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2012 Shannons Melbourne Spring Classic Auction
Lot
28

1931 Alvis 12/50 TJ Sports Roadster

PASSED IN

Passed In

Specifications

Engine Supercharged 1645cc In-Line 4cyl
Gearbox 4-Speed Manual
Body Work Roadster
Colour Red/Black Fenders
Interior Green
Trim Leather
Wheels Wire Spoke
Brakes Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

In the early 1920s Alvis were at the forefront of small, open sportscar design. The 1923 12/50 took their newly introduced OHV, 1.5-litre OHV engine and created a capable sports touring vehicle that retained rear-wheel drive at a time when Alvis were looking at a front-driven future. Two chassis lengths could be ordered, the short 9-foot 0.5-inch length generally being teamed with the 1496cc engine and two-seat body. The longer 9-foot 4.5-inch usually carried larger, four-seater touring bodies or closed saloon coachwork. The longer wheelbase also had a slightly larger engine, at 1598cc (later bored to 1645cc). Interestingly, Alvis dropped the 12/50 in 1929, but hastily re-commenced production when they realised their front-drive range didn't have the traditional raw appeal of the 12/50. It then continued on until 1932.