1936 Alvis SA 3 1/2 litre Sports Special -

1936 Alvis 3 ½ Litre SA Sports Special

Chassis Nr 13137 Engine Nr 13587 Registration Nr WF 9009

Known as 'Boadicea' this historic Alvis 3½-litre SA Sports Special was built in the mid-1970s. based on an unrestored saloon rolling chassis. The Alvis enjoyed VSCC competition success after she was built (see last pic above). but has not been raced during the last custodianship of 35 years. during which time it has been re-bodied as a 2-seater. Boadicea has resided both in the USA and in Dorset. The motor car has been expertly maintained and remains in excellent condition.

WF 9009 started life in September 1936 as a Mayfair Saloon. The 3 ½ model was a one year interim model between the Speed 20 and the 25. Over the years the body deteriorated and in 1973 was acquired by Brian Chant (MIMI) a well known VSCCA racer and car restorer. as an unrestored ‘rolling chassis'. The intention was to use it as the basis for a sports special: a road-going sports racing car suitable for VSCC events. built in the spirit of a pre-war special. Some two years later (and with lots of midnight oil burnt…). the Alvis took to the road in the form of a shortened chassis. single seat and battery box sports car with a pointed tail. The 3571cc engine was rebuilt by Hunts Engineering of Poole. using a lightened flywheel and an Alvis ‘highlift' camshaft. of the type used in WWII Alvis tanks. The fully balanced engine was coupled to the original outstanding full synchromesh gearbox; interestingly. Alvis was the first in the World to produce a gearbox of this type. It competed in VSCC. BARC and BDC events following her rebuild. finding success in circuit racing. sprints and hill climbs.

Brian then had the opportunity to acquire Brutus. a massive engined Alvis racer. and put the 3 ½ litre up for sale.

The second owner purchased it in 1977 as a fun road car. with the hope of producing ‘miles of smiles'! Mr Julian Keevil. who resided in both London and America. exported the Alvis to Virginia in 1979. where it remained until its repatriation to Dorset in 2001.

On arrival in UK further work was carried out by the original builder. It was decided to turn her into a two seater which Brian achieved with just a hammer. sheets of aluminum and forty years of craftsmanship. The body was modified to take two ‘proper' seats. the addition of luggage space and the capacity to carry a spare wheel. The fact that the trans-Atlantic shipping company assisted with the alterations by damaging the bodywork had no bearing on the decision to replace the pointed tail with a slab petrol tank arrangement.

The work was completed in 2003. The car has remained in the UK to the present day; she has been exercised regularly by Mr Keevil and has been appropriately maintained by Unicorn Motor Company.

There is a picture above showing him at the wheel of his beloved old Alvis - which he nicknamed ‘Boadicea' because of its tendency to scythe off the spokes of opposing cars.

The history file includes invoices. correspondence. receipts. MOT test certificates. the old V5 document. the V5C registration certificate and the ‘Commonwealth of Virginia Certificate of Title' (which confirms that taxes have been paid).

Presents a rare opportunity to purchase a superb pre-war sports special. The valuable Reg Nr WF 9009 is fully transferable but it would be a shame to separate it from Boadicea.

For more info on this amazing car call John on 01253 734199 anytime. 　

Historical Info

Founded in 1919. Alvis (or T. G. John Ltd as it was then) developed into one of Great Britain's finest engineering companies. Initially producing light motor cars powered by side valve engines. the company launched its overhead valve unit in 1925 which resulted in a range of sporting. powerful models that. during the 1930s. rivalled vehicles from competitors such as Bentley. As well as performance car production. Alvis also became famous for its Alvis Leonides aero engine from 1936 and a range of military and armoured vehicles.

Just a total of sixty-one 3 ½ litre SA models were produced; as an improvement on the Speed 20. these 1936 grand motor cars were refined and powerful. achieving a surprising top speed of 95mph which was aided by seven main bearings. dual ignition and triple SU carburettors with twin SU electric pumps.

This car was supplied new to Lord Hothern of Dalton Hall. Leeds. All the subsequent owners are listed in the Alvis Archives and a copy of these are included in the History File along with factory build data.