- A Charlesworth Drophead Coupe, one of only two built on the 3 ½ litre chassis
- Presenting very well today the car is offered for sale due to the owner’s advancing years
- In total, 61 examples of the Alvis 3 ½ Litre were built, one of the rarest of Alvis models
- By the mid 1930’s Alvis had a fine reputation and produced some absolutely superb cars and the best had the superb 3 ½ litre engine, out of these, the models with four seat drophead coachwork were the most desirable
- This specific example appeared in the movie ‘Meet Mr. Callaghan’ from 1954
- Alvis was also very successful in motorsport, and was mentioned by connoisseurs in the same breath as the most important British sporting representatives, Bentley and Sunbeam
- Because Alvis kept constantly developing its models, the 3.5-Litre remained in production for only a short time
- Subject of a full chassis-up restoration at enormous cost

Alvis models had an excellent reputation. They were cars for (mainly) British high society, which set high standards for build quality, interior luxury and performance.

Alvis was also very successful in motorsport, and was mentioned by connoisseurs in the same breath as the most important British sporting representatives, Bentley and Sunbeam.

Alvis built cars with innovative technology. As early as 1925, the marque entered a front-wheel-drive vehicle to compete in a hill climb.

The Alvis 12/50 FWD also made its mark at Brooklands and Le Mans, with resounding victories in its class.

Alvis’s new ‘flagship’ model, the 3 ½ litre, was announced at the London Motor Exhibition in October 1935, a new design on a longer chassis aimed at exclusive clients.

Unlike other production models the 3 ½ Litre was not offered with standard bodywork and every body was individually ordered by the customer and all cars differed to some degree whether Saloons, Dropheads or Tourers.

Ten coachbuilders are known to have provided bodies, notably Van den Plas, Charlesworth and Mayfair.

Technically it was a highly advanced motor car.

Thispowerplant was praised for its exceptional smoothness and velvety smooth running, which was partly due to the forged, seven-layer crankshaft.

Equipped with three S.U. carburettors, this engine was good for a power output of over 100 hp. As such, the Alvis 3 ½ Litre was not inferior to the SS Jaguar 100 of the same period.

The engine was mated to a four-speed manual transmission, with full synchronisation – unique at the time.

A fully independent-suspension front suspension was also not common at this time.

A new six-cylinder engine of 3571 cc was used, retaining the separate iron block and aluminium crankcase, but using a more robust crankshaft with seven main bearings.

Wheelbase was extended to 10’7″; otherwise design and layout followed the SC Speed 20, including use of the all-synchromesh gearbox and the independent front suspension.

Brake horsepower increased to 102 whilst also achieving quietness and better refinement.

Because Alvis kept constantly developing its models, the 3 ½ Litre remained in production for only a short time.

After the model – as successor to the Speed 20 – was unveiled in October 1935, the next new model already announced itself in August 1936: the Speed 25 with 4.3-litre six-cylinder.

In total, 61 examples of the Alvis 3 ½ Litre were built, by far the majority of them as rolling chassis.

Charlesworth were to clothe no less than 16 of the 3 ½ litre cars and this four seater Drophead Coupe is believed to be one of just two example ever built.

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

This particular Alvis 3 3 ½ Litre coachwork by the Coventry firm of Charlesworth.

A company best known for its contract work for various of manufacturers, MG, Alvis, Daimler, as well as bespoke designs on other high quality chassis.

The history of this example starts in February 1936 and is extensively documented. Records from the Alvis Trust archives confirm the corresponding identity numbers of the chassis and engine.

The new owner took the decision to thoroughly restore the car at enormous cost.

After completion of the bodywork, it was painted in the current Bottle Green over Black color.

The work was carried out by I. Wilkinson & Sons Ltd of Derby and since then it has been maintained, regardless of cost, by the Alvis specialists Red Triangle.

The car was purchased by an important prewar collector, very good friend of us, in the Netherlands in 2002.

Cars are the main hobby of this gentleman and quality was more important for him than money so without looking at expenses the Alvis had to be restored as perfect as possible and at the best possible address.

The Dutch collector is a very close friend of us and we always asked him if he would contact us when his beautiful cars were getting sold.

Due to the age he decided to sell this remarkable car which he had extremely thoroughly restored.

This gentlemen owned the Alvis between 2001 and today.

Technically, the Alvis 3 ½ Litre Special is in superb condition.

This particular example of Alvis featured in the movie ‘Meet Mr. Callaghan’ from 1954. ‘Meet Mr. Callaghan’ is a British crime drama film directed by Charles Saunders and starring Derrick De Marney. The film was based on the 1938 novel ‘The Urgent Hangman’ by Peter Cheyney.

CONDITION EXTERIOR

The coachwork is superbly liveried in bottle green over black.

The body of the Alvis is full with chrome details which are also all in a wonderful condition.

The windows are all in nice condition without any scratches.

CONDITION INTERIOR

It’s not only the impressive exterior looks of the Alvis which make the car special. The interior is as impressive as the exterior.

The matching Green leather interior seating is beautiful and reflects the most careful use.

All the material used is from a high standard.

The seat position in the car is excellent and give the driver a good view over all the beautiful designed meter, gauges and knobs.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

The car runs and drives well. The engine is well tuned and revs enthusiastically.

The car looks huge and impressive but is very easy to manoeuvre and to handle.

Driving or sitting as a passenger in this amazing car is fantastic.

This is a very special car, which would grace any serious car collection.

Driving the Alvis is easy, there is nothing unusual or difficult about it. You just turn the key and press the starter button.

Disclaimer
The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.