Alvis Crested Eagle
(1933 to 1939)
![]() |
|
Manufacturer | Alvis |
---|---|
Production | 1928-1930 |
Body Style | 4 door saloon |
Engine |
2762 cc (168.548 cu in) |
Wheelbase |
3124 mm 123 in |
Length | 4851 mm 191 in |
Width | 1778 mm 70 in |
This Alvis car shared many features with other models and was rather less sporting in character. Accordingly its survival rate is disappointingly low as many were pillaged in the 1950s and 1960s to yield spares for their more glamorous sisters. It was produced in a bewildering range of variants with 6 cylinder engines of 2148 cc (TE 16.95), 2511 cc (TD & TE 19.82), 2762 cc (TF, TG, TJ & TK 19.82) and 3571 cc (TA, TB, TC and TD 25.63), on chassis of 10'3" or 11' wheelbase. The power units were very similar to the contemporary Silver Eagle, Speed 20 and Speed 25 engines, sometimes with valve gear differences
1938 Alvis Crested Eagle six light car
Earlier models had single Solex carburettors in place of the triple SUs on the sporting cars, but later examples had the familiar multiple arrangement. Independent front suspension was used for the first time since the FWD, featuring a massive transverse leaf set across the chassis and wishbones mounted underneath. The chassis was set higher than on the "Speed" models, without the pronounced drop. Initially ENV preselector gearboxes were fitted, but from 1936 these were discarded in favour of the all synchromesh Alvis unit. Brakes, rear axle and steering box came from the middle thirties parts bin, along with the engines. An imposing tall, tapering radiator complemented the more upright bodies.
1938 Alvis Crested Eagle four light car
The familiar "jelly mould" wheels and knock-on hubs completed the ensemble. An astonishing variety of coachwork styles appeared on this long-running and successful model, from formal 6 light limousines through 4 and 6 light saloons and elegant 4 light semi "razor edge" limousines, sedanças de ville, to drophead coupés and even a few tourers. Bodies were roomier than those on the more dashing "Speed" models, very comfortable and well appointed. The bigger engined Crested Eagles were no mean performers for their day, capable of 85 mph, and handled well too. Production totalled around 650 examples, a high figure for a car costing £750 to around £900. If these figures seem low, remember that the average annual wage for a working man was about £200!
Info
-
The Alvis Crested Eagle Limosine.
dimensions & weights
Wheelbase
3124 mm
123 in
Track
front
1422 mm
56 in
rear
1422 mm
56 in
Length
4851 mm
191 in
Width
1778 mm
70 in
Height
Ground clearance
191 mm
7.5 in
Kerb weight
1780 kg
3924 lb
Weight distribution (Front)
Fuel capacity
90.9 litres
20 UK Gal
24 US Gal
Manufacturer
Alvis
Type
S-6
OHV 12 valves total 2 valves per cylinder
Bore × stroke
73.00mm × 110.00mm
2.87 in × 4.33 in
Bore/Stroke ratio
0.66
Displacement
2762 cc (168.548 cu in)
Unitary capacity
460.33 cc/cylinder
Compression ratio
5.85:1
Fuel system
1 SU carb
Aspiration
Normal
Compressor type
N/A
Intercooler
None
Catalytic Converter
N
Max. output
78.1 PS (77.0 bhp) (57.4 kW) @4250 rpm
Max. torque
Coolant
Water
Specific output
27.9 bhp/litre
0.46 bhp/cu in