The Alvis Silver Eagle figures large in Henry Williamson's writings, and in the eyes of the members of the Henry Williamson Society it has assumed a mythic status. To discover that, against all the odds, the car had not only survived being converted to a farm workhorse and the ignominy of retrieving gilder tow ropes, but had been restored and was still on the road was nothing less than astonishing. It was a special occasion, therefore, when in May 1994, at the Society's Spring meeting, the present owner, Alex Marsh, arrived at Old Hall Farm, Stiffkey, and we were able to see it for the first time. This series of photographs was taken on this occasion.

Loetitia Williamson, then aged 93, at the wheel

Three of the Williamson brothers – Robert, Richard and Bill – by their father's old car

Bill Williamson, who came over from Canada for the occasion

Some lucky people even got a ride . . .

. . . the open road, from the passenger seat, the Silver Eagle radiator cap prominent

Photographs courtesy of John Gregory

The latest photographs of the car, from 2021, show it cosseted in its plywood-lined garage, and on a recent outing. The owner remarks: 'the shot was taken this Christmas with three of my grandchildren in the back. Cold but fun – HW would have approved. The Silver Eagle is running very well – I am sorting her clutch this winter.'

Photographs courtesy of Alex Marsh

This Silver Eagle is now over 90 years old, and has led an extraordinary existence. It is clearly ready for another 90 years!

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