seat tourer body
and was in its previous owner's hands from 1959 until just a few
months ago.
Although registered in early 1931, we understand that the
chassis was manufactured in 1930 making this a genuine Vintage 12/50.
Details on file show very regular VSCC use in the 1950s and '60s.
The large file of correspondence suggests that the first
owner was a consultant surgeon, named John Pocock. During the '30s and '40s, it
had a couple of short term owners and during the war the tourer was kept on an
RAF station in the UK. It was then owned by Roger Hargreaves who completely
overhauled the engine in 1948. By 1950 it was in the hands of Mr. H.I.Saul
who started GN 1944’s career within the VSCC. On file is an article from The
Autocar, showing her taking part in Measham in 1951. The VSCC entry lists on
file date the car as 1930 and include it in the Vintage class rather than the
PVT entry suggesting a manufacture date at the end of 1930 rather than early
1931.
Further letters on file describe how Mr Saul had covered some
30,000 miles in GN 1944 in 1951 alone, travelling to France and Switzerland,
alongside many other adventures and VSCC trials, singing the praises of how
well the engine had been rebuilt and how much he ‘tremendously
enjoyed’ owning the car. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and
ownership was passed to engineer, David Hill.
Correspondence from Mr Hill and
old VSCC records on file confirm another 30,000 miles covered, stating how
reliable the 12/50 was. Well, apart from a couple of broken half shafts while
competing in some ‘rather fierce Register driving tests.’ By the '60s, a few
things needed attention, with oil pressure constantly dropping and wings
apparently ‘falling off.’ Fortunately, he made the correct decision not to scrap
it and work was started on its restoration in 1964. After moving to
Scotland, work recommenced after a special shed was built! Driving was kept to a
minimum up there, mainly due to the roads always covered in salt so after
another 18,000 miles or so, it had its long overdue re-upholstering job and it
was apparently as good as it could be, mechanically and cosmetically. Many of
the invoices for this work are on file.
Mr Hill is still officially the
registered keeper today, although due to ill health arranged to sell the car
earlier this year. Our vendor bought it from him but has unexpectedly had
the opportunity to buy a more suitable car so the 12/50 needs to go.
We understand that the car has been well maintained over the years by Mr
Hill. The engine is original, apart from the obvious and advantageous twin carb
conversion. Brakes, we are told, are very effective and there is no play in
the steering due to replacement of the cross shaft supplied by the Alvis
Register. It also has lovely Marchal headlights for those tricky dark
lanes! The tyres all appear to be good, although the spare may need replacing.
As can be seen in the photographs, the Hobson fuel gauge is missing, although
the tubing which would operate it is present so reinstating at some point should
not be too much trouble.
As priced, the car represents very good value,
especially for a Vintage Alvis with original Cross and Ellis coachwork and
makes for a comfortable and attractive tourer for four people with easy starting
and which is ready to use and improve.
The accompanying file of
paperwork is substantial and sums up the life of this interesting useable Alvis
very well. Workshop manuals and original logbooks and instruction manual are all
included.
For further information - toby.service@brightwells.com
* All charges are subject to VAT