1934 Alvis Speed 20SB Vanden Plas Tourer

Lot details
Registration No: AEH 551
Chassis No: 11173
Mot Expiry: None

"The driver has the benefit of rock steady steering, completely accurate, and without a trace of road shocks, while corners and curves merely give him an opportunity to show up the roadholding of the car at its best. Acceleration is greatly assisted by the new all-synchromesh gearbox, with very quick changes to be made absolutely silently right up through the gears" (Motorsport, February 1934).

Introduced at the October 1933 London Motor Show, the Speed 20 SB marked a shift in design philosophy for Alvis. Fitted with a massive cruciform brace, the newcomer's 'double dropped' chassis frame was notably stiffer than that of its predecessor, while the adoption of independent transverse-leaf front suspension, adjustable 'Telecontrol' rear shock absorbers and an all-synchromesh four-speed manual gearbox gave it a technological edge over rivals such as the Bentley 3.5 Litre and Lagonda M45. A welcome carryover, the marque's smooth but free-revving 2511cc OHV straight-six engine ensured that performance remained a strong suit. Featuring dual magneto / coil ignition, triple SU carburettors and an aluminium crankcase, the proven powerplant reputedly endowed the Speed 20 SB with a 90 mph top speed. Riding on nineteen-inch 'jelly mould' wire wheels, the Alvis further benefited from sizable fourteen-inch drum brakes, well-weighted Marles Weller steering and a Luvax-Bijur lubricating system.

The model's added sophistication and refinement were not only entirely in keeping with the wishes of influential dealer Charles Follett but also helped it win sales from the likes of Lady McAlpine, Sir Michael Nairn, Lord Carrington, James A. Sainsbury, Cecil Beaton, Lord Amherst, the Duke of Westminster, Norman Birkett KC, Clair Luce, H.H. The Rajah of Bhopal and racing driver the Hon. Brian Lewis. A corollary of its low-slung stance, 10ft 4in wheelbase and sloping bonnet line, the Speed 20 SB proved an ideal canvas for the coachbuilder's art. Although, the majority were bodied to factory-approved designs by Charlesworth and Cross & Ellis, a select few received rather more bespoke treatment. Despite the absence of any official Works programme, several Speed 20s were used for competition both pre- and post-World War Two at venues including Brooklands, Silverstone and Goodwood. The Speed 20 SB proved to be an effective rally car with Captain G.E. Stott and K.W.B. Sanderson both finishing the 1934 Monte Carlo Rally (a feat matched by Miss Dorothy Patten the following year) and Charles Follett, the Earl of March and the Hon Brian Lewis choosing it as the basis of an official Alvis Team for the 1934 RAC Rally.

One of just forty-two Alvis Speed 20 SB chassis to wear Vanden Plas Tourer coachwork (from a total production run of 375), this particular example - chassis number 11173 - was despatched to Messrs H. Farr & Co. of Newcastle on 6th January 1934. Finished in black with red leather upholstery and red wire wheels, the open four-seater was purchased new by Harold Winstanley Esq. of Whitehedge Road, Garston. Road registered as 'AEH 551', it was to remain with him during two subsequent changes of address. The car's whereabouts over the next twenty years or so are unknown but by January 1955 it belonged to T.D. Airey Esq of Ewhurst, near Cranleigh. He too kept the Alvis whilst moving several times (something of a pattern throughout its life). Thereafter the Vanden Plas Tourer is understood to have passed through the hands of C.G. Finchen Esq of Abinger Hammer, Surrey, J.M. Harris Esq of Hornchurch, Essex, J.A. Simson Esq of Braintree, Essex and J.P. Hooper Esq of Colchester, Essex before entering the current ownership. Staying with its last custodian for an impressive forty-three years, the open four-seater spent much of that time in dry storage.

Last taxed for road use during 1987, the Speed 20 SB has recently been recommissioned (though, as a precautionary measure further work would be advisable prior to sustained use). Running and driving for the first time in decades, it showed notably good oil pressure from cold when inspected on 25th August 2010. Pleasing retaining its factory-fitted engine (number 11628) and original leather upholstery but now riding on a fresh set of Blockley tyres, the car is known to have been used for competition work in the past. Aside from its rich and purposeful exhaust note, the Alvis sports such go-faster 'goodies' as an oil cooler, quick-release radiator filler cap, drilled carburettor bulge, re-profiled throttle pedal and early Kenlowe electric fan. It is unclear who carried out these modifications but the photo of 'AEH 551' tackling Prescott hillclimb which appears on page 204 of 'Alvis: The Story of the Red Triangle' by Kenneth Day (3rd Edition) would seem to date from the 1950s (or at least that is the impression given by the driver's Herbert Johnson-style helmet). Interestingly, the same image also shows that by then the car had adopted its current white livery plus a single aeroscreen.

Due to the professional nature of the alterations, it is probably fair to assume that Prescott was far from being the only occasion on which the Vanden Plas Tourer was driven in anger. Perhaps research into the 'Johnson & Brown of Bromley' supplier's plaque affixed to the inside of its nearside door would yield some answers (especially as it depicts a stylised 1950s sports racer). Whatever the extent of the car's competition career, it was clearly piloted with some care and attention. Today, 'AEH 551' plays host to dulled paintwork, careworn upholstery, tarnished brightwork and faded weather gear (hood / sidescreens) but a look beyond the cosmetics reveals surprisingly good panel gaps and an impressively four-square stature not to mention its original 'Vanden Plas 1923 Ltd' coachwork plaque and bonnet hinge (the latter carrying a chassis number stamping). To our eyes, this Post Vintage Thoroughbred is quite simply delightful but as ever prospective purchasers are asked to satisfy themselves as to its condition and provenance. A wonderful period piece, this matching chassis and engine numbers Alvis Speed 20 SB Vanden Plas Tourer is offered for sale with continuation logbook and sundry paperwork.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle does not have a current MOT certificate.