PreWarCar

Filter

1933 Alvis 3. 0 Special - One-Off Alloy-Body | Period Competition Car | Featured in “Alvis – A Century of Drivers”

Far from a typical “special”, this is a genuine period-bodied, coach-built competition car with fully traceable provenance—placing it firmly in a different league to the vast majority of Alvis specials.

This remarkable Alvis is a documented period racing car with known ownership, period photography, and inclusion in recognised marque literature.

A rare opportunity to acquire a true historic special where authenticity, provenance and usability combine.

Alvis Archive records confirm that the original 1933 Alvis Special was actively campaigned in period, originally registered EP 5572, and is featured in “Alvis – A Century of Drivers.”
The history file confirms ownership by:
Stanley E. Hicken (Solihull)
Richard & Audrey Gilbert (Coventry)
Included within the file is a letter from Audrey Gilbert confirming participation in multiple races, supported by period photographs of the car in competition.

During the 1960s, the body was removed from its original chassis. A handwritten letter from Audrey Gilbert explains that this was undertaken to enable participation in long-distance rally events. Following its removal, the body was carefully stored and remained hidden from public view for several decades.

The body was carefully recommissioned using a restored 1949 Alvis chassis, allowing the car to return to the road while preserving its historic identity. A correct Alvis 3. 0 litre straight-six engine and 4-speed manual gearbox were sourced and fully rebuilt, with significant investment made to ensure reliability and usability.

The car is presented in excellent condition throughout and finished in a period-correct off-white, referencing historic Prescott Hill Climb imagery.

Specification includes:
Alvis 3. 0 litre straight-six engine
Twin carburettors
4-speed manual gearbox
Original Alvis steering wheel
Period-style dashboard and instrumentation
Side-exit exhaust
Refurbished wheels with new tyres
Tonneau cover
The cockpit remains true to its racing origins, with minimal trim and an authentic period feel.

Since recommissioning, the car has seen limited use and remains in excellent mechanical order.

It starts readily, runs strongly, and delivers an engaging, lightweight driving experience in keeping with a period competition car. Gear changes are smooth, performance is lively.

This represents a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine period-bodied Alvis Special, distinguished by:
- A one-off coach-built alloy body
- Direct association with a historically significant engineer
- Documented period competition history
- Inclusion in recognised marque literature

Eligible for road use, historic events, shows or competition, it is a car that offers both usability and genuine historical importance.

Additional Information
- Extensive history file including photographs and correspondence
- Part of my long-term private collection.
- Viewing welcomed by appointment
- UK / International delivery can be arranged

A truly unique historic special—combining provenance, rarity, and story—offered for sale with opportunities such as this seldom arising.

1933 Alvis 3.0 Special - One-Off Alloy Body | Period Competition Car | Featured in “Alvis – A Century of Drivers”

1933 Alvis 3.0 Special - One-Off Alloy Body | Period Competition Car | Featured in “Alvis – A Century of Drivers”

Similar listings Alvis Alvis 3.0 Special - One-Off Alloy Body | Period Competition Car | Featured in “Alvis – A Century of Drivers” for sale

Other British cars for sale