Highlights

Over £24,000 recently invested in mechanical refurbishment by leading Alvis specialists
Once owned and campaigned by the esteemed former Alvis Owner Club President Kenneth R. Day
Rich competition history spanning approximately half a century, eligible for VSCC events
Featured in the Vanden Plas Coachbuilders book
Extensive history file comprising three folders with service records dating back to 1974

The Appeal

Low-sprung sports tourers were all the rage during the early 1930s. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the Alvis Speed 20, with its "double-drop" chassis design, was amongst the most eagerly anticipated and exciting cars of its day.

Besides a range of standard bodies offered for early 'SA' examples, Alvis supplied a small number in bare chassis form, and we're delighted to present one such example, delivered new to the London Alvis agent Charles Follett Ltd in 1933. Vanden Plas was entrusted with crafting two-door saloon coachwork. The car was later rebodied during the early 1970s as the striking open tourer you see today.

This Speed 20's provenance is particularly noteworthy. Owned and campaigned by Kenneth R. Day, author of the seminal tome 'Alvis: the story of the Red Triangle' and President of the Alvis Owner Club from the early 1950s, it participated in trials and rally events over nearly half a century.

Mechanically, the car has benefited from over £24,000 of recent expenditure, and the well-maintained service record demonstrates that this Speed 20 has never lacked for attention. Presented in bold red with gleaming black wire wheels, it cuts a thoroughly sporting figure.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1933 in the United Kingdom
Delivered new without coachwork to the London Alvis agent Charles Follett Ltd
Originally bodied by Vanden Plas with two-door saloon coachwork
Rebodied during the early 1970s as a Vanden Plas-style open tourer
Owned and campaigned by Kenneth R. Day, Alvis Owner Club President, from the early 1950s
VSCC competition car "buff" logbook held; not current, but reportedly eligible for renewall
Competition entries and associated paperwork spanning from 1954 to 1999
Results recorded from Wiscombe, Colerne, Prescott, Brooklands and the Brighton Speed Trials
Commemorative dashboard plaque for the 1949 Tunbridge Wells Rally hints at even earlier competition involvement
Extensive service records starting in 1974 and spanning to the present day accompany the car
Featured in the Vanden Plas Coachbuilders book (page 129) and various Alvis Owner Club bulletins
Extensive history file comprising three folders, including factory 'Car Record' and 'Archive' documents, a factory lubrication chart, Lucas Technical Service manual, 'Handbook of Instructions' and repair manual
'New Registration Book' issued in April 1954
Private registration plate included in the sale
MOT/road tax exempt
V5C present

The Condition

Vanden Plas-style two-door open tourer bodywork on a low-slung "double drop" type chassis
The vendor describes the red paintwork and chrome as being in very good order
Wire wheels finished in black
Restored upholstery
New tonneau cover fitted
The vendor reports the folding roof to be in very good condition and functioning correctly
Switchgear and instrumentation present well
Blockley tyres

Open tourer bodywork proves an apt accompaniment for this Alvis' low-slung “double drop” type chassis. Its sleek lines convey a real sense of high performance, as do the bold red paintwork and black wire wheels. Climbing aboard, the interior has undergone restoration work in the past and continues to present impeccably. We particularly enjoy the light patina accrued by the controls and the discreet commemorative dashboard plaque hinting at early competition exploits.

Condition-wise, all is beautifully presented. The paintwork shines brightly, as does the chromework. As for wet weather equipment, the vendor demonstrates that the folding roof works correctly and shows us that a tonneau cover is also provided.

The Mechanics

2,511cc six-cylinder engine fed by three SU carburettors
Four-speed manual gearbox
Over £24,000 recently spent
Maintenance entry dated June 2023 details a starter motor and water pump overhaul carried out by Red Triangle Ltd
The vendor reports that the car runs and drives exceedingly well
Starting handle present
Smartly presented under the bonnet

Recent £24,000 expenditure includes:

New high-core radiator
Water pump
Fuel tank
Propshaft flange renewed
Leaf springs renewed; steering box renewed
Brake drum renewal
Full carburettor rebuild

Praised in period for its competent road manners and brisk performance, the Speed 20 was an immediate hit with reviewers and buyers alike.

With years of competition success under its belt, it comes as no surprise that this SA is very well sorted, having been judiciously maintained for decades and exercised regularly for much of its life.

During current ownership, the vendor has attended to various mechanical tasks, for which all invoices are included in the extensive history file. The Alvis has received a new radiator, water pump, and fuel tank. The brakes and rear suspension have been renewed, as has the steering box and propshaft flange, while the carburettors have been rebuilt.

The result is a Speed 20 that's ready to enjoy, just in time to savour what remains of summer. These cars are competent long-distance machines, ideal for Continental touring in supreme style.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.