Introducing the 4.3-Litre and 3-Litre Series

British marque Alvis is a luxury car manufacturer founded in 1919. In 1925, it developed its first front-wheel-drive car and began mass production. The company also participated in racing, and in 1928, a 1,500cc model achieved a 1-2 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1933, it designed the world's first all-synchromesh gearbox and was the first British car to adopt independent front suspension. In 1936, it unveiled the "4.3-Litre Vanden Plas," earning the title of "world's first supercar" from "Auto Car" magazine.

In Japan, Meiji Motors, an affiliate of Meiji Sangyo established in 1953, sold Alvis cars until its business ended in 1963. Alvis itself ceased mass production of cars in 1967.


Subsequently, Alvis began developing past models compliant with the UK's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in 2010, and in 2017 announced the limited production of six models in the "Continuation Series." This year, marking the 85th anniversary of Meiji Sangyo's founding, the company has re-established its general distributorship, leading to the decision to reintroduce Alvis to Japan.

Meiji Sangyo President Shinya Takeuchi commented, "As we reviewed our company's history, we discovered that we had previously handled Alvis. We then traveled to the UK to re-establish our relationship and signed the general distributorship agreement for Japan. As automobiles become more advanced with technologies like autonomous driving, we believe we can offer new ways to enjoy cars." Alvis Chairman Alan Stote added, "It is a great pleasure to be able to work with Meiji Sangyo again, with whom we had a previous business relationship. It feels like reuniting with an old friend."

Future Sales of Restored Vehicles Also Planned

The models to be introduced to Japan are three models from the 4.3-litre series and three models from the 3-litre series of the "Continuation Series." For the former, the car and chassis numbers for 77 units, whose production was halted by bombing in 1940 during World War II, are carried over (i.e., continued), and the inline six-cylinder engine is also reproduced based on the 1936 design. However, due to the use of the latest materials, fuel injection systems, and engine management, the output is said to be greater than that of the original models.

The 4.3-litre series is equipped with a 4,387cc inline six-cylinder engine, a 6-speed all-synchromesh transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes. The length is approximately 4.6 meters, the tread approximately 1.46 meters, and the wheelbase approximately 3.26 meters. Prices are £410,000 (¥59.45 million) for the "Vanden Plas Tourer," £460,000 (¥66.70 million) for the "Bertelli Sports Tourer," and £480,000 (¥69.60 million) for the "Lancefield Concealed Hood."




The 3-litre series, equipped with a 2,933cc inline six-cylinder engine, will be sold at £370,000 (¥53.65 million) for the "Graber Super Coupe," £390,000 (¥56.55 million) for the "Graber Super Cabriolet," and £280,000 (¥40.60 million) for the "Park Ward Drophead Coupe."

According to Meiji Sangyo, maintenance will be handled by Seiken e-Garage, a group company of Meiji Sangyo, which has staff trained in all models, including past ones, at the Alvis factory in the UK. A supply system for parts is also in place, and the company plans to import and sell restored vehicles from the UK in the future.