Registration No. CYP 329
Chassis No. 13315
Engine No. 13775
Car No. 18234
Estimate £35,000-45,000
The Alvis Speed 20 caused a sensation when it first appeared in 1932 because of its spectacular long low bonnet line and accompanying stylish up-to-the minute coachwork by some of the best English makers. The performance, with a top speed approaching 90 mph was in keeping, and the splendid 2½ litre six cylinder engine was equipped with a magnificent row of 3 SU carburettors to produce 87 bhp. Various chassis sanctions were developed and by 1936 the SD Series had an engine of 2.8 litres and incorporated a multitude of improvements on the earlier models.
The Build Sheets for this car show that it was completed on 6th July 1936 and dispatched to Messrs Tozer Kemsley of London for export to India, to the order of Captain R. Heathcote Amory of Tiverton (later a successful Conservative politician). The car was already registered in the UK as CYP 329, but interestingly the model type, given SD 25/63 confirms the fitment of a 3.5 litre engine (from the eponymous model) some months before the Speed 25 was announced. The car therefore has all the desirable features of the Speed 20 model (lighter more sporting chassis, splendid mahogany dashboard, radiator with stone guard etc) but with the much more powerful and robust 83x110mm 3571cc engine, giving out 102 bhp at just 3,600 rpm.
The Charlesworth Speed Saloon Body No.13994 was fitted, and although the paintwork was black and is now maroon and black, otherwise everything is as it was supplied in July 1936. The red hide seats and the mahogany dashboard well stocked with instruments including matching 5 inch speedometer and rev counter and Telecontrol adjustment are still exactly as supplied, though the headlining and carpets were replaced some years ago when the body was given its very high quality respray in a most attractive two-tone colour scheme. The panel fit is excellent, and the whole car is in totally rust-free condition. All four doors shut properly with a reassuringly solid feel, and the bonnet and boot also fit as they should.
CYP 329 is believed to have returned to the UK before the outbreak of WWII, and after 16 years storage in Didsbury, Manchester was purchased by the former President of the Alvis Owner Club, who in the 1960s passed the car on to the late Tom Roberts, an engineer and garage proprietor and long term AOC member, of Broseley, Shropshire, who very much enjoyed the car for some 40 years until his death in 2009. The family have now taken the difficult decision to place the car on the market after such a very long period in single ownership.
CYP 329 is the only car known to be designated SD25.63 in Factory Records, and as such is very desirable, combining as it does the best features of the SD Speed 20 with the robust 3.6 litre engine of the later Speed 25 SB Series. The Charlesworth 4 door saloon coachwork is exceptionally attractive and pretty and is also in amazingly original and sound condition, with all of its correct period fittings as listed in the Build Sheet included with the car.
Alvis Speed 20 and Speed 25 models are now very sought after and few original cars come onto the market, and CYP 329 has an especially interesting history and specification.
The car is running well and is reliable and eminently usable. Some interesting correspondence is included, also a V5C form and MoT certificate valid until June 2011.
A rare opportunity to acquire a most exciting motor car in splendid original condition.
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