A STUNNING Alvis first owned by a decorated Scottish World War I veteran is coming up for grabs at auction.
The 1931 12/60 TK “Beetleback” Tourer was first owned by Glaswegian James Wallace MacFarlane – who had been awarded the Military Cross and two bars while serving with the Royal Army Medical Corps.
And like its first owner, the car is rather distinguished as it is one of just 43 known survivors and is expected to fetch up to £50,000.
The car gets its name from its distinctively tapered rear and was famed for its sportiness and robust chassis set-up.
Powered by a twin-carburettor-fed, four-cylinder, 1645cc, OHV engine allied to four-speed manual transmission, it was reputedly capable of 75mph and 30mpg.
Little wonder, then, that its second owners, the McCosh family from Biggar, Lanarkshire, who bought the car in 1953, chose to use it in competitions.
They ensured the machine had a thorough bodywork renovation and turned to renowned Glasgow engineer Herbert Niven for a hydraulic brake conversion as well as having the throttle pedal repositioned from centre to right.
In the early 70s, Alvis enthusiast Frank Wetherell, also from Lanarkshire, bought the car and embarked upon a decade-long refurbishment, which was completed in 1990.
The correct-type replacement engine was uprated with an alternator and full-flow oil filter. More comfortable seats were fitted up front and the rear seat re-upholstered to match.
Passing through more hands in recent decades, the Alvis has had more than £11,000 worth of fettling, with attention being paid to the windscreen, radiator, steering, wiring, carburettors, hydraulic brakes and wire wheels.
Genuinely fun to drive and more agile than many period rivals, the surviving Beetlebacks are rightly prized by collectors.
H&H Classics will offer this beauty at its next sale at Duxford, Cambridgeshire, on June 22. Visit www.handh.co.uk to find out more.
