Beschreibung
FOR SALE VIA PUBLIC AUCTION IN NEW ZEALAND
There are no pre-auction sales
Auction: Sunday 30 April
Auction & Viewing location: 33a Normanby Road Mt Eden, Auckland 1024
On view from 26 April
Auction Estimate: $145, 000 - $175, 000 NZD
Buyers Premium
$0 - $199, 999: 15%+GST
$200, 000 - $399, 999: 10%+GST
$400, 000 and above: 5%+GST
Chassis: 13679
Engine: 14089
The Alvis Speed 25 is considered by many as ‘the ultimate Alvis’. It was one of the last models produced by the British manufacturer before World War II and represented the peak of their engineering and design prowess. The Speed 25 harboured advanced features like a powerful six-cylinder engine, independent front suspension, and hydraulic brakes, making it a highly desirable and respected classic car today.
In 1936, Alvis introduced the 3. 5-litre Speed 25 as a successor to their highly popular Speed 20 model, which had revolutionised the market for swift and sleek four-seater vehicles. The car was offered in a range of body styles from different coachbuilders, including a saloon, a drop-head coupe, and a sporty “sports tourer” designed by Charlesworth. Widely regarded as one of the best cars available at the time, the Speed 25 was seen as a direct rival to Bentley.
The Speed 25 was an upgraded version of the Speed 20, and it quickly became a favourite among Alvis enthusiasts. With a 3. 5-litre engine, the car could reach impressive speeds of over 95 mph, which was remarkable for its time. It was the perfect balance of power and agility, making it one of the best Alvis models ever made.
At Webb’s, we are confident this is the first occasion we have offered an Alvis for sale. This is extremely rare, presenting an exciting opportunity for any collector looking to add a postwar saloon to their collection.
Completed in the body shop of Charlesworth Ltd, this Speed 25 was despatched on 14 May 1937 to Messrs Ashford of Plymouth, the Alvis dealers of this Devon city. Initial details show the first registration as being CDU822. The colour was light green with a leather interior, wings (mudguards), and black wheels. As one of only 391 built in this model, the list price was £850, a princely sum in the thirties paid by A. J. Perry, a resident of Cornwall. It would appear that Mr Perry’s proximity to Plymouth and a lack of a dealer in the Duchy dictated the sale be directed through Ashford’s. Sometime thereafter, ownership gravitated to Cmdr. V. E May (RN) of Colorado, USA, followed by D. W. Walton of Arizona, USA, in whose care it resided for the next 40 years.
In 1996, the car was purchased and underwent restoration beginning in 2008. The process involved the finest artisans in Canterbury and was conducted to an extremely high standard. The restoration included mechanical, exterior and interior work. The light green colour was changed to cream, and the interior leather was changed to cinnamon. The restoration took six years and is fully documented with a photographic record and an extensive file of parts purchased and invoices.
Under the hood in this matching numbers example, there is a 4-speed all-synchro manual gearbox, the LuVax shock absorbers have been replaced with modern counterparts, and the brakes are cable operated with no servo. New head, crank and pistons have been installed. The sunroof is functioning well, and the interior mahogany woodwork is in good condition.
A tool kit, manual and separate wheel mallet are all present, along with a fire extinguisher of the period. Vintage radial tyres have recently been fitted. An Alvis Archive Certificate accompanies the car along with some spares.
This is an outstanding and broadly original car, with minor additions that do not sacrifice its soul. In New Zealand, there are believed to be only 150 examples of the Alvis marque here, making for a small but knowledgeable community, with our vendor being an Alvis owner for the last six years. Charlesworth built 391 Speed 25s, but only 110 survive today, making this a rare find for the next custodian.
The vehicle will be sold registered and with a current WOF.
