1935 Alvis 4.3 Litre Bertelli 'Airline' Fastback
- Engine
- 4.3L
Alvis 4.3 Litre chassis 18039 began life as a works show car displayed at the 1935 Paris and Scottish Motor Shows before being acquired by Swedish racing driver Henken Widengren, who commissioned unique fastback coachwork from Bertelli of Feltham — the only 4.3 Litre among just five Alvis cars bodied by that firm. After passing through several Swedish owners post-war, including an artist who stored it for over a decade, the car received a thorough professional restoration by Red Triangle of Kenilworth and has since been exhibited at venues including the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$168,000
- → 1935Factory deliveryAlvis Workspartial documentation
Chassis prepared as a show exhibit, displayed at the Paris and Scottish Motor Shows in late 1935 before being sold.
- 1935 →Private saleHenken Widengrenfull documentation
Swedish racing driver who commissioned custom coachwork from Bertelli and reportedly participated in shaping the fastback body design; car was stored during the war years. A 1948 Motor Sport photo confirmed his ownership, though he had already sold it by that point.
- → 1953Private saleWalter Lindquistpartial documentation
Acquired from Widengren sometime after wartime storage ended; subsequently sold the car in 1953.
- 1953 → 1955Private saleTommy H. Brahmerpartial documentation
Based near Stockholm; had the bodywork repainted white and carried out an engine rebuild during his ownership.
- 1955 → 1969Private saleHans Felleniuspartial documentation
Swedish artist who largely kept the car in storage for approximately fourteen years without significant use or restoration.
- 1969 →Private saleJarl Östenssonpartial documentation
Swedish enthusiast who initiated a gradual restoration process on the car.
- 2009 →Acquisition unknownCurrent collection ownerpartial documentation
Part of a carefully assembled collection of significant Alvis vehicles; commissioned a full restoration by marque specialist Red Triangle of Kenilworth, after which the car was selectively exhibited including a period on display at the Royal Automobile Club in London.
Competition
- 19321932 Le Mans 24 HoursDriver: Henken Widengren5th overall
This result was achieved by Widengren prior to his ownership of this Alvis and is cited as context for his reputation as a racing driver.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1935Modification
Chassis specification upgraded from 3.5 Litre to 4.3 Litre while bespoke Bertelli coachwork was being constructed.
Carried out at Widengren's request during the coachbuilding process.
- 1953Engine rebuild
Engine rebuilt and exterior refinished in white during Tommy Brahmer's ownership.
- —Restoration
A gradual partial restoration was begun by Jarl Östensson before the car changed hands in 2009.
- —RestorationRed Triangle
Comprehensive professional restoration carried out to a high standard by the leading Alvis marque specialists, returning the car to its original condition.
Commissioned by the current collection owner after acquisition in 2009; completed prior to exhibition at the Royal Automobile Club.
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