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Alvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis Tourer

Alvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis Tourer

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Alvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis TourerAlvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis TourerAlvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis TourerAlvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis TourerAlvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis Tourer
Alvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis TourerAlvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis TourerAlvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis TourerAlvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis TourerAlvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis Tourer
Alvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis TourerAlvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis TourerAlvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis TourerAlvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis TourerAlvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis Tourer
Alvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis TourerAlvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis TourerAlvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis TourerAlvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis TourerAlvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis Tourer
Alvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis TourerAlvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis TourerAlvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis TourerAlvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis Tourer
Lot number 123
Hammer value £35,000
Description Alvis Silver Eagle SG 16.95 Cross & Ellis Tourer
Registration CJJ 412
Year 1935
Colour Dark Green
Engine size 2,362 cc
Chassis No. 12413
Engine No. 12862

Introduced in 1929, the Alvis Silver Eagle was much improved for 1934 with the arrival of the six-cylinder SF and SG versions, with 2,148cc and 2,362cc respectively and easily differentiated by the flat radiator of the former and the vee-type on the latter.

Sharing a number of design features with the sporting Speed 20, the strengthened X-brace chassis featured a double-dropped ladder-frame equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and powerful fourteen-inch cable-operated drum brakes.

Power came from a slightly smaller bore version of the legendary Speed 20 SC engine and in SG form this smooth triple-carb 2.3-litre OHV straight-six put 70bhp at the driver’s disposal. Driving through a new all-synchromesh four-speed gearbox, it could cruise with ease at 60mph, putting 80mph in reach when pushed.

Available with a choice of open or closed coachwork by the likes of Cross & Ellis and Holbrook, the Silver Eagle was a strong and refined performer in the best traditions of the Coventry marque and can still hold its own in modern traffic. Just 677 of all types were made in total and good ones are highly prized today.

As copies of the original factory build sheets confirm, CJJ 412 was manufactured in 1955 and was fitted from new with Cross & Ellis four-seat tourer coachwork (body number 53579) and delivered to its first owner via Charles Follett of London in early 1936. Not much is known of the subsequent history of the car but by 2000 it was owned by one Ian Fairhurst of Truro who sold it in 2004 to a Dr Ronald Edwards of Brighton from whom the current owner acquired it in 2007.

During Fairhurst’s ownership the car was treated to a substantial restoration which included a full engine rebuild with new pistons, timing chain etc. at JH Bunt & Co of Port Isaac, Cornwall. Much other mechanical work was undertaken (with many invoices from marque specialists Red Triangle) including a full brake, suspension and steering overhaul, new king pins, rebuilt carburettors, new clutch, rebuilt diff, propshaft overhaul, rebuilt fuel pumps, new wiring harness, rebuilt radiator and a stainless steel exhaust. Most usefully it has also been fitted with overdrive which allows for more relaxed high speed cruising, an option never offered in period but extremely welcome today.

The buff leather trim was in good condition (a letter on file suggesting that the seats had been re-covered some 20-30 years previously) but new carpets were fitted along with a new hood, hood bag, tonneau and sidescreens. The brightwork was also rechromed and the instruments rebuilt as necessary including the Hobson telegauge for fuel and water temperature. The original steering wheel has been restored by Myrtle and looks superb. Great care was taken to preserve originality wherever possible, the only noted deviations from standard being the fitment of an electric clock, Kenlowe fan and a fire extinguisher.

Many old MOTs back to 2000 show that the car has covered some 5,500 miles in the last 15 years (including a tour of France and many AOC events) and it is said to drive beautifully, certainly bowling along nicely when we were treated to an extended test drive on the occasion of our visit with excellent temperature and oil pressure (50psi at hot idle). It comes with the aforementioned service history and build sheets, VSCC papers, V5C and a large amount of technical literature relating to the model.

Looking most impressive throughout with a well-detailed engine bay and charmingly patinated paintwork, this thoroughly sorted, overdrive-equipped Alvis is ready for a new owner to enjoy right away.

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