Alvis – Picking up where it left off…
July 25, 2019
A couple of weeks ago we were talking about Aston Martin’s DB4 Zagato Continuation. A very nice car, but one that comes with limits. For starters, you can only buy it as part of a package with another, brand-new Aston Martin. Even as part of a package, it’s still four million quid. And then there’s the massive gut-punch in the form of it not being road legal – you can only drive it on a track. And you might be saying to yourself “that’s fine, it’s a race car” and yes, you’re right. But what about the DB5 Goldfinger Continuation. That’s a road car. It’s also four million quid. But it’s not road legal. What, we ask you, is the point in that? Surely the joy of bringing these classics back to life is the ability to drive them whenever, wherever?
Happily, that is exactly what you can do with one of these beautiful Continuation Series cars from Alvis. They’re built by Red Triangle, which since the management buy-out of Alvis in 1968, has been the top-tier establishment for the upkeep of Alvis cars. But this isn’t a quick cash-in on the cars of old. Oh no, this is the one time the word ‘continuation’ has been used – in an automotive sense – to its dictionary definition.
When Red Triangle took ownership, it also took on a veritable smorgasbord of parts, technical drawings and other items. For the most part, all that was inherited has been boxed up for decades, until now that is. And that’s where the Continuation Series comes into play. The six car range that Alvis is now offering, built over two chassis options, are being built using actual, original chassis and engines. If you buy one of these cars, the chassis number will be in sequence with the final cars of the 1960s. The engine will be built from one of the bare blocks put into storage all those years ago. That’s special.
And what’s more, the team at Alvis/red Triangle, has done all this in close communication with VOSA, meaning that on completion, these cars can be registered and used on the road. What you’re getting is a classic car that is brand-new. They even come with three years warranty!
“Our models are, literally, what Alvis would have created had it not halted production for over 50 years,” explains Alan Stote, owner of The Alvis Car Company. “The factory had planned to build 150 4.3-litre chassis in 1938. As the site suffered serious damage by bombing in 1940, only 73 chassis were completed so we will continue that series, with new chassis, built to the original drawings.”
All models are made to an individual specification with owners encouraged to visit the Works and review some of the 50,000 drawings, build sheets and history files for inspiration. “Blending history with modern technology is a delicate task, which the brand has undertaken sensitively. We are mindful of our original core values that ensured Alvis cars never suffered the fate of so many other British brands, which fall foul of quality standards and gained a bad reputation as a result. We offer a range of desirable options to make the car ideally suited for however you plan to use it,” adds Stote. “It can be a very practical and relaxing way to enjoy a classic driving experience, with added peace of mind thanks to a three-year warranty.”
Of course, should the discerning customer require, there are modern options available. Power steering, upgraded audio systems, air conditioning and servo-assisted brakes can all be specified. All lovely things to have, but not additions that detract from the purity of what Alvis is offering here.
This is an exciting, caring and beautiful way to bring these cars back to life. And with future owners being encouraged to see the facility and be a part of the design and specification process, these Continuation Series cars represent a unique opportunity to acquire a classic Alvis in its purest form, and to a perfect specification.
So impressed is Car & Classic by this project, we’ll be heading to Red Triangle and Alvis Cars in the coming weeks to see these cars being built first-hand, so watch this space!
