Lot 232: 1938 Alvis Speed 25 Open Tourer

Following on from the famous 12/50 and front-wheel drive sports and racing cars of the 1920s, Alvis introduced the Speed Twenty in 1932 which was designed and built by Captain Smith-Clark in only three months - unbelievable nowadays. The engine was based on that fitted in the Silver Eagle, suitably modified. In 1934 independent front suspension by a single transverse leaf spring and wishbones was fitted, the first example of this on a British car, and it improved the road-holding and steering considerably. Another first for 1934 was the all-synchromesh 4-speed gearbox, no longer in unit with the engine as it had been previously. Further gains in performance came with the introduction of the Speed 25 model, featuring a 3571 c.c. engine and 4.1:1 final drive. As a result a Speed 25 saloon could exceed 95 m.p.h., and go from 0-50 in 11 seconds. According to the old registration book, this historical Alvis Speed 25 started life in 1938 as a black Charlesworth Saloon car. To date it has had 7 owners from new to include the current vendor/collector. In 1989, its body was changed together with a photo documented restoration, to the sportier open tourer coachwork it carries today. The dashboard panel, instruments and seats remained the restored originals though maintaining the patina money cannot buy. According to the documentation available, the cars mechanics were also restored in the following years. During the last years, the cylinder head, brakes, radiator (now equipped with an electric fan), water pump, alternator, distributor, tires and battery etc. etc. were all rebuilt or replaced as necessary. Used by its current owner on various international rallies, like Alp rally, Monte Carlo historical rallye, Neige et Glace etc, this most elegant of Alvis's proved to be a competitive and most reliable vehicle. It certainly is a driver's car in the truest sense of the word and boasts an astonishing power output combined to its light body configuration, giving enormous fun to its driver. It comes with a photo documented restoration, the old style UK log book, German H- registration paperwork as well as a further comprehensive file of bills and other documentation. Cette superbe Alvis commena son existence en 1938 en tant qu'une Charlesworth Saloon noire. A ce jour, elle a eu 7 propritaires dont le propritaire/ vendeur actuel. Son actuel propritaire l'utilisa dans differents circuits et rallies. Elle est mise en vente avec une documentation complte avec photos de sa restoration, la carte grise, et les papiers d'immatriculation H- Allemand ainsi qu'un certain nombre de factures et autres documents.