Lot details
Registration No: LV 9363
Chassis No: 16223
Mot Expiry: Sept 2010

Introduced at the October 1933 London Motor Show, the Speed 20 SB was the first of a new breed of Alvis cars that combined high performance (long a recognised marque virtue) with luxury and refinement. Based around a 10-foot 4-inch wheelbase, cruciform-braced chassis, the newcomer came equipped with sizable 14-inch drum brakes and 'jelly mould' wire wheels. Boasting such technological novelties as independent transverse-leaf front suspension and synchromesh on all (four) forward gears, it was notably more sophisticated than rivals such as the Bentley 3.5 litre and Lagonda M45. Powered by a smooth but free-revving 2511cc OHV straight-six engine featuring dual magneto / coil ignition, triple SU carburettors and an aluminium crankcase, it was reputedly capable of 89mph. A corollary of its low-slung stance and long 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.

According to information kindly supplied by the vendor, this particular example was despatched by Alvis on 20th March 1934. Supplied new via Brooklands Motors and road registered in Liverpool as 'LV 9363', details of the saloon's first custodian are unknown. Acquired by its second keeper on 24th March 1938, the Speed 20 SB would appear to have been sparingly used. Prior to entering the current ownership in the mid 1990s, the car had been off the road and inactive for some forty years (it had last been road taxed by its second keeper on 29th March 1956). Found to be remarkably original but in need of an extensive restoration, the Alvis was stripped back to its bare chassis which was then wire brushed and coated with hard graphite paint. The springs were reset and new rear shock absorbers fitted, while the wire wheels were respoked and shod with fresh tyres. Entrusted to R. Masters of Littlehampton, the bodywork was bead blasted and repainted in burgundy over black. Six new windows were installed and the sliding roof refurbished.

The wonderfully art deco interior was rejuvenated by means of a replacement West of England cloth headlining and new red Wilton carpets; the latter being matched to samples found on the back of the front seats. Much of the original red leather upholstery had survived intact but new sections were incorporated where necessary. Mechanically, the Speed 20 SB was treated to an extensive engine overhaul by John Kirby of Croydon and upgraded with an electric SU fuel pump. The coil and magneto were rewired / reconditioned too. The vendor obtained his first MOT certificate for 'LV 9363' on 16th June 1997 at an indicated mileage of 34,388. He believes that this figure could potentially represent the total covered from new "as the car was not used for forty-one years (1956 - 1997) and may have been laid-up during World War Two". We are further informed that: "Over the last twelve years the saloon has only done 5,000 miles but attended many functions, exhibitions and weddings. Its greatest achievement was to be the sole Alvis selected to go to Buckingham Palace to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's 80th Birthday, when 80 cars attended dating from 1926 to 2006. There are two differentials with the car, a high ratio unit which is currently housed in the back axle and a lower ratio one for use in mountainous terrain. 'LV 9363' is reputed to be in the most original condition of any Charlesworth saloon and its engine a powerful example of the marque. This is one of only three UK Charlesworth Speed 20 SB saloons listed with the Alvis register".

Showing just 39,500 miles to its odometer, this wonderful Post Vintage Thoroughbred is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until September 2010 and historic class (free) road tax valid until August 2010.