Alvis Speed 20 25SC Charlesworth Saloon (RHD) 3.5 1939
General description :
The best example available for sale anywhere
Among the finest British cars of the pre-war era
Comes with extensive history files full of invoices, letters etc
Four-speed fully synchromesh gearbox
Triple-SU carburettors
Servo-assisted brake
Overdrive fitted by Red Triangle
Presents beautifully in Raven Black with Red Connolly leather interior
A fast, comfortable and incredibly useable pre-war classic
1939 Alvis Speed 25 SC Charlesworth Sports Saloon (RHD)
Alvis cars always held a reputation for excellent quality, performance and engineering and the Alvis Speed 25 is no exception. Launched in 1937, the 25 was the direct successor to the Speed 20 which was an incredibly well respected sports car, not to mention very advanced for the time period. Independent front wheels, servo assisted brakes and most crucially of all, the Speed 20 was the first ever car to feature a fully-synchronised gearbox. All of these features were of course carried over onto the Speed 25 which featured a 3 1/2 Litre Straight Six which in standard form was capable of 100mph, an astonishing feat for any car during the 1930s when ‘a mile a minute’ (60mph) was considered fast.
A testament to the excellence of the Speed models was a letter written by legendary ‘Bentley Boy’ Tim Birkin which was used by Alvis in advertising in which Birkin said “I have never driven a more delightful motor car.” The Speed 25 was and remains a phenomenal combination of speed, comfort and fine engineering. The car excelled in brake tests in contemporary magazine reviews and was also praised for its particularly excellent handling and road holding. All these qualities are still very much present today in the wonderful, 1939 Alvis Speed 25 SC we are proud offer to you.
Delivered new to Messrs Anderson Ltd on February 1st 1939, our 25 SC was fitted with the particularly elegant Charlesworth Sports Saloon Coachwork it retains today. The extensive history files, of which there are 4 numbered volumes, lists the majority of the car’s owners to the present day. Since over the last 60 years, the car has been primarily owned by passionate Alvis Owners Club members and has travelled the globe, living for a while at a French Chateau before moving to the USA where it remained until 1990 when it finally returned home to the United Kingdom. Of the several more AOC member owners which followed, its owner between 1991 and 2001 covered an astonishing 23,000 miles, no mean feat for a pre-war car, as it was used by its owner to cover the lengths of Europe and the United Kingdom. During this ownership, the Speed 25 also benefitted from a complete rebuild of the body, frame, interior, transmission, engine and mechanicals, including fitting a new high-compression cylinder head.
The last owner also made sure to thoroughly maintain the car and had Alvis specialists, Red Triangle rebuild the wheels, work on the braking system and most importantly, fit the car with an overdrive system, making the car fundamentally a 5-speed. As a result, this sleek, powerful sports saloon is incredibly useable, a stark contrast to the majority of pre-war cars, as evidenced by it covering several more continental trips before COVID. We have driven the car ourselves and know it is more than capable of maintaining high cruising speeds, making it a truly phenomenal, useable pre-war sports car that would put most of its contemporaries to shame.
This is an excellent opportunity to acquire one of the loveliest examples extant of a Speed 25 Charlesworth saloon that has been fastidiously maintained and driven throughout its life by passionate enthusiasts and comes with an astonishing 4 volume history file to support this, along with spare parts for continental touring. Rarely does such a wonderful example of one of Britain’s finest pre-war cars become available, truly not to be missed!
Now available for viewing at the DD Classics Dealership in London, please call 0208 878 33 55 to book an appointment.
1939 Alvis Speed 20 25SC Charlesworth Saloon (RHD) 3.5 is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in Surrey by DD Classics for £89950.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Alvis Model : Speed 20 Model Version : 25SC Charlesworth Saloon (RHD) 3.5 Engine size : 3.5 Model Year : 1939 Sub type : Sedan Location : Surrey Vehicle Registration : Undefined
89950 £
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About Alvis Speed 20
The Alvis Speed 20 was a notable model produced by the British automobile manufacturer Alvis Ltd. Let's explore its history and highlight some significant moments:Introduction:
The Alvis Speed 20 was introduced in 1932 as a successor to the Alvis 12/60 model.
It was designed as a luxury sports car, combining performance, elegance, and advanced engineering.
Engine and Performance:
The Speed 20 featured a 2.5-liter straight-six engine with overhead valves.
It was available in various tuning configurations, including the standard 87 bhp version, as well as the more powerful 91 bhp and 99 bhp options.
The car's lightweight construction and powerful engine allowed it to achieve impressive performance for its time, reaching top speeds of around 90 mph (145 km/h).
Coachwork and Styling:
The Speed 20 was offered with a variety of coachwork options, including open tourers, saloons, dropheads, and coupés.
It featured sleek and elegant styling, often with flowing lines and art deco-inspired design elements.
Many coachbuilders, including Charlesworth, Vanden Plas, and Mulliners, created bespoke bodies for the Speed 20, allowing customers to customize their cars according to their preferences.
Sporting Successes:
The Alvis Speed 20 achieved notable successes in various motorsport events and competitions.
In 1935, a Speed 20 won the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race in the 2-liter class, marking a significant moment for Alvis and solidifying the car's reputation for both performance and reliability.
End of Production:
The Speed 20 remained in production until 1936, after which it was succeeded by the Alvis Speed 25 model.
The Alvis Speed 20 is considered a significant model in Alvis's history, representing their commitment to engineering excellence, stylish design, and sporting achievements. Its combination of performance and luxury made it a desirable choice for discerning customers of the era.