1937 Alvis Speed 25 Charlesworth Drop Head Coupé

For sale by auction on Saturday 06 June 2015 with Historics at Brooklands. Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit. Weybridge. Surrey. Call 01753 639170
1927 saw the introduction of the
six-cylinder Alvis 14. 75 and this engine became the basis for
the long line of luxurious six-cylinder Alvis cars produced up to
the outbreak of the Second World War. The overtly sporting 2. 11cc
Speed 20 appeared in 1932 and a year later. as the SB series. was
treated to a number of innovations including independent front
suspension and the world's first all-synchromesh gearbox.

In 1936 a larger 3. 11cc engine was
introduced with seven main bearings. rather than the four of the
earlier Speed 20. giving an output of 110bhp. The clutch. br/>flywheel and crankshaft were balanced together. which minimised
vibration and two electric petrol pumps fed the three SU
carburettors. The new 3 ½ litre model initially carried saloon
bodywork only. but a year later it was combined with the latest
version of the Speed 20 chassis to create the Speed 25. capable of
a top speed of 95mph and widely considered to be one of the finest
cars of its era.

Alvis never supplied any of the bodies
for the Speed 25. All the cars were supplied in chassis form and
the majority were bodied by Cross & Ellis (Tourer). br/>Charlesworth (Saloon and Drop Head Coupé) and Vanden Plas. Many
other coachbuilders including Bertelli. Carbodies. br/>Lancefield and Offord would also offer suitably elegant
open touring or saloon car bodies on the Alvis chassis.

This 1937 SB Series Speed 25 carries a
Sedanca Drop Head Coupé body by Charlesworth and has been in the
vendor's possession since 1983. Originally registered BG 5953 (a
Birkenhead series for which records no longer survive). little is
known of its history prior to it being owned in the late 1950s by
David Heimann. According to the vendor. there is some speculation
that the Alvis saw service as a police vehicle and that there was
also a connection with Sir Anthony Eden but no supporting evidence
has come to light; hopefully further research might prove fruitful.
During the vendor's long ownership the Alvis has been treated to a
complete body and mechanical restoration and carefully maintained
since. covering little mileage. There is a history file with the
car which contains detailed invoices for the work carried out by
Hightone Restorations as well as all MoT certificates going back to
1981. There is also a valuation report carried out in 1989 by
marque expert Malcolm Elder which describes the Alvis as one of the
best of its type in existence.

Resplendent in cream paintwork with
navy blue interior. this Alvis is ready to be enjoyed by an
appreciative new owner and. as a highly original example of one of
the finest cars of the 1930s. is sure to attract interest from
collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Note: the original registration mark
(BG 5953) is presently being re-applied for.

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