DR BELL’S ALVIS SILVER CREST SALOON

 

Mention is made by several contributors of Dr Bell’s Alvis and his annual pilgrimages to Grantown to fish the River Spey for sea trout and salmon. As the Alvis is a distinguished marque a few details about the doctor’s car would perhaps be appropriate.

 

The website is indebted to John Fox of the Alvis Archive Trust for his detective work which has uncovered the following details about the Alvis owned by Dr Bell.

 

The vehicle is still in existence in North Yorkshire. The survival rate for this particular model is not particularly high but the car which transported the doctor and his fishing tackle is still around and being cherished over eighty years later. This must say something about its quality and durability.

 

Details about Dr Bell’s Alvis

 

Make and Model: Alvis Silver Crest four-light Holbrook saloon; chassis number 14186

Registration number: DYA 433

Period owned by Dr Bell: 23 years, from 1937 until 1961 (Dr Bell was the first of six owners to date)

Supplied by: Phippen dealership, in December 1937

Present location: North Yorkshire

Colour: Light Dynasty Blue

Date of manufacture: 1937

Price new in 1937: £565

 

Specification

 

Engine: 6 Cylinder 2,362 cc, 16.95 hp; ohv; three SU carburettors

Maximum speed: 71 mph

Fuel consumption: 18 mpg

Weight: 33 cwt

Other features: 10' wheelbase chassis, all-synchromesh gearbox, independent front suspension and 16" wire wheels

Total number of this model manufactured: 518 of which 259 were 4 light 16.95 saloons

 

Notes about the Silver Crest

 

The Silver Crest was manufactured from September 1936 until 1940. These 6 cylinder cars, and their four-cylinder companion the 12/70, were designed by George Lanchester who was appointed Assistant Chief Engineer (Cars) after the Lanchester company was taken over by Daimler.

 

With falling sales of the larger models, the intention was to appeal to a slightly wider market, especially business users, and be simpler to manufacture than the Firebird and Silver Eagle models they replaced. A higher proportion of bought-in components were used in their manufacture, although the finish was to traditional Alvis standards. Both used engines with block and crankcase cast together in iron, with the timing chain at the front.

 

 

For more information and photos see: https://alvisarchive.com/1930s-the-post-vintage-era/the-silver-crest/

 

Since enquiring about Dr Bell's car the Alvis Archive Trust has added a page entitled 'Fly Fishing by Alvis' see: https://alvisarchive.com/2018/08/23/fly-fishing-by-alvis/