Description
Supplied new to Hugh Grosvenor, Second Duke of Westminster
Only one of eight remaining in the world and the only one for sale.
Charles Follett became renowned within the London motor trade for sourcing the very best pre-owned exotica building up an enviable client base in the process. A member of the Brooklands set, his 'black book' comprised society's elite from racing drivers to celebrities via members of the aristocracy. In the heart of Mayfair, he became the Alvis concessionaire for London and the Home Counties during 1931. Seriously impressed by the Coventry firm's engineering integrity but dismayed at the staidness of its offerings, Follett set about turning the marque into a Lagonda, Sunbeam and (later) Bentley rival. Decades before Jaguar came up with its famous 'Grace, Space, Pace' slogan, he was adamant that all three were intrinsic to making a car appeal to wealthy buyers.
Introduced in late 1931, the Alvis Speed 20 based around a low-slung, double-dropped chassis frame, powered by a lusty 251cc OHV straight-six engine and boasting 90 mph performance was the first model which Follett could really sink his teeth into. He approached the London coach builders, Vanden Plas, with a proposal to devise a range of suitably rakish designs. Vanden Plas agreed and came up with a notably stylish Saloon, Tourer and Drophead Coupe.
Evolving from SA to SB guise in September 1933 the Speed 20 gained a four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox, independent front suspension and adjustable rear dampers
Stylistically the model was enhanced by a forward sweeping scuttle/ bonnet join line. the 19" wire wheel and larger Lucas P100 headlights. Vanden Plas were again tasked to produce a variety of open and enclosed bodies the best looking of which was undoubtedly a two-door saloon cum fixed head coupe known as the 'Flatback?
A close-coupled. Four Light design with notably slim A-, B- and C-Pillars, the 'Fastback' also sported a distinctive swage line that accentuated its airy glasshouse and 'letter box' rear window, the Speed 20 SB 'Flatback' is arguably the best-looking enclosed Alvis ever made. The four-seater sported extravagantly peaked, full flowing wings as well as a louvred scuttle and external fuel filler neck. Long prized by collectors for being the most elegant pre-WW2 Saloons. Initially finished in Black with Brown leather upholstery with Cream coachlines, chassis 11288 was despatched from the Works on March 8th 1934. Issued with the registration number AYN 15 the 'Flatback?' was supplied new to one of Europe's richest men, Hugh Grosvenor, 2nd Duke of Westminster, GCVO, DSO; having a fleet of up to seventeen Rolls-Royces, it is thought the Duke used the Alvis for his personal use, as a two-door not suited to chauffeur duties.
The above gives an understanding of how the 20SB Vanden Plas 'Flatback?' was developed and it's early history.
AYN 15 is known to have belonged to W. M. Anderson of Rhysant Hall; R. M. R. Davies Esq of Swansea, A. Davies of Penrith and L. V. Halliwell Esq of New Earswick before entering a family ownership in 1961 by which time it's Black paintwork had been augmented with Green side panels. Renowned in Alvis Owner's Club circles for the length of time the family owned the 'Flatback? choosing to conserve rather than restore. To this end the original BTH magneto was refurbished by D. H. Day, the gearbox refreshed and the radiator renewed courtesy of Great Western Radiators/ Motor Metalcraft, Keith Taylor of Tectus Engineering thoroughly overhauled the factory-fitted straight-six engine using a brand-new crankshaft made by Farndon Engineering. Idle for a few years, the car was entrusted to MCI of Blackburn for light recommissioning during 2020. The following year Tudor Wheels Ltd reconditioned the rear wheels and fitted new tyres; the clutch religned and the engine tuned (carburettors balanced, ignition timing adjusted etc) by former Crosthwaite & Gardiner engineer John Moore.
After 61 years of that ownership, I bought the 'Flatback?' some twelve months ago (with the sole intention of keeping it, I am a retired engineer. 15 hours a day, 7 days a week over 12 months, reluctantly, I must now part with it) but was somewhat too 'oily rag' for me and felt the time was right to heavily and sympathetically invest in restoring this wonderful Post Vintage Thoroughbred.
95% of the interior has been retained and restored. Completely rechromed by Genius of the Lamp and Derby Plating. All brakes have been relined.
The all-aluminium coachwork was completely stripped back, wings removed and repaired where necessary and painstakingly re-painted showing it's now pristine finish.
Considered by many to be the most attractive closed Alvis ever built, it comes with a hugely comprehensive history file of ownership and £0000's spent over the years to present day.
All inspections welcome.
Please enquire for price as would wish to keep the purchase price private
