Historically, one of Coventry's finest motor manufacturers, the Alvis Car Company had sporadically raced.

First extraordinarily fast side-valve cars at Brooklands then the legendary 12/50 in 1928, the most ambitious eight cylinder Grand Prix car.

But due to ever changing times and circumstances that usually prevail throughout history, no great successes were forthcoming.

It's ironic that in 1927, the six cylinder Silver Eagle engine had arrived in 1800cc format, an advanced and well designed unit possessing considerable potential and with the sound principles and approach, the company had always displayed.

It is a tragedy that the company weren't able to grasp and capitalise, on a competition basis, using this most exciting format because the unit was simply fitted into the very lightweight 12/50 platform chassis.

With the removable front cross member utilising a fine gearbox and sitting amidships providing favorable weight distribution and, like all Alvis's, the components were b...