Alvis Cars: Illustrated History Books & Guides

Alvis Society - A Century of Drivers

This book provides a comprehensive history of every model and chassis number produced by Alvis, a renowned British manufacturer. It includes details about famous owners and drivers, notable number plates, and is illustrated with period photographs and humorous cartoons featuring Alvis cars.

The book explores the social history of Alvis owners, who have made significant contributions to society in various fields such as politics, entertainment, sports, the military, medicine, and the arts. These owners range from royalty to notorious figures.
Written with the cooperation and approval of the Alvis Company, the book is the result of extensive research by the author and other enthusiasts. They have meticulously matched many registration marks to chassis numbers by examining County Archive Records across the country, creating a unique and valuable resource for owners and collectors.

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Alvis - The Complete Story

This book chronicles the history of Alvis, covering its cars, aero engines, and military vehicles. Starting with the company's founding in 1919, it follows the development of its products through the 1920s and 1930s, wartime contributions, and eventual acquisition by Rover.

The book includes:
- Early four-cylinder cars
- Remarkable six-cylinder cars
- Initial ventures into armored car and aero engine production
- Post-WWII four- and six-cylinder cars
- Leonides post-WWII aero engines
- Post-WWII military vehicles

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Alvis Cars in Competition

Founded in 1919 by Thomas George John, T. G. John & Co. Ltd became the Alvis Car & Engineering Company Ltd in December 1921. The first production car, the Alvis 10/30, was introduced in 1920, establishing Alvis's reputation for quality and performance. Following the 10/30, the company produced both touring and competition cars, notably the 12/50, which excelled in both areas.

Prewar models were favored for competition due to their simplicity and ease of tuning. During World War II, Alvis suspended car production to contribute to the war effort with aero engines, military vehicles, munitions handling mechanization, and medical equipment. After the war, Alvis continued to produce excellent touring cars until 1967.

In this book, Clive Taylor, an Alvis Owner Club member, celebrates the centennial year of Alvis cars in 2019 and highlights some of the cars' competition history. Featuring images and information from Alvis owners, this book is both informative and a tribute to the company's centennial.

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Alvis Cars 1946-1967 - The Post-War Years

The Alvis company of Coventry, known for their motor and aero engineering, produced some of the finest cars from 1920 to 1967, when car production ceased. With no independent coachbuilders remaining, Alvis did not pursue mass production. Total production was only 21.250 cars, with fewer than 7.000 made after World War II.

This book focuses on the post-war cars. The successor to Alvis's iconic Fourteen, the Three Litre, was produced for seventeen years, and the newest models are now nearly fifty years old.
John Fox provides an intriguing look at both the technical and historical aspects of Alvis cars during this period, using rare archival and modern photographs.

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Alvis Three Litre In Detail - TA21 to TF21 1950-67

From 1950 to 1967, the Alvis Three Litre was celebrated for its smooth performance, stability, and excellent build quality. Despite being from an exclusive manufacturer, it was praised for its unique character. The car's design, in both saloon and drophead versions, maintained a timeless elegance with a traditional appeal.

Throughout its production, the Three Litre used the same chassis and engine - a robust six-cylinder design providing ample power across a broad rev range. Starting at 83 bhp in the early TA21, it evolved to 150 bhp in the final TF21, maintaining its smoothness and reliability.

The book starts with the introduction of the Three Litre in 1950, followed by a detailed technical analysis of the TA21 model. It covers various models, including the TC21, TD21, and TF21, detailing differences, production changes, and notable owners. It also includes information on coachbuilders like Mulliners and Graber, Alvis-powered sports cars, and modern ownership.
The book features specially photographed examples and over 140 illustrations, making it a valuable resource for enthusiasts and a tribute to Alvis's legacy.

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Alvis Speed Models in Detail

The Alvis Speed models of the 1930s are highly sought-after high-performance vehicles, offering a more affordable alternative to Bentley and Lagonda, and superior to the SS Jaguar in class and technical advancement.
This book explores the achievements of the small Alvis company, focusing on their design, engineering, and development of these sophisticated cars. Notably, Alvis introduced innovations like independent front suspension and an all-synchromesh gearbox with the Speed Twenty.

The book begins by highlighting the joys of driving Speed models and provides background on the introduction of the Speed Twenty in 1932. It includes a detailed technical analysis of the Speed Twenty, covering chassis, running gear, engine, and transmission. Subsequent chapters examine various Speed models, including the SA/SB/SC/SD Speed Twenty, the 3 ½-litre, the Speed Twenty Five, and the flagship 4.3. Each model's features, body options, performance, competitive history, and production changes are thoroughly detailed.

For current and prospective owners, the book offers practical advice on using and maintaining a Speed model, including parts availability, fuels, lubrication, and preservation. It features five exceptional cars in over 70 color photographs, along with 140 black-and-white images from Alvis archives and promotional material.

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Alvis 1919-1967 - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Alvis models from the years 1919-1967. Describes the Alvis 12-50, Straight-Eight racer, 14-75, Alvista saloon, Atlantic saloon, Front-Drive Alvis, Silver Eagle, 12-60, Speed Twenty, Mayfair DHC, Firefly saloon, Crested Eagle, Firefly Twelve, Alvis 16, Silver Eagle 16, 3.5 litre, Speed Twentyfive, Twenty-five Limousine, 4.3 litre saloon, Crested Eagle 25, 12/70, Silver Crest, 14, 14 Sports, 3.0 litre saloon, 3.0 litre DHC, TC 21/100, Graber saloon, 3-litre Park Ward, TD21, TD21 car and TE21 Series III.

• The period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

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