Description
The Alvis Speed 20 introduced in 1931, was the successor to the Alvis 20. It quickly gained popularity amongst car enthusiasts for its performance and reliability. The Speed 20 was available in various body styles, including saloons, coupes, and open tourers.
The Speed 20 SA (Sports Aluminium) variant was introduced in 1932. Its lightweight aluminium body, combined with a robust chassis and powerful engine, made the Speed 20 SA an outstanding performer of its time.
One of the key engineering innovations of the Alvis Speed 20 SA was its overhead valve (OHV) engine, which was considered advanced for its era. The 2. 5-liter inline-six engine, equipped with a single Alvis carburettor, produced approximately 75 horsepower, making it quite powerful for a car of that period.
The SA was highly regarded for its performance and handling. It was lauded for its ability to achieve speeds of up to 80 mph (128 km/ h) while maintaining a smooth and comfortable ride. The car received favourable reviews from automotive journalists and gained recognition in various motorsport events and rallies.
Like many vehicles from the vintage era, the production numbers of the Alvis Speed 20 SA were relatively limited. Alvis focused on producing handcrafted, high-quality cars, and the Speed 20 SA was no exception. As a result, surviving examples have become prized possessions for vintage car collectors and enthusiasts.
This particular car has a history file that most car enthusiasts would kill for, including registration cards from 1933 through to 1955 and pictures of the original owners from 1935. There are restoration sheets and information relating to major works done to the car through the 50’s and early 60’s and a sales sheet documenting the cars feature in Autocar in 1951. We have numerous letters and information from previous owners, as well as a detailed document from the Alvis register giving Information on past owners and build Information. It is thought to be the 1st Cross & Ellis body of its kind produced when first sold to a Mr Frank Hallam on 23/ 3/ 1933.
Today, the Speed 20 SA is regarded as a cherished classic car, revered for its timeless design, engineering ingenuity, and historical significance. Well-preserved examples continue to be sought-after at auctions and vintage car events, where they evoke a sense of nostalgia and admiration for the golden age of motoring. You will do well to find a better example than this.
