The 1934 Alvis Crested Eagle Charlesworth Six Light Saloon is a distinguished example of British pre-war motoring, combining elegant coachwork, refined engineering and the understated sophistication for which Alvis became renowned. Introduced during an era when British manufacturers were producing some of their most graceful motor cars, the Crested Eagle represented an important addition to the Alvis range, offering a luxurious and capable touring automobile for the discerning motorist. Its imposing radiator grille, sweeping wings, long bonnet and beautifully proportioned saloon body reflect the traditional craftsmanship and timeless styling of the early 1930s.

Featuring handsome Six Light Saloon coachwork by the respected British coachbuilder Charlesworth, this particular body style is distinguished by its six side windows, providing an exceptionally light and airy passenger compartment. Charlesworth was well regarded for producing elegant, individually styled bodies for prestigious British marques, and its work on the Crested Eagle perfectly complemented the quality of the Alvis chassis. Inside, the spacious cabin offered the comfort and refinement expected of an upmarket British motor car, with traditional timber detailing, quality upholstery and carefully considered instrumentation. The result was a vehicle equally suited to formal occasions and extended journeys across the British countryside.

Mechanically, the Crested Eagle benefited from Alvis’s considerable engineering expertise, with its smooth six-cylinder engine, robust chassis construction and advanced design contributing to a reputation for dependable, refined motoring. Alvis had already established itself as a manufacturer of technically accomplished automobiles, and the Crested Eagle continued that tradition while placing particular emphasis on comfort, road manners and long-distance touring ability. Today, surviving examples are increasingly appreciated for their rarity, historical significance and distinctive coachbuilt character. The 1934 Alvis Crested Eagle Charlesworth Six Light Saloon remains a wonderful representation of an era when British automotive engineering and traditional coachbuilding craftsmanship came together to create motor cars of enduring elegance and character.

An exceptionally rare, New Zealand-new British sporting saloon with remarkable provenance, advanced engineering and over 90 years of motoring history.

Few British motor cars of the pre-war era combine engineering innovation, coachbuilt elegance and historical significance quite like the 1934 Alvis Crested Eagle Charlesworth Six Light Saloon. Representing a period when British automotive craftsmanship was arguably at its finest, the Crested Eagle was a sophisticated and technically advanced motor car, designed for discerning motorists who appreciated performance, refinement and individuality. With its handsome Charlesworth coachwork, advanced mechanical specification and beautifully proportioned styling, this is a motor car that embodies the very best traditions of the prestigious Alvis marque.

What makes this particular example especially remarkable is its rarity and its longstanding New Zealand history. Supplied new to New Zealand in July 1934, it is understood to be one of only two surviving Charlesworth-bodied Crested Eagle saloons in the country, and the only example currently in operational condition, with the other reportedly undergoing restoration. Having passed through the hands of just fourteen owners over more than nine decades, this exceptional motor car has benefited from a succession of dedicated custodians who have recognised its importance and contributed to its continued preservation.

An Exceptionally Rare Survivor

Research into the surviving Charlesworth-bodied Crested Eagle saloons suggests that approximately 23 examples remain worldwide, including thirteen in the United Kingdom, two in New Zealand and individual examples in Australia and the United States. While these figures remain subject to confirmation through marque registers, they illustrate just how seldom one of these elegant sporting saloons becomes available.

According to the manufacturer’s register, just 652 Crested Eagles were produced. Sadly, many surviving examples were dismantled during the 1960s and 1970s to provide mechanical components for the more sought-after Alvis Speed 20. Consequently, complete and operational Crested Eagles have become particularly scarce, making the survival of this Charlesworth Six Light Saloon all the more significant.

Among the notable historical and provenance details are:

• New Zealand new, having arrived in Wellington in July 1934.

• Originally imported by J. R. Hancock and Edward Riddiford.

• One of only two Charlesworth Crested Eagle saloons understood to survive in New Zealand.

• Believed to be the only operational example in the country.

• Just fourteen owners since new, with comprehensive ownership records available.

• Accompanied by its original Certificate of Registration.

• Retains its original 2,511cc six-cylinder engine, numbered 16571.

• Original selling price of £750, a substantial sum in 1934.

• Reportedly one of approximately 23 surviving Charlesworth saloons worldwide.

• Maintained and preserved by successive enthusiastic owners throughout its lifetime.

Advanced Engineering and Exceptional Refinement

Alvis was never simply another British luxury car manufacturer. The Coventry-based company developed an enviable reputation for technical excellence, pioneering engineering solutions and producing motor cars that were frequently ahead of their time. While the elegant bodies were generally entrusted to specialist coachbuilders, Alvis concentrated its considerable expertise on the design and manufacture of engines, transmissions, suspension systems and chassis. The result was a range of motor cars that offered a distinctive combination of sporting ability, mechanical sophistication and exceptional road manners.

