Footnotes

• Engineer T G John founded the Alvis company in 1919 when he acquired the rights to an automobile engine and with it the brand name of its aluminium pistons – ‘Alvis’. Manufactured by T G John Ltd, the first Alvis car - the 10/30hp - appeared in 1920. Conventional yet well engineered, the four-cylinder, sidevalve-engined 10/30 was unusual among contemporary light cars in having a four-speed gearbox. Beginning in 1922 and using the 10/30 as a starting point, newly appointed Chief Engineer Captain G T Smith-Clarke and Chief Designer W M Dunn created the car that effectively established Alvis’s reputation - the immortal 12/50. The latter was powered by a new overhead-valve engine of 1,460cc, and on its competition debut at Brooklands in 1923, secured a legendary victory in the premier 200-Mile event crewed by Harvey/Tattershall. The production version went on sale later that same year priced at £550. A model of exceptional importance for Alvis, the 12/50 remained in production, updated and improved, until 1932, by which time it had grown in engine capacity to 1,645cc. In 1931 the 12/50 had been joined by an even sportier partner – the 12/60hp. Introduced in 1931, the 12/60 came with a raised compression ratio and twin carburettors, modifications that raised maximum power to 56bhp. A sports saloon, four-seater sports and two-seater sports were offered, the latter clothed in graceful ‘beetleback’ coachwork. Testing a 12/60 ‘beetleback’ in 1931, Motor Sport found the car could almost touch 80mph, yet was capable of returning 30mpg even when driven hard. Today, Alvis’s 12/50 and 12/60 are among the most highly sought after sports cars of their day, with an enthusiastic following worldwide.
  This 12/60 ‘beetleback’ was acquired by the present owner in 2002 and since then has undergone extensive refurbishment by Allen Clear, a specialist in the restoration and repair of pre-war motor cars. Work carried out has included removing, stripping and rebuilding the engine; overhauling the magneto; removing the body and axles; degreasing and repainting the chassis; fitting new engine and gearbox mounts; overhauling the starter motor; repairing the wings; and repainting the body and hood frame. The aforementioned work was undertaken in stages between June 2002 and October 2003, while in December 2005 a new black mohair hood was fitted, the side screens and rear curtain re-trimmed and a tonneau cover made. The most recent bill (dated January 2006) is for general servicing and an MoT test. Accompanying invoices total in excess of £14,000 and we are advised that a Swansea V5 registration document has been applied for.