Model story

Healey Alvis

One of the rarest and less known cars built by Healey between 1946 and the launch of the Austin-Healey was the Healey-Alvis with just 25 units built between late 1951 and 1953. The bodywork was designed by Gerry Coker (later responsible for the Austin-Healey 100 also).

The styling is reminiscent of the Nash-Healey built at the same time - Panelcraft of Birmingham manufactured the aluminium bodies for both. However, the Healey-Alvis was more refined in its looks featuring an entirely new and striking design for the grille, as well as lighting by the new Lucas long-distance driving lights as standard. Door-handle locks and lockable glove box, still quite rare on British cars at the time, were fitted. Other standard equipment included also unusual for the period radio and heater. The Healey-Alvis had wind-up windows, a full set of instruments including a tachometer and electrical switch for the reserve fuel tank. It was possible to seat three people comfortably on its bench seat.

The latest G chassis was required to accommodate the Alvis three-litre in-line six-cylinder engine. Chassis numbers G-501 to G-524 beard the Alvis engine/transmission, which draw a Hardy Spicer shaft linked to a Salisbury rear-axle. Power output from the 2993 cc Alvis TB21 engine with twin SU H4 sidedraught carburettors was 106 bhp at 4200 rpm.