The Crested Eagle was an excellent demonstration of this philosophy. Its 2,511cc in-line six-cylinder engine delivered smooth, flexible performance, while the sophisticated ENV four-speed pre-selector transmission provided an unusually refined driving experience for the period. Rather than requiring conventional gear changes, the driver could select the next ratio in advance and engage it through the transmission’s operating pedal, allowing for smooth and progressive changes. Combined with independent front suspension, this arrangement made the Crested Eagle an impressively capable sporting saloon, offering responsive handling and outstanding comfort over long distances.

This particular example retains its original engine, number 16571, an especially desirable feature in a motor car of this age and rarity. Power is delivered gracefully to the rear wheels, while the advanced suspension arrangement contributes to surprisingly agile and responsive road-holding. With a quoted top speed of approximately 72 mph (116 km/h), the Crested Eagle offered very respectable performance for a luxurious four-door saloon of the early 1930s.

Its notable mechanical and construction features include:

• Original 2,511cc in-line six-cylinder engine.

• Engine number 16571.

• Triple-carburettor induction system.

• Dual coil and magneto ignition arrangement.

• Four-speed ENV pre-selector transmission.

• Independent front suspension for improved ride quality and road-holding.

• Lightweight aluminium body panels over traditional timber framing.

• Steel mudguards and robust chassis construction.

• Centralised chassis lubrication system.

• Built-in jacking equipment for added convenience.

• Quoted maximum speed of approximately 72 mph.

• Sophisticated sporting saloon design combining comfort, performance and mechanical refinement.

Elegant Charlesworth Coachwork

The beautifully proportioned Six Light Saloon body was produced by Charlesworth, one of the respected British coachbuilding firms responsible for clothing the finest chassis of the era. The term Six Light refers to the six side windows, three on each side, which contribute to the car’s graceful appearance while allowing generous natural light into the passenger compartment. With its long bonnet, imposing radiator grille, sweeping mudguards and elegant roofline, the Crested Eagle presents a commanding yet wonderfully understated appearance.

Inside, the emphasis was on traditional British luxury, with a spacious passenger compartment, carefully considered instrumentation and the craftsmanship associated with quality coachbuilt motor cars. Unlike many sporting automobiles of the period, the Crested Eagle offered the practicality and comfort of a substantial saloon without sacrificing the performance and driving enjoyment for which Alvis had become renowned. It was, in every respect, a gentleman’s sporting motor car, equally at home on a leisurely country drive or an extended touring journey.

A Fascinating New Zealand History

Having arrived in Wellington in July 1934, this Crested Eagle has spent its entire motoring life in New Zealand. Its history is particularly well documented, with ownership records tracing fourteen custodians since new, together with the original Certificate of Registration. Such provenance is increasingly difficult to find in pre-war automobiles and adds considerable historical interest to an already exceptionally rare motor car.

Adding a rather unusual chapter to its story, this Alvis was reportedly used during filming in Kerikeri, New Zealand, in a production involving British actor Stratford Johns, best remembered for his portrayal of Inspector Charlie Barlow in the popular television police dramas Z-Cars and Softly, Softly. It is a fascinating connection that further distinguishes this remarkable survivor from other pre-war British saloons.

That the car remains operational today is a testament to the dedication of its successive owners. Over more than ninety years, it has survived changing fashions, wartime austerity, the decline of the British motor industry and the period when many comparable vehicles were dismantled for parts. Its continued preservation represents an important contribution to New Zealand’s motoring heritage.

The Alvis Legacy – A Tradition of British Excellence

Established in Coventry in 1919, the Alvis Car and Engineering Company became one of Britain’s most respected manufacturers of high-quality sporting and luxury motor cars. From its earliest years, the company distinguished itself through a willingness to challenge conventional automotive thinking, developing innovative engineering solutions that would influence the wider motor industry. Among its achievements were pioneering work in front-wheel-drive technology, independent front suspension and advanced transmission design, innovations that demonstrated the company’s remarkable technical capabilities.

Competition played an important role in establishing the Alvis reputation. During the 1920s, its sporting machines demonstrated impressive speed, durability and engineering sophistication in racing and hill-climb events, helping establish the marque among Britain’s leading performance manufacturers. By the early 1930s, Alvis had successfully translated this experience into a range of exceptionally capable sporting saloons and touring automobiles, including the celebrated Speed 20 and the elegant Crested Eagle.

The company’s engineering expertise extended well beyond motor cars. Alvis subsequently became an important manufacturer of military vehicles and aero engines, including the well-known Leonides radial engine. Although the original company’s motor car production ended in 1967, the Alvis name continues to command enormous respect among enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the marque’s distinctive blend of innovation, performance and traditional British craftsmanship.

Of the approximately 21,535 Alvis motor cars produced, more than 200 are reported to have found their way to New Zealand. Historical estimates suggest that around seventy remained in regular use, including approximately twenty pre-war examples, although these figures may have changed over time. The Alvis Car Club of New Zealand, established in 1969, has played an important role in preserving the marque’s heritage and bringing together enthusiasts dedicated to the continued enjoyment of these remarkable motor cars.

