1936 Alvis Speed 20 SD Sports Tourer

Lot details
Registration No: BWK 778
Chassis No: 13085
Mot Expiry: 31.3.2004

Fortunately for what had become a loss-making enterprise, London West End motor trader and entrepreneur Charles Follett funded a rescue investment for Alvis in 1930 and, more importantly, advised the Coventry firm as to which types of motor car the motoring public of the day would buy. Thanks to Follett's money, the soundness of their basic designs, quality workmanship and motor sport success, Alvis happily prospered.
The Silver Eagle was replaced in early 1932 by the new Speed 20, which was powered by a similar 20hp engine, set in a massive, double-drop, beam-axled, chassis, underslung at the rear - the model was one of the first to have an all-synchromesh gearbox. At under £700 when new, they were great value, too, and 1165 of all series sold.
The Suffolk vendor of this 1936-built Alvis SD Speed 20 tells us that has owned this tourer since 1999, before which it only had two previous keepers. During his ownership, the bodywork has been in receipt of a new frame and skin by Classic Metal Shaping, and is described as being excellent. It has been newly repainted in two-tone blue and retrimmed in dark blue leather, both of which are also said to be excellent. A full rewire has been carried out and the 2687cc 6-cylinder engine overhauled. The 4-speed gearbox and transmission are reportedly in good order and the tyres renewed.