Alvis Firefly
The Alvis Firefly is a car manufactured by Alvis from 1932 until 1934. It followed on from the 12/50 TJ model.
The car has a straight-four engine with overhead valves. The engine, with a single SU carburettor and a displacement of 1,496 cm3, develops at 4,500 rpm. The engine is essentially the same as that of the 12/50 TH model from 1927, and of the 12/50 SD from 1927 to 1929. This made it economical to manufacture, and put the car in the 1.5-litre class, which was popular at that time.
A roadster was introduced in 1932. In 1933, a four-door tourer, a saloon, and a two-door convertible were introduced, all under the name Alvis Firefly 12. The car has rigid axles at the front and rear, from which it is suspended by semi-elliptical leaf springs. The wheelbase, the type of suspension and, in some cases, the bodies, corresponded to the previous straight-six Alvis Silver Eagle SE and TB. The top speed was about, depending on the design.
In 1934, the Alvis Firebird replaced all the Firefly models. In all, 904 Firefly Roadsters and 871 Firefly 12s were built.