1933 Alvis Speed 20 SB Drophead Coupe
No Reserve - Coachwork by Vanden Plas

Registration No: APK 354
Chassis No: 10852
MOT: March 2027

• Exhibited at the 1933 Olympia Motor Show on the Vanden Plas stand
• Current family ownership since 1998 and subject to an extensive restoration in the 1980's
• 1 of just 36 Speed 20 SB chassis to be fitted with Vanden Plas Drophead Coupe coachwork
• Used on numerous European and international tours

"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 1/2 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.

Chassis 15587 was delivered to Messrs Charles Follett on 18 August 1933 and Vanden Plas commissioned to construct and fit their elegant Drophead Coupe coachwork. The finished car was subsequently exhibited on the coachbuilder’s stand at the Olympia Motor Show in October 1933 and first registered on 1 November that year. By 1979, the years had taken their toll and APK 354 was subject to an extensive restoration carried out by Hightone (Restorations) of Bicester which included a change of colour to Oxford Blue with black wings. Purchased through ourselves at auction in 1998 by the current family owners, the car was treated to recommissioning works including attention to the engine, bodywork and cooling system.

Subsequently enjoyed on numerous Alvis European and international tours and classic motoring events including a 2000 & 2003 trip to North America and Quebec and a tour of New Zealand in 2005, the love and care expended on it during their tenure was recognised during a tour to Switzerland in 2005, where the Alvis won the Swiss Trophy for Supreme Elegance in 2005 at the 35th Veterans Gstaad which was then followed with a tour to Spain in 2008.

One of just 36 Speed 20 SB chassis to be fitted with Vanden Plas Drophead Coupe coachwork, it is now reluctantly offered for sale at no reserve with a collection of trophies, buff logbook, copy Car Record that confirm the chassis and engine match, assorted history and Swansea V5c 'APK 354' has just been fully serviced and fitted with a new Varta battery, MOT'd and is in running order ready to be enjoyed by the new owner !

PLEASE NOTE: The chassis number for this lot is 10852 and the car number is 15587

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760