1932 Alvis 12/50 TJ Ducksback Tourer by Lambourne

The 12/50 was the car which really marked the arrival of Alvis as a serious and successful car maker and set the standard for the remainder of the company's car production. Alvis took the basic side valve design and converted it to pushrod overhead valves in 1923. All subsequent production Alvis cars had overhead valves. It was immediately apparent that this was a quite exceptional 1500cc sports car and, with minor changes, it was reborn as the immortal 12/50; the very quintessence of the vintage sports car. The 12/50 was produced over a long period but discontinued in 1929 when the firm pinned its faith on the front-wheel drive models. When these failed to win wide acceptance, the 12/50 was hastily re-introduced and is believed to have saved the firm.

As comprehensively documented in the Alvis Register magazine the 12/50 Ducksback bodied Alvis as offered here was the vision of then owner, Mr J.Shelley and combined the Ducksback body by Lambourne of Farningham to the already proven 1927 12/50 chassis. Constructed from 1991, the chosen 1500c engine and manual gearbox were from 1930 origin, yet skilfully rebuilt prior to placement in the car ensuring that even today the vehicle starts, drives and stops as you would expect passing swiftly through the gears when called.

The unusual yet alluring Ducksback body - introduced in 1922 for the Alvis sports models of the period - was rebuilt and prepared in two-seater guise with single dickey seat to the rear. Resplendent in Red coachwork it perfectly complements the hand-made polished aluminium bonnet whilst the dashboard received twenty coats of yachting varnish and looks frankly stunning. The tan-coloured trim is also of a high standard as is the thought behind the storage of the full weather equipment and dickey seat. Presented with a fresh MoT test certificate and offered from this eclectic but charming private collection this truly is a splendid and very attractive British Touring car.