July 29: Back from the dead

Ever wish you could go back in time? Wish there was such a thing as a zombie? Well friendo, today your wishes might be answered. First off, no, you can't go back in time and secondly, there are no such things as zombies (relax kids, there's still a Santa Claus). But, what if something from the past came to you? What if it was a car? What if it was an Alvis?

Ok, enough with the 20 questions. Alvis was a boutique British car maker in the grand tradition of Rolls and Bentley, but like so many of the other forgotten car brands, Alvis is poised to make like a zombie and rise again from the dead. And also like going back in time, the cars being raised are duplicates of what this famous old car company made way back when they viable.

You say you can't remember what rolled off of their hand assembled line? Names like the Parkward Drophead or the Lancefield Concealed Hood or the Bertelli Coupe don't ring a bell. So, I guess you are just like the rest of us. Let me refresh what's in that cobweb encased noggin of yours........

From 1919 until 1968 Alvis hand built some classic British touring cars, but as modern tech caught up with their antiquated ways, sales declined and the old days weren't like the new days and sadly, this old Brit closed its doors forever. We thought. Now Alvis has been resurrected, but not with some new glam mobile or more likely an suv. No the new Alvis line is the old Alvis line, detail for detail with a few new safety features thrown in.

Those old classics appeal to you, but you don't have a mechanic on staff to keep one running? But you do have a large bank account for something new, so look no further........

 

Whether the '30's or the '60's appeal to you, the new, but old, Alvis line has something for you. No suv? No problem (thank goodness). Beautiful old cars in the grand 1930's tradition or something much more contemporary, assuming your definition of contemporary means a car fifty plus years old.

About this time the question arises of exactly how much one of these dreams rides might set a well healed person back? Keep in mind that the new Alvis is meticulously hand built over 4000 to 5000 hours and in some cases using old original parts (not sure if that is actually a positive feature). A guess? Well, you are in luck, as the prices are about 250,000 British pounds. Speaking of which, that pound has taken a pounding (no pun intended) this week, so lock your order in asap.

Want to relive those good old days and party like it's 1965 or well before?

 Ok, I hear you and so does Alvis. They are ready to make your antiquated dreams come true. And if you are a touch concerned that there might another Alvis in your hood, each model is limited to only twenty five. I can see your knees weakening, your heart pounding and your cheque book (or e-tranfer) coming slowly to hand.

Better be quick, the dead don't come back to life that often!

Until next time.......