HAMILTON will play host to around 30 vintage Alvis cars, and even more motoring enthusiasts from around the country this week, as the National Alvis Rally descends on the Western District.

Established in Coventry, England in 1919, by T.G. John; Alvis cars quickly became popular with sporting motorists due to their efficient engine and ability to maintain speed.

Tarrington local, Warrick Hansted has owned a couple of Alvis’ over the years, and said while manufacturing ceased in 1967, the cars remained popular with clubs around the world.

  “They’re just a nice little car and they’ve got a club with a very strong following here in Victoria, as well as Australia,” he said.

“There’s probably a couple of hundred in Australia still, and they’re very popular out here because they sit on a sustained speed at a decent click.

“The Alvis club here is a terrific club, it’s like a great group of friends, people help each other with their cars and enjoy each other’s company and cars, it is really good.”

The National Alvis Rally kicks off on Sunday, April 3, and locals can take a good look at the vintage vehicles when they are on display at the Hamilton Bowling Club on Monday, April 4, from 11am-2pm.

Throughout the week, the delegation will head to Halls Gap and Port Fairy, and explore Hamilton with a tour of Church Hill, and a lecture on the history of the district planned.

Mr Hansted bought his current Alvis, a 1926 12/50 from a fellow club member after he sold his six-cylinder model when he moved to a property near Tarrington.

He said Alvis manufactured around 3500 of the 12/50 model from 1923-1930 before they progressed to other models.

Owning and operating a car nearing 100-years-old requires a level of patience and time, to give the tender love and care necessary to keep the vehicle in good shape.

“An old car is full of stresses and strains and of course you haven’t got the suspension and the brakes of modern cars, so you bounce around a bit, so you don’t want to press them too hard,” Mr Hansted said.