Eighty-eight years after the original graced the 1938 London Motor Show, The Alvis Car Company has delivered its latest Lancefield continuation car. Handcrafted in the UK using a meticulous blend of traditional coachbuilding techniques and modern engineering, this stunning vehicle is a faithful recreation of a one-off model, destined for a discerning customer in Japan. The continuation build, a testament to Alvis’ rich heritage and dedication to quality, showcases an iconic Art Deco design brought to life through over 3,800 hours of skilled craftsmanship. This ultimate dual-purpose tourer seamlessly blends graceful long-distance cruising with surprising performance, boasting over 150 bhp under its elegant bonnet. The reborn Lancefield will make its public debut at Automobile Council 2025 in Japan, presented by Meiji Sanyo, Alvis’ exclusive distributor for Asia.
A Faithful Recreation of Automotive History: Rooted in a design celebrated for its Art Deco elegance, the original Alvis Lancefield was specifically commissioned for the 1938 London Motor Show. Dispatched from Alvis’ Coventry factory in August 1937, the bespoke creation by Lancefield Coachworks Limited captivated audiences with its graceful proportions, distinctive concave flutings, and disappearing hood. Over the ensuing decades, the original Lancefield garnered significant acclaim, even being recognized as “one of the world’s most beautiful cars” in 1982. Now, Alvis’ dedicated craftspeople in Warwickshire have painstakingly recreated this automotive masterpiece. Utilizing a combination of contemporary tools and time-honored traditional coachbuilding methods, the elegant bodywork is meticulously formed from aluminium over a bespoke ash frame, a labor-intensive process requiring over 3,800 hours of skilled work. The finished body is then painted in-house in a sophisticated two-tone cream finish, staying true to the original’s aesthetic.
Modern Engineering Beneath a Classic Form: While the exterior design remains faithful to the 1938 original, the 2025 Alvis Lancefield incorporates modern engineering advancements to enhance usability and reliability without compromising its inherent character. The almost five-meter-long car is built upon a fully galvanized steel chassis, carrying a consecutive chassis number, ensuring structural integrity and longevity. Modern conveniences such as power steering and servo-operated brakes have been seamlessly integrated, providing a more effortless driving experience. Furthermore, electronic engine management ensures easy hot starting and smoother throttle response. To meet contemporary roadworthiness legislation, the Lancefield is equipped with a catalytic converter, indicator repeater lights, and a collapsible steering column, making it fully certified for road use. This thoughtful integration of modern technology ensures that the reborn classic can be enjoyed on today’s roads with confidence and convenience.
Potent Straight-Six Performance: At the heart of the Alvis Lancefield lies a meticulously assembled straight-six, 4387cc engine, built to the same specification as Alvis’ revered original power unit. Modern Enhancements for Refined Power: This classic engine now benefits from modern fuel injection and electronic engine management, resulting in easy hot starting, a significantly smoother throttle response, and improved torque delivery. This combination of traditional engine design with contemporary technology provides a refined and responsive driving experience. Despite its elegant touring nature, the Lancefield, weighing just 1,500 kg, offers surprisingly punchy performance, capable of achieving 0-60 mph in under 10 seconds. This blend of graceful cruising ability and spirited acceleration makes it a true dual-purpose tourer.
Built to Be Driven and Cherished: Before delivery to its new owner, the Alvis Lancefield undergoes a comprehensive road test on the very same Warwickshire routes that Alvis has used since the 1920s, ensuring its readiness for real-world driving. The car is supplied with an updated owner’s handbook, faithfully based on the original. This first Lancefield continuation car is destined for a Japanese enthusiast, following three other continuation series models that have found homes through Meiji Sangyo, Alvis’ established distributor in Japan for over 50 years. This delivery marks Alvis’ first of the year, with more continuation cars, including a drop-head Graber, slated to leave the works. Prices for Alvis pre-war Continuation Series cars start at £325,000, and every model is backed by a three-year warranty, underscoring the company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Summary:
- Alvis delivers its latest Lancefield continuation car, 88 years after the original.
- Handcrafted in the UK using traditional and modern techniques.
- Faithful recreation of the 1938 London Motor Show one-off.
- Stunning Art Deco coach-built body (over 3,800 hours of work).
- Powered by a 4387cc straight-six engine with fuel injection and electronic management.
- Offers graceful long-distance touring and 0-60 mph in under 10 seconds.
- Features modern upgrades like power steering, servo brakes, and catalytic converter.
- Destined for a Japanese customer via Meiji Sanyo.
- Public debut at Automobile Council 2025 in Japan.
- Prices for pre-war Continuation Series cars start at £325,000 with a three-year warranty.
Disclaimer: This vehicle is a continuation car, faithfully recreating a historical model with modern enhancements. Performance figures are estimates based on available data. Warranty details are provided by The Alvis Car Company.
Source: Alvis
AI Assistance: Gemini
