A Short History of Alvis Cars

by Murray Stanley

With a rich heritage spanning nearly a century, Alvis Cars Limited, established in 1919, has left an indelible mark on the automotive industry. From its early years producing reliable and luxurious motorcars to its contributions during times of war and the creation of legendary sports cars, Alvis has carved a unique place in automotive history.

The original company, T.G. John and Company Ltd., was founded in 1919 by Thomas George John. Its first products were stationary engines, carburettors, and motor scooters. In 1921 the company officially changed its name to The Alvis Car and Engineering Company Ltd. The very first Alvis engine had four cylinders and was relatively advanced for its time with aluminium pistons and pressure lubrication.

The engine designer, Geoffrey de Freville, was also responsible for coming up with the Alvis name. Some have suggested that de Freville proposed the name Alvis as a compound of the words “aluminium” and “vis” (meaning “strength” in Latin), or perhaps it may have been derived from the Norse mythological weaponsmith, Alvíss. De Freville vigorously rejected all of these theories. In 1921 he specifically stated that the name had no meaning whatsoever and was chosen simply because it could be easily pronounced in any language.

Known for their craftsmanship and innovative engineering, Alvis vehicles quickly gained a reputation for being reliable and technologically advanced. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Alvis focused on producing high-quality luxury vehicles, catering to an elite clientele. These pre-war Alvis cars featured advanced features such as independent front suspension, servo-assisted brakes, and a powerful sixcylinder engine.

During World War II, Alvis contributed significantly to the war effort. The company halted car production and shifted its focus to manufacturing military vehicles, including armoured cars, staff cars, and scout cars. Alvis also manufactured aero engines (as a sub-contractor of Rolls-Royce) and other aircraft equipment.

Following the war, Alvis re-emerged with new models and continued to innovate. The Alvis TA 14, launched in 1946, marked the company’s return to automobile manufacturing. However, it was in the 1950s that Alvis truly made its mark in the world of sports cars. The Alvis TC 21, later known as the Alvis Three-Litre, gained acclaim for its powerful six-cylinder engine and distinctive bodywork. Despite critical acclaim for their sports cars, the 1960s proved to be a challenging period for Alvis. The changing automotive landscape and increased competition led to financial difficulties. In 1967, Alvis was acquired by Rover, and the production of Alvis cars under the company’s name ceased in 1967.

Although sad that Alvis factory production ceased in the mid-1960s, all was not lost. The legacy of these iconic vehicles lives on through the efforts of a company called Red Triangle Continuation Alvis Cars. Founded in 2008, this venture seeks to preserve the heritage of classic Alvis cars while incorporating modern engineering and technology. Thankfully the production drawings, data sheets, and specifications for every Alvis model survived the original company’s demise, and these have been acquired by the Red Triangle organisation. Their new “Continuation Series” Alvis lineup comprises several iconic sports coupes and tourers from prior times. Every aspect of each vehicle pays homage to the timeless design language of Alvis cars. And so, the Alvis name endures – for those that can afford it!

Red Triangle’s Range of Continuation Alvis Cars

Rob Sinclair

Our fully equipped modern workshop facility offers a reliable, accurate and affordable solution to all your reconditioning and machining needs. Includes high performance race/street, general automotive, motorcycle, marine, light and heavy diesel and industrial. We offer extremely quick turn around times and can pick-up or deliver if required

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