1937 - 1940
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1937 - 1940 |
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The 12/70, four-cylinder sister of the Silver Crest, appeared in 1937. It represented a change in direction for the company in that a higher proportion of bought-in components was used in its manufacture. These included front and rear axles (from Alford & Alder and ENV respectively), and brakes (from Bendix Cowdrey). Conventional splined hubs and knock-on wire wheels replaced the Alvis "jelly mould" items. These moves were aimed at reducing costs whilst maintaining quality. Engine and gearbox were entirely Alvis designed and made. The chassis was lightened considerably from earlier four-cylinder models, and boxed front and rear to maintain rigidity. Moving the engine forward slightly in the chassis allowed the same passenger space on the reduced wheelbase of 8' 10" |
| Bore and stroke of 73 x 110 mm for 1842 cc were identical to those of the Firebird, but the engine was of completely different design, with cast iron one-piece block and crankcase. Output was over 63 bhp. The three bearing crankshaft was of larger dimensions than previous efforts, and the camshaft was driven by a triplex chain at the front. A downdraught SU carburetter allowed a narrow bonnet line, although some of the sports tourer versions had twin carburetters. The 4-speed gearbox, of unit construction, had synchromesh on the top three speeds only. Standard bodies were by Mulliner of Birmingham, a saloon and drophead coupé panelled in steel with neat detailing. A tourer was offered by London-based Alvis dealer Hugh Anderson, these were first made by Whittingham and Mitchell and later by Mulliner. |
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The radiator grille incorporated a multitude of horizontal slats; these did not meet with universal approval and were changed to the familiar vertical ones on the very last 12/70s. For 1939 the saloon body was enlarged, and the spare wheel moved from inside the boot to outside under an aluminium cover in order to increase the rather limited boot capacity. Some criticism was levelled at the instrument panel in that it bore a superficial resemblance to those fitted on lesser cars, as cream backlit dials were used, with the minor gauges in a combined unit. Maximum speed was 80 mph with excellent economy - up to 30 mpg, although 25 was the norm.. The 12/70 remained a practical Alvis for daily use long after the last had left the factory, and the engine is very strong indeed. It was slightly lower geared than some other models, but not seriously so. Some, possibly all, of the tourers had moderately increased gearing. |
| The combination of the lightest pre-war Alvis chassis and the strongest engine made the 12/70 the basis of a numerous breed of racing specials, some more attractive than others. With numerous modifications (not all for the better!) the 12/70 became the TA 14 after the war. Production pre-war ran to over 750 cars. | |||
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