Origins of the Register

The first bulletin for members appeared in June 1948, typewritten on foolscap by the then secretary, Paul Quiggin. In his introduction, Paul acknowledged the help of Motor Sport in setting up the Alvis Register. The very first advertisement, appropriately enough from Jack Wilson, member no. 1, offered magnetos and a Silver Eagle engine for sale and asked for a 12/50 con-rod. There was mention of light-weight clutch assemblies, duplicating handbooks and producing a booklet of advice for members. More than half a century later, these items would not be out of place but those early pioneers would be astonished at how much has been achieved.

In April 1953 The Alvis Register Monthly Circular was the first to be produced by arguably the most influential figure in the Register's history, Norman Johnson, member no. 195. He had recently produced The Vintage Alvis containing 40 pages “of great interest to everyone interested in the marque”. The price was 5/6d per copy - 27p in modern money. By this time the monthly Circular had been joined by a quarterly Bulletin; rallies and meetings were frequent. Alvis Ltd were helping by reproducing manuals, Alvivacity in Australia was reported and, of course, there were cars and spares for sale and wanted. An overhauled SD beetle-back was offered at £125 and a complete relined clutch could be bought for £3.

Norman Johnson campaigned for originality and high standards of presentation and against ill-conceived modifications and specials. For many years he owned and used extensively an immaculate and beautiful 1928 six-cylinder 14.75 hp Cross and Ellis tourer which is illustrated on page 218 of Hull and Johnson's The Vintage Alvis 2^nd edition published by the Register in 1995.

In the half century which followed, the Register has kept faith with its founders who did so much to preserve and promote the vintage Alvis motor car.

The Alvis Register became Alvis Register Ltd, a Company Limited by Guarantee No. 4309139, in 2001. Although some changes have been necessary we are committed to maintaining the original spirit of informality and mutual assistance. Up to a maximum of ten Board members are elected at the formal Annual General Meeting. Each board and committee member undertakes a specific task such as Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Archivist and so on.