The first Alvis car, the 10/30hp, was to set the standard by which the company was to gain its reputation for high standards. Throughout the 1920s Alvis gained honour after honour in races, most notably a victory at the Brooklands 200 Mile Race. The Alvis was based on standard 12/50 whereas its rivals fielded out-and-out racers. During the 30s the company's mainstay was the high performance Speed 20, considered to be a serious rival to Rolls Royce. The Alvis drive towards the high end of the market continued with quality models like the Firefly the Crested Eagle and the Speed 25, reputed to be the best of the pre-war cars and praised by the then world land speed record holder Sir Malcolm Campbell.
In 1955, the company produced the TC21/100, or Grey Lady. Sadly, though, few people could afford it and only 16 were built. Three years later came the launch of the much cheaper TD51, and the TE21 in 1964 and finally the fastest-ever Alvis, the TF21 - capable of 126mph. In 1965 Alvis merged with Rover and the firm became part of British Leyland. Producion at Holyhead Road continued to concentrate solely on military vehicles including the Scorpion tank and personnel carriers and transporters. In 1990 Alvis left Holyhead Road for new premises in Walsgrave.
All the buildings on this site were demolished to make way for the Alvis Retail Park. A small plaque acts as a reminder of the site's former use. The original Alvis car factory (top) was developed for housing in 1993.
To view the Alvis cars for sale on I Want That One, click on the underlined Alvis models above.
>Alvis - Click the models underlined to view the available cars.
