1935 Alvis SF “Silver Eagle” 16
6-light saloon by Cross & Ellis £28,995 (Euro 33,224)
Immaculate “Silver Eagle” Light Sixteen Saloon by Cross & Ellis, which was the model in between the Firebird and the Speed 20. It is a very rare survivor of this type, in fact the only SF model listed on the AOC UK Register.
Finished in black over pale ivory, with brown / beige leather upholstery, this particular example was collected from a Farm, 30 years ago, and not just any old farm but in a stable at Surrendell Farm in Wiltshire, which achieved some notoriety as the onetime hideaway of Roddy Llewellyn and Princess Margaret!
It was found to be a numbers matching car, retaining its original registration number, engine and body (Cross & Ellis No.4052), and remarkably complete, but in need of total restoration. The body was removed from the chassis and a protracted re-construction from the frame-up commenced by a knowledgeable Marque enthusiast.
The chassis was reconditioned, the engine and gearbox, steering, suspension and rear axle entirely rebuilt. The ash frame was extensively repaired with new ash members and new aluminium wings and steel running boards fitted. All ancillary and electrical equipment serviced and refitted, totally rewired (including a reconditioned starter motor). All bright work re-chromium plated. The old Rexine roof covering was professionally re-instated with new vinyl and padding. All painted parts were finished to high standard.
Undoubtably this has been a meticulous renovation, as evidenced by the condition of the panelwork and perfect shut lines of the doors, which close with that satisfying ‘clunk-click’ so symbolic of pre-war handbuilt luxury motorcars.
All leather and wood is original and in outstanding condition for a 75 year old car, the wood parts having been restored to a superb glass-like finish. All carpets and headlining are new. The Alvis engine bay is nicely detailed and polished. Finally, and most importantly, a Silver Eagle Mascot was sourced to display the car in all its former glory.
Two curious dashboard additions, which may imply a former aeronautical connection, are the Jaeger World War 2 Bomber Trip-Timer Clock (valued at £500) and an Aero Magnetic Compass, very appropriate for a car conceived with long distance Touring in mind. Another peculiarity of the type is the placement of the accelerator pedal in the centre, between the brake and the clutch pedal.
A full account of the re-build of BHT 517 was published in the Owner’s Club magazine and a copy is retained in the History File, along with a large bundle of receipts from specialist suppliers and restoration photos.
The car is finished to original specification with the following exceptions :- Electric SU pumps in place of the original AC mechanical one to minimise fuel vapourisation. A 12v battery replaces the pair of 6 volts. A heat shield is fitted between carb and exhaust manifold. Modern temperature gauge. Winking indicators added. New stainless steel exhaust system. The car is offered with a highly desirable (removable) Luggage Trunk which still bears the pre-war maker's tradename placque.
The original owner/restorer utilised the car for 26 years. Latterly, the car has had 2 more AOC owners, who have continued to cherish and improve this exclusive Alvis.
The car has been exhibited many times at Club Rallies and at the prestigious Classic Car Show at the NEC. It will enhance any Vintage Fleet and is understandably very reliable and therefore does not need to be trailered, but can be enjoyably driven from Show to Show!
Comes complete with Buff Log Book, Original Alvis Owner's Handbook, Starting Handle, MOT And Historic Vehicle Road Licence.
Historical Footnote
Introduced in 1934, the Alvis Silver Eagle SF 16.95 shared a number of design features with the marque's legendary Speed 20 SA model. Based - like its illustrious sibling - around a double-dropped ladder-frame chassis equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and fourteen-inch cable-operated drum brakes, it was powered by a smaller capacity version (2148cc vs. 2511cc) of the same triple SU carburettor fed OHV straight-six engine. Employing a shorter wheelbase than its sportier forebear, the Silver Eagle SF had the further advantage of an all synchromesh four-speed manual gearbox. Available with a choice of open or closed coachwork by the likes of Cross & Ellis and Holbrook, the Silver Eagle SF was a strong yet refined performer in the best traditions of the Coventry manufacturer.