A Rare Opportunity to Acquire a Significant Pre-War Alvis

There is something particularly special about a pre-war motor car that has survived for more than nine decades while retaining its original engine, documented ownership history and the distinctive coachwork with which it was first supplied. This 1934 Alvis Crested Eagle Charlesworth Six Light Saloon is precisely such a vehicle, combining historical importance with the character, mechanical sophistication and elegance that made Alvis one of Britain’s most admired marques.

For the collector who values provenance, rarity and engineering distinction, this is considerably more than an attractive vintage automobile. It is an important surviving example of British coachbuilding and automotive innovation, with the added distinction of a documented New Zealand history dating back to 1934. One of only two known examples in New Zealand, and understood to be the only operational survivor, this magnificent Crested Eagle represents a particularly rare opportunity to become the next custodian of an exceptional piece of motoring history.

NOTE TO PROSPECTIVE BUYERS : At this price level, car will be sold as is where is i.e.: NO WOF and current registration. Registration is currently ON HOLD.

The 1934 Alvis Crested Eagle Charlesworth Six Light Saloon occupies a particularly interesting position in the pre-war collector car market, combining exceptional rarity, advanced engineering and prestigious British coachbuilding at a price point considerably more accessible than many of its contemporaries. With just 652 Crested Eagles reportedly manufactured, and only around 23 Charlesworth saloons believed to survive worldwide, opportunities to acquire one are exceptionally uncommon. Historically overshadowed by the more sporting Alvis Speed 20, the Crested Eagle nevertheless shares much of the marque’s celebrated engineering pedigree, offering collectors an elegant, sophisticated and highly capable pre-war motor car. Its scarcity, historical significance and distinctive coachwork make it particularly appealing to enthusiasts seeking something genuinely unusual, while this example’s original engine, documented ownership history and New Zealand-new provenance further enhance its desirability.

At an asking price of just NZ$16,500, this remarkable Alvis represents what we consider to be an exceptional bargain in today’s classic car market. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine finding another pre-war British motor car offering this combination of rarity, engineering sophistication, historical provenance and coachbuilt elegance for such a modest outlay. While pre-war automobiles appeal to a more specialised collector audience than mainstream classics, their historical importance and increasingly limited availability continue to make well-preserved examples worthy of consideration. With only two Charlesworth Crested Eagle saloons understood to remain in New Zealand, and this being the only operational example, its exclusivity is undeniable. For the discerning enthusiast, NZ$16,500 represents a remarkably affordable entry into ownership of a genuinely rare and distinguished British motor car, with the added satisfaction of preserving an important piece of automotive heritage for future generations.

New Zealand Sales
Unless otherwise stated, vehicles sold for use in New Zealand will be supplied with a new Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and 12 months New Zealand registration at the time of sale.

Transport & Shipping
New Zealand transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged on the Buyer’s behalf and at the Buyer’s cost and risk. Any freight, shipping, insurance, customs charges, duties, taxes, import costs, certification or compliance costs are the responsibility of the Buyer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Export Sales
For vehicles purchased for export, the Buyer is responsible for determining and satisfying all import, registration, certification, compliance, tax and regulatory requirements applicable in the destination country.

Viewing
All vehicle inspections and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Applicable Law
All sales are subject to applicable New Zealand law. Nothing in these Conditions of Sale excludes or limits any statutory rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

For more information about this vehicle, please contact us Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 6:00pm (New Zealand Standard Time) on +64 (0) 3 310-6485. Alternatively, you may email us at [email protected] anytime, or contact us through the form below.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.

NOTIFICATION AS TO NATURE OF GOODS IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT 1993

Waimak Group Ltd is a New Zealand registered company and accepts that the vehicle being sold must be of “acceptable quality” in terms of section 7 of the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (the Act) having regard to “the nature of the goods”. Waimak Group Ltd is not aware of any specific defects with the vehicle, however (a) such a vehicle being a classic vehicle may have mechanical breakdowns, electrical failures at inconvenient times and maintenance costs being part of and parcel of ownership of a classic vehicle; (b) reliability is a combination of the particular nature of the classic vehicle, how it is being driven, how it has been maintained, and to a certain extent luck; (c) because of the age of the vehicle, and its propensity to rust, it is likely that the vehicle would have been fully or partially restored, or at least repainted at some point in its life, maybe even more than once. Waimak Group Ltd does not know, and cannot give advice on how good any restoration work on the vehicle had been.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the vehicle is being sold as a classic car; that in terms of the Act and the nature of the goods, the vehicle is an old car, bike or boat, that may have visual and hidden faults, unlike a new motor vehicle.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak Group Ltd.

The Purchaser acknowledges that they have read and fully understand this notification and the nature of a car which is many years old.