Beschreibung:

The original company, TG John and Co. Ltd., was founded in 1919. Its first products were stationary engines, carburettor bodies and motor scooters. The company's founder T.G. John was approached by Geoffrey de Freville with designs for a 4-cylinder engine whose design called for aluminium pistons and pressure lubrication, unusual for the period. Some have suggested that de Freville proposed the name Alvis as a compound of the words ""aluminium"" and ""vis"" (meaning ""strong"" in Latin) although de Freville himself vigorously denied this theory. Perhaps the name was derived from the Norse mythological weaponsmith, Alvis, but the true origin is unknown. In 1923 Captain GT Smith-Clarke joined from Daimler as Chief Engineer and Works Manager and was soon joined by WM Dunn as Chief Draughtsman. This partnership lasted for 25 years and was responsible for producing some of the most successful products in the company's history. They were relatively expensive when new, competing in the upper end of the market, and were not produced in large numbers, thus they are very exclusive. Performance, appearance and finish are all well above the levels found in run of the mill cars. Whilst other makes are better known and more instantly recognised, there is an air of quiet good breeding about an Alvis which reflects its owner's taste. Smith-Clarke designed remarkable models during the 1930s and 1940s - including the handsome, low-slung six-cylinder Speed 20, the Speed 25 and the 4.3 Litre model. As with many upmarket engineering companies of the time Alvis did not produce their own coachwork relying instead on the many available Midlands coachbuilders such as Cross and Ellis, Charlesworth and Vanden Plas. This fascinating example has a equally interesting history that began in 1934 as a coach-built sports saloon by Cross & Ellis and supplied by Galts of Glasgow. In the 1980's it was re-bodied by specialist coachbuilders, Comptons of Welshpool as an open tourer and fitted with a more powerful 2762cc triple carburetor engine from a Crested Eagle upon the request of a Mr. Ashby and so 'The Ashby Eagle' was born. The current bodywork is aluminium over Ash with a fabric covered body. The interior is fully trimmed in brown leather now with a wonderful patina. Weather equipment takes the form of a full length black duck hood with sidescreens and tonneau. In 1994, the car passed to Mr. Ian Kerr who decided to reengineer the rear section and bring it back to its original chassis length. He also managed to acquire the original registration from the DVLA together with support from the Alvis Owners Club. Mr. Littlejohn then bought the car in 1999 who then went on to successfully compete in the USA Alvis Tour in 2000 and in New Zealand in 2003 with approximately 3,000 miles covered each time. Prior to the New Zealand tour, a higher 4:1 ratio differential unit was installed as well as a full engine re-build including cylinder head overhaul. The dynamo and water pump was also rebuilt as were the fabric drive couplings. The carburettors have also been overhauled with new seals and replacement spindles, butterflies and balance tubes. The brakes were re-lined and a solid state SU fuel pump fitted. A Kenlowe fan is also now housed to the rear of the radiator. Mr. Dick Leeksma from the Netherlands then briefly owned 'The Ashby Eagle' before it passed to the current owner in 2007 who has had substantial work done to the brakes, steering and front suspension by the marque specialists Red Triangle including the fitting of five new tyres.. Presented in British Racing Green paint and fabric with matching wire wheels and contrasting red radiator grill, this charming example of a proper drivers car comes with a comprehensive history file, is sensibly priced and ready for the historic touring it was designed for.