1934 ALVIS SPEED 20 SB SPORTS TOURER – 30,804 MILES SHOWING
The Alvis Speed 20 was a series of cars that was introduced in 1932. The Speed 20 was built in four main variants, the SA, SB, SC, and SD. Although each of these variants had a different wheelbase, the SA and SB shared a 2.5Lt inline six engine, while the SC and SD were powered by a 2.8Lt unit.
These cars were offered in a range of four seat body styles such as sports saloon, drophead coupe, and sports tourer. Alongside these factory body styles, a rolling chassis was also sold in order to be bodied by a third party coachbuilder.
Towards the end of production, Alvis introduced the 3-1/2 Litre SA, which saw the Speed 20 receive a larger, more powerful engine. Production of the Alvis Speed 20 ended in 1936, with the 3-1/2 Litre SA receiving a range of mechanical updates which would see it become a new model, the Alvis Speed 25.
This particular example is chassis # 11326 and engine # 11776 ,which came to Australia as a rolling chassis and body was built by the Terdich Brothers of Melbourne. The chassis was dispatched from the Alvis factory on the 7th of April 1934 and then the body was completed in Melbourne and first registered for the road in 1936. Hence sometimes being described as a 1936 model.
Powered by a 2.5 litre 6 cylinder engine, it features triple SU carburettors and an original power rating of 87bhp (64.03Kw). Power is distributed to the rear wheels via a 4 speed all synchro manual gearbox. Current performance figures are unknown, but originally advertised in the 1930’s as being capable of 90mph (144kph). Quite a speedster in it’s day.
It is hard to determine what the current power rating that applies or it’s performance details, however it’s grace and style are far more important after nearly 90 years of life on the road.
Evidence suggests the rolling chassis was dispatched to R.J. Hancock, a Melbourne Alvis agent in the day, for their customer William Sear, Chairman or General Manager of Lever & Kitchen in Melbourne. He lived in Gisbourne, some 60 kms out of Melbourne and used the car for his daily drive to the office.
Various owners since are as follows:-
Tim Hewison, president of the VSCC (Vic)
David Bamford – completed engine work
Andre Chaleyer – prominent Alvis Club member
Austin Tope – had restoration work commissioned and completed by Richard Stanley, a recommended Victorian restorer
Bernie Mack – crash repairer and collector
This car was then bought by the late Peter Mott who completed more engine work and maintenance during his ownership. Peter and his wife competed in four interstate National Alvis rallies in this car and it reportedly performed faultlessly on all occasions.
This beautiful Alvis is now offered for sale by the late owner’s son. He has advised us that he is sure his late father had the original engine increased in capacity to 3.0 Litres, however he has no records to show who completed the work and when.
Certainly a rare and historic vehicle and worthy of another caring and keen enthusiast to continue it’s life on the road.
Currently historically registered in South Australia, it would be eligible for similar schemes in other states and other countries.
Available to inspect on our state of the art showroom floor in Adelaide.
We can arrange transport door to door world wide.
Finance – our broker offers VERY competitive rates and prompt service.
We welcome the opportunity to consider your trade in.
| Make: | Alvis |
| Model: | Speed 20 SB Sports Tourer |
| Built: | 1934-1936 |
| KM: | 30,804 Miles |
| Engine Size: | 3000cc |
| Cylinders: | 6 |
| Transmission: | Manual |
| Price: | Sold |