An original with Vanden Plas coachwork
If you want an authentic short chassis Alvis 4.3 Litre from the late 1930's you'll probably pay £400k at auction, but a brand new 'continuation' model has just been announced with a £170k start price.
Established Alvis specialist Red Triangle is the outfit behind this bold relaunch of a pre-war classic, and you will be able to see the first fruits of the project at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Described as the fastest non-supercharged car of its era, we're told just eleven cars were built in the configuration being offered to enthusiasts again today. War stopped production back in 1940, but original Alvis boardroom documents show the company had sanctioned a total of 77 chassis for production, giving the modern day project its 'continuation' status.
Keep your LED DRLs, we'll take these!
The new cars will be built to order with bodywork based closely on the Vanden Plas touring body pictured here. The new chassis will be remanufactured to original specs, and even the in-line six engine will be built from original blueprints using 'new old stock' and remanufactured parts. 20th century modifications will be limited to stuff like the adoption of hydraulic brakes, a collapsible steering column, and a high centre-mounted brake light required by regulation. The engine will be updated with fuel injection bringing it into line with modern day emissions requirements, as well as boosting its power output.
Apparently the newly formed Alvis Car Company plans other classic model reintroductions in a similar vein.
"This is part of our overall business plan," says Alan Stote, Red Triangle and Alvis Car Company proprietor: "to maintain service to existing Alvis owners but also to reintroduce selected authentic Alvis models in line with the vision of the Alvis Board all those years ago. Visitors to Goodwood will be able to see the first stages of that plan."