Introduction

Alvis Car and Engineering Company Ltd. of Coventry in the UK manufactured Alvis cars from 1919 to 1967. The original company was founded in 1919 as TG John and Co. Ltd. Geoffrey de Freville, who had earlier been associated with the Bentley brothers, approached John with a four-cylinder engine design based on which the first Alvis car was produced. Even though the company stopped manufacturing its cars in the late 1960s, it continued with producing aero-engines and vehicles for military uses.

Alvis earlier had a winged green triangle as its logo. However, it was similar to the logo of Avro Aviation Company and hence it was changed to the inverted red triangle with the word Alvis on it. In fact, the company was even renamed Alvis Car and Engineering Company Ltd in 1921. After two years, Daimler’s Captain GT Smith-Clarke and WM Dunn joined the company. A 25-year partnership followed that led to the production of several successful cars, including the company’s overhead-valve 12/50 which was was one of the most successful sports cars from 1923 to 1932. These cars and the advanced version 12/60 have survived to this day and are much sought-after by classic cars aficionados.

Like other car companies, during the Second World War era, Alvis Ltd. too focussed on aero-engines and armoured vehicles. Smith-Clarke retired in 1950 and passed on the mantle of leadership to Dunn.

Fifteen years after the retirement of Smith-Clarke, Alvis merged with Rover in 1965. However, the merger did not come about at the best of times as car companies in the UK faced several political problems at that time. Ultimately, this resulted in the closure of Alvis car manufacturing in 1967.

After a year, the ex-employees of the company formed Red Triangle and transferred all the stock of parts, car and customer records, designs and technical data sheets to the new company. Red Triangle concentrated on providing specialist support, restoration and supply of genuine parts to Alvis owners across the world.

Later in 1981, United Scientific Holdings plc bought the company and changed its name to Alvis plc. Today the site of the Alvis works in Holyhead Road is a shopping complex that carries the name of the brand - Alvis Retail Park.

The film Hollywoodland featured the Alvis TC 21/100 (George Reeves is shown washing the car) that was specially shipped to the location for the movie.