Lot details

Year: 1934
Make: Alvis
Model: Firebird Open Tourer
Registration: US9 561
Chassis No: 12315
Engine No: 12764
Odometer: 4,024

The Alvis Firebird, offered for the 1935 and 1936 seasons only, was a progression of the Firefly but with a shortened SA chassis. Powered by a high-performance, 1842cc, overhead-valve engine, it had an aluminium body on an ash wood frame. As with other Alvis cars, the Firebird was built as a rolling chassis then sent to coachbuilders, Cross and Ellis, for finishing.

Owned for over 32 years by our vendor, this elegant example was originally despatched to Messrs. J. H. Galt in Glasgow in January 1934. The subsequent history is thin but a couple of keepers in 1964 and 1987 are known. At some stage, the car was off the road and, at this juncture, it is thought that the car was rebodied as a four-door open tourer. The current owner then acquired the car in 1994 and, with the support of the Alvis Owners' Club, the original 1930s registration number was re-acquired in 1996; the car is now fully matching numbers throughout.

During recent renovations, the engine underwent a comprehensive and professional rebuild carried out by highly respected Solent Vintage Engineering. After a good service, it showed strong compression and oil pressure. A Kenlowe electric fan has been fitted as well as a stainless-steel exhaust system, four good road tyres and two spares. Early in 2010, the bodywork underwent a comprehensive renovation by a specialist vintage restorer to improve the lines and curves, thereby bringing the car to very much the style of the original Firebird. The vendor has dry stored it throughout his ownership, working comprehensively on it over the years but, looking ahead, the front brakes and shock absorbers may need some attention. The car has a full set of all-weather gear with provision in the boot to accommodate the side screens and a fresh MoT test certificate. The car has given its owner and family much pleasure and has been much-admired by all those who have enjoyed her. Consigned by Edward Bridger-Stille