Delivered new in the UK in July 1931 and first registered ‘GP 5256’, chassis number ‘8923’ was originally bodied with two-seater ‘beetleback’ coachwork by Carbodies.

It seems that the present body was fitted at some time between 1953 and 1958.

In 1966 the car enjoyed its brief moments of glory, appearing in two motion pictures: The Battle of Britain, as Michael Cain’s car and Monte Carlo or Bust, in the opening credits.

Between circa 1977 and 1987 the car is believed to have been disassembled, its owner apparently having lost interested after considerable work had been carried out by Vintage Racing Cars in Northampton, UK.

Eventually the Alvis was reassembled by one G Burridge, who had the improved inlet and exhaust manifolds made and replaced the lights and instruments that had gone missing.

In Mr Burridge’s ownership the car was adjudged ‘Bert in Show’ at the Bristol Classic Car Show in March 1989 and won the London to Cannes ‘Great British Film Rally’ in the same year.

The car...