The car that established Alvis as a serious maker — and won the 1923 Brooklands 200-Mile Race.
The 12/50, introduced late 1923 for the 1924 model year, was the car that established Alvis as a serious maker; chief engineer Captain G.T. Smith-Clarke's pushrod OHV four-cylinder engine of 1,496 cc (later 1,598 cc and 1,645 cc) was quieter, more powerful and notably strong and reliable. A tuned example won the 1923 Brooklands 200-Mile Race.
All 12/50s used a four-speed non-synchromesh gearbox with right-hand change; right-hand drive; front-wheel brakes from 1924. Early SA cars carried the classic "duck's back" pointed-tail two-seater body; later a "beetleback" style and a wide range of tourers, saloons and drophead coupés followed. Bodies by Carbodies and Cross & Ellis.
The 12/50 was discontinued in 1929 when Alvis committed to front-wheel-drive models; when those found limited acceptance it was hastily reinstated, and is credited with saving the firm. It sold in larger numbers than any comparable British 1.5-litre car. The high-compression, twin-SU 12/60 sporting variant (chassis types TK and TL) arrived towards the end of production, sold alongside the 12/50 until 1932. Total 12/50 (and 12/60) production 3,705 (1923–1932). Chassis-type nomenclature: subframe cars SA/SB/SC; platform-chassis SD, TE, TF, TG, TH, TJ (12/50) and TK, TL (12/60).
A quintessential vintage British sports car with strong club support and eligibility for premier historic events.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/50 SA/SB | 1923–1924 | Within 3,705 total | 1,496 cc OHV four, subframe chassis; SA duck's-back two-seater. |
| 12/50 SC onward | 1924–1932 | Within 3,705 total | 1,598 cc (later 1,645 cc); platform chassis from SD; front-wheel brakes; duck's-back, beetleback, tourer, saloon and drophead bodies. |
| 12/60 (TK/TL) | 1931–1932 | Within 3,705 total | High-compression twin-SU sporting variant; sold alongside the 12/50 to 1932. |
Authenticate stamped chassis and engine numbers against factory or club records. For the 12/50 and 12/60 specifically, verify chassis type (SA/SB/SC subframe; SD, TE, TF, TG, TH, TJ platform 12/50; TK/TL 12/60) against club records, confirm original coachwork (duck's-back, beetleback, tourer, saloon or drophead) and record engine displacement.
Confirm body originality, panel identity and restoration standard against a marque specialist.
Confirm continuous service history and any rebuild history for the engine, transmission and driveline against a marque specialist.
Restoration standard, originality of body and driveline, and any documented ownership record are the main value drivers.
Regional ranges authored independently — each reflects its local market, not an FX conversion
Each region quoted in its local currency — independent market readings, not FX conversions
Sporting two-seater coachwork (duck's-back, beetleback) and the 12/60 lead; saloons and later tourers trade below. Values driven by originality, body style and competition history.
Authored against aggregate public-market data and named price guides as set out in What to Pay; regional readings are independent, not FX conversions.
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
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No recent public auction results currently meet our verification standard. We publish sale figures only from verified examples, and will update this guide as qualifying results become available.
A quintessential vintage British sports car with strong club support and eligibility for premier historic events.
Our view, not advice. This section is Car Collector International's editorial judgement on where this model sits in the collector market, based on the production, specification and market data set out in this guide. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell and it is not investment advice. Values can fall as well as rise.
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The valuation figures in this guide are for research purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. See our full disclaimer.
