1936 ALVIS SILVER CREST 20/92 FOUR LIGHT SALOON  Registrati...

Estimate

£25,000 - £30,000

1936 ALVIS SILVER CREST 20/92 FOUR LIGHT SALOON 

Registration Number: NXS 793
Chassis Number: 14163
Recorded Mileage: TBA

Higher powered six cylinder version
One of only c. 20 known surviving examples
Part of private and museum collections for many years

Formed in 1919, Alvis Car and Engineering Company Ltd. was involved in a plethora of different business interests from its founding in 1919 to its ultimate demise around 50 years later. The firm made road cars, racing cars, aircraft engines, armoured cars and other military vehicles.

Whilst Alvis is best known for its glamorous saloons, coupes and tourers of the 1930s to 60s, the firm did venture into other market segments. With the Silver Crest the target was the growing professional market, such as bank managers, accountants, architects, doctors or business owners. The Crest was simpler to manufacture than the Firebird and Silver Eagle models it replaced. The idea was to aim for a broader market, and by outsourcing components whilst building and finishing the vehicles in-house, Alvis could maintain the quality of finish that their clients expected.

The cars also happened to be mechanically advanced, with an all-synchromesh gearbox and overhead valve engines. The Crest was offered with two body styles – a larger six-light saloon and a smaller Four-Light model (both by the coachbuilder Holbrook), which was capable of a top speed in excess of 70mph in 6 cylinder ‘20/92’ form.

The early example you see here is possibly the best specification for the model, the more powerful 6 cylinder engine sitting within the smaller Four-Light body.

Marked from new as an Export model, chassis 14163 was destined for South Africa, where it spent much of its early life before being acquired by a US-based collector. The Alvis resided in the US for over 30 years in a private museum before being repatriated into Europe. After some time with a Dutch collector, in 2010 title passed to the current vendor.

The Alvis has been subject to previous minor restoration works in the past, we believe whilst in the US-based collection. At this time the paintwork was refinished in the current black and grey two-tone scheme, which suits the car well. The paintwork is we understand in very good condition with minor signs of age, and we are pleased to note that the correct rear wheel spats are fitted to the car. The chrome work is generally in good order, as are the Lucas head- and side lamps. We note the car even features hydraulic jacks, of course we’d hope you’ll never need to use them..

The leather interior is in excellent condition, free from noticeable signs of wear, and matched by equally bright looking doors cards, roof lining and carpets. The veneered dash similarly is in fine order with only minor lifting of lacquer here and there. The more powerful six-cylinder engine starts and idles nicely, and moves the Crest along in a smooth and civilised manner, with a well mannered gearbox and comfortable ride.

If you are seeking a stylish alternative to some of the more obvious choices of 1930s sporting saloon cars, then this well presented Alvis is well worth a closer look. All in all, a lovely, ‘proper’ old car with much charm. The Alvis is offered with a UK V5 document in addition to other history records sourced from the Alvis owners club.