Alvis 4.3 Litre classic cars for sale

History of the Alvis 4.3 Litre

Announced in August 1936, the Alvis 4.3 Litre emerged as a response to a demanding market seeking both luxury and top-tier performance. Hand-built by Alvis Car and Engineering in Coventry, the model was produced up until the outbreak of World War II in 1940. It quickly established itself as a standout in the British luxury touring segment, noted for its large-capacity engine, advanced engineering, and refined build standards. This vehicle is representative of Alvis’s commitment to continuous technical progress during the late 1930s.

Model History

The 4.3 Litre followed Alvis’s successful Speed 20 and Speed 25 series. It directly replaced the Speed 20 2.8-litre and 3.5-litre variants, offering a significant increase in displacement and power. Built on principles established with earlier models but featuring more robust engineering and larger dimensions, the 4.3 Litre marked the final pre-war evolution before Alvis’s post-1945 designs.

Highlights and Special Features

The Alvis 4.3 Litre sets itself apart with its advanced 4.3-litre straight-six engine, well-engineered chassis, and premium coach-built bodies. Period craftsmanship and mechanical sophistication position the car as a true engineer’s vehicle. In terms of Classic Trader's market supply and demand: 100% of Alvis vehicles listed on our marketplace are 4.3 Litres—these are the sole representatives currently offered and viewed, underscoring their singular status among Alvis classics.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

While most Alvis 4.3 Litres were custom-bodied, certain examples with especially rare coachwork or notable historical provenance can be considered as de facto special editions. The rarity of individual bodies and period upgrades—such as lightweight sports roadsters or bespoke luxury saloons—contribute to particular examples being valued among marque enthusiasts.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

No specific weak spots are documented in our database. Given the era and bespoke nature of each chassis, potential buyers should pay special attention to chassis and body integrity, mechanical wear, and the availability of authentic replacement parts. As with all hand-built pre-war classics, careful inspection of prior restoration quality and mechanical correctness is critical.

Engine, Transmission and Driving Dynamics

The 4.3-litre straight-six delivers substantial torque and smooth acceleration, setting benchmarks for pre-war luxury vehicles. The sturdy gearbox and robust chassis give confidence at touring speeds typical of the era. Period road tests praised the model for its steadiness and composure at speed, making it suited to both long-distance touring and spirited driving. Most sought-after are those with lighter two-seater coachwork, which maximise performance benefits from the large-capacity engine. Factory-upgraded versions and well-documented provenance also command high regard among collectors.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Alvis 4.3 Litres were delivered as rolling chassis to be finished by specialist coachbuilders, resulting in a wide variety of body styles and finishes. Interiors typically feature high-grade leather and wood veneers, with cockpit layouts tailored to the buyer’s wishes. Exteriors reflect a blend of elegance and purposeful design, often characterised by sweeping fenders, long bonnets, and meticulous chrome detailing. Accessories and special features were usually tailor-made, providing each car with unique allure.

Other Features

No further model-specific features beyond those discussed in the designated sections.

Summary

The Alvis 4.3 Litre captures a unique moment in British pre-war automotive engineering, combining handcrafted luxury with advanced technical features. It represents the high point of Alvis’s pre-war range and holds special significance as the singular Alvis model currently represented on the Classic Trader platform.