CHASING CARS
ASKING £87,500 PRICE
ENGINE 2993cc/6-cyl/OHC POWER 115bhp@4500rpm TORQUE 163lb ft@2500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 104mph 0-60MPH 13sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 13-20mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed auto MoT August 2020 ODOMETER 4512 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This Alvis fires up easily with a surprisingly sporty crackle from the exhaust and ‘D’ is selected smoothly via a sliding lever at the bottom of the dashboard in the middle; a similar lever below is used to hold a lower gear when overtaking. The electric power-assisted steering contributes to the relaxed drive although play in the steering compromises precision. The brakes are reassuring and progressive. Aftermarket parking sensors activate when reverse is selected.
BODYWORK CHECK
The beautiful colour almost matches the red triangle on the famous Alvis badge. Of course, this Alvis is from an era when cars often had a steel chassis and wooden body panel frames. Panel gaps are straight and the doors close easily. Carpets are dry with no sign of leakage near the windscreen, which is a common problem. The chrome wire wheel spokes all appear tight with no signs of kerbing and the tyres are Vredestein radials – aDutch brand, which is hardly surprising given that this car was restored in Holland.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The beige leather upholstery and wool carpet is opulent and a perfect contrast to the paint. Adding to the luxury is an unblemished wooden dash cradling two large Smiths instruments and four smaller ones. Various switches are recessed in the wood, including pull-out switches for each fog light and others for lights and wipers. Adding power steering meant re-locating the steering boss indicator lever to a panel below the dash and it therefore doesn’t self-cancel. The huge beige hood – which stows neatly behind the rear seats with a cover using press studs – is in perfect condition. The boot is trimmed in the same material as the car
