T.G. John began manufacturing Alvis cars in Coventry in 1920. Coachwork was supplied by Cross & Ellis and Carbodies. In 1925 Alvis became the first car manufacturer in the world to design and race a front-wheel-drive model. A year later, the Alvis straight-eight FWD GP racing car lapped Brooklands at 121mph and in 1928 Alvis FWD models finished first and second in class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The company started producing and marketing FWD cars that year.
Another world-first was achieved in 1933, when Alvis designed the world’s first all-synchromesh gearbox and started working on the first British car with independent front-suspension. After the World War 2, Alec Issigonis joined Alvis to design a prototype 3500cc V8 engine.
In 1968, the Alvis passenger car division was relocated to Kenilworth after 22,000 vehicles had been built; 50,000 works drawings, technical data sheets and correspondence files are stored there. Through wholly-owned Red Triangle, it continues to manufacture parts, service and restore Alvis cars for existing customers worldwide.
The first Graber Drophead is the latest Continuation Series model to be completed by Kenilworth’s The Alvis Car Company. One of two examples of the convertible grand tourer to be hand assembled by the 102-year-old car company, it is destined for a Japanese enthusiast, where the brand enjoys an enthusiastic following. Like all its pre and post war Continuation Series motor cars, it can be enjoyed on the road, with owners able to benefit from subtle improvements such as power steering, air conditioning, electronic engine management and upgraded brakes. Blending period style with improved reliability, comfort, performance and safety, the Alvis makes touring a more satisfying and appealing experience.
Like all six models in Alvis’ Continuation Series, each is carefully hand built at Alvis’ Works, home to the wholly British owned marque since 1967. Drawing on Alvis’ archive of over 25,000 drawings and 23,000 car records, each remains faithful to the original designs to retain their traditional character and quality, yet are emission compliant.
Crafted to a bespoke specification, the Graber Drophead uses one of Alvis’ straight-six three-litre engines, the blocks of which have been carefully stored at the Works since the firm paused production and moved to Kenilworth from Coventry 57 years ago.
With fuel injection, a 9.5:1 higher compression ratio, full electric engine management and the adoption of CNC machining to achieve tighter tolerances, Alvis’ engineers upped power by 32 percent to a healthy 172bhp and a potential top speed of 120mph. Additional and useful low down torque has also been extracted, now 209 ft/lbs, ensuring keeping pace with modern traffic is easy. Hand beaten over either traditional wooden bucks or 3D printed formers, the lightweight aluminium body, which takes over 2,500 hours to form and five speed manual gearbox ensures lively acceleration.
The Connolly leather interior and three layer hood, lined with English wool cloth, are trimmed by Alvis’ craftspeople in the Works. Before delivery, each undergoes a thorough road test that features elements of Alvis’ test routes around Warwickshire, which it has relied on since the 1920s.
2024 is set to be a record year with three all new cars destined to leave the Works. Alongside the two Graber Dropheads, the first Continuation Series pre war Lancefield will also be destined for a Far East customer.
“The all-aluminium bodywork looks stunning up close, the engine runs faultlessly and the handcrafted interior is both comfortable and stylish,” explains Alan Stote, owner of The Alvis Car Company. “As a complete package, this Graber serves as a reminder that our manufacturing processes, which haven’t changed at Alvis since the early 20th century, still produce a product of the highest quality. And unlike so many continuation cars, we have ensured this can be enjoyed on the road.”
Prices start at £295,000 for pre-war Continuation Series cars with the Graber Super Coupé starting at £323,000, including a 3-year warranty.
Classic Yorkshire 