"Historically, one of Coventry’s finest motor manufacturers, the Alvis Car Company had raced sporadically; first extraordinarily fast side-valve cars at Brooklands then the legendary 12/50 in 1928, the most ambitious eight-cylinder Grand Prix car. But due to ever changing times and circumstances that usually prevail throughout history, no great successes were forthcoming. It’s ironic that in 1927, the six-cylinder Silver Eagle engine had arrived in 1800cc format, an advanced and well-designed unit possessing considerable potential and with the sound principles and approach, the company had always displayed. It is a tragedy that the company weren’t able to grasp and capitalise, on a competition basis, using this most exciting format because the unit was simply fitted into the very lightweight 12/50 platform chassis. With the removable front cross member utilising a fine gearbox and sitting amidships providing favourable weight distribution, like all Alvis’s, the components were beautifully engineered.
This delightful example was rescued circa 2005 having been stood since 1967 and, as to be expected, the car was in a pretty poor state. The owner at the time wanted to build a VSCC competition car and chassis number 12898 seemed the ideal project. It took four years to build into the car it is today. When it came to the engine, he enlisted the help of Peter Lings, a well-respected engineer. The original castings and crankshaft were utilised. Internally she was completely rebuilt and a dry oil sump system fitted, the engine has been dyno tested at an impressive 144bhp. Fuel is supplied via three H4 SU carburettors and a four-branch exhaust system was also fitted. The flywheel has been lightened and close ratio gears ensure quicker gear changes. The chassis has been shortened to nine feet, the front axle has been lightened and new king pins were fitted. Clearly this is a very well built example and is competitive within its class. The current vendor has enjoyed many a weekend on the track in this Silver Eagle. Supplied with a V5C registration document this Alvis is road legal and draws admirers wherever she appears.
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