1932-Alvis-Speed 20 SA by Cross and Ellis

Description

1932 Alvis Speed 20 SA by Cross and Ellis
s/n 14697, Engine no. 10461
Two tone Grey with Red Leather

Introduced in 1932, the Alvis Speed 20 marked a turning point for the British company by establishing them as a fashionable marque offering stylish, quick, and well-engineered automobiles. Featuring a triple SU carbureted 2.5 liter inline-six, the Speed 20 SA was a sporting and dashing low-slung car, particularly when fitted with handsome open Tourer bodywork by Cross & Ellis. The car was technically innovative, with its overhead valve six-cylinder engine and low chassis permitted by suspending the axles beneath the chassis side rails. The Speed 20 and its replacement, the Speed 25, grew in weight and complexity from 1932 until production ended in 1940, making the earliest cars like this SA the pick of the bunch for purists.

This particular car is an early production Speed 20 SA, one of approximately 400 examples built. It has been beautifully restored to high standards and won the Classic Car Club of America’s Senior Award with a score of 100 points. It remains in excellent condition, with some graceful mellowing to the restoration. The paintwork was done to high standards, and remains excellent with a handful of small nicks and a few cracks, including on the right side of the bonnet. The chrome is very nice with light wear and aging only. The lights and lamps are excellent throughout, and the car has great detailing, from the tribar headlamps to the polished fishtail exhaust tip to the integrated suspension lubrication system, whose copper pipes are visible to those with sharp eyes. The canvas top was renewed during the restoration and is excellent as well.

The interior is equally nice, with slight patina to the leather, and lovely light grey wool carpeting with contrasting red binding. The workmanship of both the leather and carpets is excellent throughout, and the dashboard is equally nice, with beautiful period instruments. The wood is in excellent shape, and as are the various controls, including the dash mounted chassis lubrication system.

The engine compartment is stunning, and it’s immediately clear that the engine and ancillaries were designed to be aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. The firewall is polished metal, as is the valve cover and numerous other components. The three SU carburetors are also aesthetically pleasing, and the engine compartment retains its period charm and appearance through such details as the varnished wood firewall access panel, oil can and spare spark plugs.

While beautifully restored, prior to avid tour use the next custodian should expect a mechanical sorting period, particularly for the cable operated brakes.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire an award-winning early example of the car that established Alvis as a manufacturer. Restored to high standards in an excellent color combination and aging nicely, this car is perfect to casually show or use for touring and events.