Among pre-war British icons, the 1936 Alvis 4.3 Litre by Bertelli stands in a class of its own. This one-of-a-kind machine blends technical innovation with jaw-dropping design, making it one of the most captivating coachbuilt cars of its era.
Full details & bid : rmsothebys.com
A One-Off Alvis 4.3 Litre by Bertelli
This car is the only 4.3 Litre Alvis ever bodied by Bertelli, the respected coachbuilder known for his brother’s work at Aston Martin. Designed for Swedish racing driver Henken Widengren, it became more than transportation, it was rolling art.
Its sleek “Airline” fastback roofline and avant-garde form were first revealed at the 1935 Paris Salon. Later displayed at the Scottish Motor Show, the chassis soon found its way to Bertelli’s Feltham workshop, where magic happened.
Performance and Engineering That Still Impress
Beneath its flowing bodywork lies a 4.3 Litre straight-six engine, the most powerful unit offered by Alvis at the time. Matched with a three-speed manual gearbox and solid chassis dynamics, it delivered strong performance for a grand touring saloon. The engine, chassis, and body all retain their original numbers, a rarity in itself.
The car’s structure was upgraded to the latest specification during its coachbuilding phase. Its dynamic handling, robust power delivery, and mechanical sophistication earned it Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic status, testament to both its quality and legacy.
A Rich and Colorful Journey Through Time
After Widengren parted ways with the car in the post-war period, it passed through a series of Swedish collectors, each contributing to its evolving story. One owner repainted it white and rebuilt the engine, while another stored it for over a decade before selling it to a true enthusiast who began its first restoration.
The Alvis eventually made its way into a renowned private collection in 2009. There, it received a meticulous restoration by marque specialist Red Triangle in the UK. The result is a car that captures the elegance and allure of its 1930s debut, with the integrity of its origins still intact.
A Design That Captured an Era
The Airline design language was cutting-edge in its time, rivaling French design houses in elegance. Its fastback roofline, teardrop fenders, and balanced proportions still captivate today. It’s more than a car; it’s a time capsule of pre-war design daring.
This Alvis was even honored with a prominent display in the Royal Automobile Club rotunda in Pall Mall, a fitting tribute to its rarity and importance. Few vehicles from this era evoke such emotion, especially when they wear a body this unique.
Summary
The 1936 Alvis 4.3 Litre by Bertelli is not just a vintage saloon. It’s a masterclass in bespoke British craftsmanship, a survivor of a vanished design era, and an automotive icon with unmatched pedigree. With its striking presence, matching numbers, and top-tier restoration, it truly deserves its place among the greats.
Disclaimer: Vehicle specifications, historical claims, and condition are based on available information and may be subject to verification.
