Alvis Speed 20 DHC Charlesworth

Highlights

  • Two owners from new
  • Extensive original paperwork and technical drawings
  • Highly original throughout
  • Many unique features from new

The Appeal


The 1935 Alvis Speed 20 DHC Charlesworth is a truly captivating classic car with a remarkable history. With its original blue paintwork and red leather interior, this vehicle exudes an undeniable charm that transports you back in time. The car's unique appeal lies in its exceptional originality, boasting rare original features like rear fold-out dicky seats and a Lucas spotlight fitted to the windscreen pillar. 

The Alvis Speed 20 DHC Charlesworth offers not only a nostalgic driving experience but also a glimpse into the bygone era of automotive elegance and craftsmanship. With its impressive documentation, including technical drawings and the optional extras list, this Alvis Speed 20 DHC represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.

Complete in every aspect, from paperwork to the toolkit and with only two owners in 88 years this Alvis is an exceptionally rare example of originality. A beautiful car when it first launched, the Speed 20 looks as elegant and refined today as it did when it rolled out of the factory. A classic British design that offered both comfort and performance alongside some cutting edge technical innovation, this Alvis is one not to be missed.

The History and Paperwork

  • Two owners from new
  • Invoice for a new head gasket in 2014
  • Large selection of previous MOTs
  • Tax and MOT exempt
  • Registered as an historic vehicle
  • Extensive original paperwork, including log books and technical drawings
  • A very large number of invoices for the entire duration of the second owners tenure

The Interior

  • Original red leather interior with a beautiful age-appropriate patina
  • All original fittings and fixtures
  • Original wooden dashboard in good condition
  • Original dials and controls show age-appropriate patina
  • Rear fold-out dicky seats in good condition
  • Red carpeting in very good condition throughout

The interior of this Speed 20 exudes an authentic vintage feel that few cars can match. It’s highly original throughout and thanks to exceptionally careful ownership from its two owners, the interior presents beautifully with nothing but a healthy patina and classic 1930s styling to belie its age.

The original red leather interior showcases a fantastic patina that perfectly complements the car's style and age. The front seats are very comfortable and it’s easy to see why ALvis was so well regarded in its time. The dials, controls and wooden dashboard show a patina consistent with the car's vintage character and only adds to the sense of originality that this car exudes. 

The rear fold-out dicky seats were an unusual optional extra, further adding to the rarity of this car. The boot is a custom fold out table that we believe to be originally made for use by the first owner who was a doctor. The car even comes complete with the original tool kit. 

The Exterior

  • Original blue paintwork in good condition for its age
  • Some crazing, scratches, and chips as to be expected with 88 year old paint
  • Brightwork all presents very well
  • All five wheels are in good condition
  • Sand-coloured soft top and tonneau included

The exterior of this Alvis showcases its timeless elegance and classic 1930’s style, with long swooping lines, giant chrome lights and the distinctive dicky seats. It's a fantastic looking car from every angle that attracts attention wherever it goes. As with the interior it is in exceptionally original condition, from the factory fitted upgrades (such as the Lucas spotlight) to the original paintwork.

The original blue paintwork, although showing signs of age, really adds to the car's originality and charm. The well-preserved brightwork and chrome trim clearly demonstrate how well this car has been looked after and speak to the exceptional level of care this car has received. All five wheels are in good condition along with the lights, indicators bumpers and trim.

There is plenty of room for cosmetic improvement, but given the cars originality we think the choice to preserve it as it is has been the right one. Included with the vehicle are a sand-coloured soft top and tonneau, ready for the inevitable British summer shower!

The Mechanics

  • 2,762cc inline six engine with triple SU carburetors
  • Manual gearbox
  • Very well-preserved engine bay with original plates and markings
  • Underside in exceptional condition for its age
  • The owner informs us that the car starts, runs and drives
  • Requires recommissioning prior to use

The mechanics of this Speed 20 are a testament to the care and attention lavished upon it. The 2,762cc engine with triple SU carburetors provides a good amount of power for a car of this era, making it much more driveable than many of its contemporaries. 

The engine bay is exceptionally well-preserved, with all the original plates and markings intact and gleaming chrome. The underside of the car presents extremely well, indicative of the meticulous maintenance it has received over the years and looks more like that of a new car than one close to 90 years old. From the bottom of the crankcase to the suspension and steering, the undersides present superbly and give perhaps the best yet indication of how this car has been treated.

Although the car starts, runs, and drives, it would require recommissioning before going on the road again and will require the buyer to arrange appropriate transportation. 

Summary


This Alvis Speed 20 is a rare gem that combines stunning originality, exceptional documentation, and fantastic 1930’s aesthetics. With only two owners from new, the high originality and optional extras setting this Alvis apart from others, it's a rare opportunity to own one of these British classics. 

Its original blue paintwork, red leather interior, and rear fold-out dicky seats showcase 1930’s design beautifully and make for a fantastic looking car. Meticulously maintained mechanics, including the well-preserved engine bay and underside make this Alvis really stand out as a classic that has received nothing but the best care throughout its long life.

With its extensive history file and remarkable level of preservation, this Alvis Speed 20 is the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come along often and is not to be missed.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1935
  • Make Alvis
  • Model Speed 20
  • Colour Grey
  • Odometer 91,225 Miles
  • Engine size 2762
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Thurleston
  • Location Devon
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
32 bids
  • Ne•••• £79,900 17/07/23
  • ar•••• £78,500 17/07/23
  • Ne•••• £78,000 17/07/23
  • ar•••• £77,000 17/07/23
  • Ne•••• £76,000 17/07/23
  • th•••• £75,000 17/07/23
  • ar•••• £73,500 17/07/23
  • Ne•••• £72,500 17/07/23
  • ar•••• £71,000 17/07/23
  • th•••• £70,000 17/07/23
Message C&C Auction Team

The Gallery

The safest way to buy a classic car online

Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller. More about buying with us
Safe, secure payment process

About Max Bids

The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.

Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.

Anti-sniping

Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.

Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.

Auto-bidding increments

  • If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
  • If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
    • Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
    • We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.

Bid Amount Increment
£0 to £9,999 £100.00
£10,000 to £49,999 £250.00
£50,000 to £99,999 £500.00
£100,000 + £1,000.00

Automatically outbid immediately

When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.

You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.

Matching max bids

When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.

Pre-authorisation

We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.

What are pre-bids?

A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Problem with your bid

Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.