Alvis cars have always had something special about them.

The firm’s ability to produce a car far greater than the sum of its parts started with the immortal 12/50 and carried through to their final model, the fast and elegant TF21, the last of which left the Coventry factory in 1967.

Engineering integrity, powerful and reliable engines, low chassis stance and excellent choice of coachbuilders were all critical factors in establishing the Alvis reputation for making sporting grand tourers.

The superb 12/50 was tweaked into the 12/60, which in turn was facelifted into the Firefly with its synchromesh gearbox.

A much-needed increase in engine capacity to 1,842cc increased output to 62.5bhp in the subsequent Firebird model which kept performance up to scratch, despite ever heavier coachwork taking its toll on the traditional sprightly Alvis performance.

By September 1937, George Lanchester had significantly reworked the whole car, the resultant 12/70 model becoming one of Alvis’ most ...