1934 Alvis

This 1934 Alvis Speed 20 is one of 375 SB variants manufactured and is among approximately 42 examples built with open touring coachwork by Vanden Plas. Chassis 11200 spent time under the ownership of an Alvis Owners Club chairman in the UK prior to being imported to Canada approximately 10 years ago. Finished in green with black fenders, the car is powered by a 2.5-liter OHV inline-six that breathes through triple SU carburetors and is mated to an all-synchromesh four-speed manual transmission. Additional features include mechanically actuated four-wheel drum brakes, independent front suspension, André Hartford Telecontrol rear shock absorbers, 19” painted wire wheels, a black convertible top, and tan leather upholstery over front and rear seating. This Speed 20 is now offered by the selling dealer in Vancouver, Canada, with a copy of its build sheet, historical documentation and photos, a copy of an owner’s manual, and British Columbia registration. The Speed 20 was introduced in 1932 featuring a double-drop frame and bodywork in both open and closed configurations from a variety of coachbuilders. The initial SA variant was supplanted in late 1933 by the SB model, which featured a longer 124”-wheelbase chassis with cruciform bracing, independent front suspension, and an all-synchromesh gearbox. The SB shared the SA’s 2.5-liter powerplant and remained in production until the arrival of the larger-displacement SC variant in 1935. This example’s Vanden Plas open touring body has been refinished in green with black fenders, and closeups of the finish, trim, and lenses are presented in the photo gallery below. Features include rear-hinged doors, a louvered hood with a carburetor clearance bulge, Lucas P100 headlights, driving lamps, an eagle radiator mascot, dual side mirrors, and a black convertible top. Black-painted wire wheels are secured by two-eared knock-offs and are wrapped in Blockley tires measuring 5.50/6.00-19, as is a matching spare mounted at the rear of the car. Stopping is handled by cable-actuated drum brakes at each corner, while suspension incorporates an independent front setup with a transverse leaf spring and a solid-axle rear with Hartford Telecontrol shock absorbers that are adjustable from the dash. The right-hand-drive cabin is trimmed in tan leather over the front bucket seats, rear bench, and door panels, while color-matched carpeting covers the floors. Equipment includes an acceleration pedal located centrally between the clutch and brake pedals, door pockets, footwell vents, a passenger-side glovebox, and a fire extinguisher. The four-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a wood dash housing Smiths instrumentation including a 100-mph speedometer, a tachometer with an inset clock, and gauges monitoring amperage, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel level. The five-digit odometer shows 39k miles. A knob and pressure gauge for the Hartford Telecontrol shocks are situated to the driver’s right. The 2,511cc inline-six features a four-main-bearing crankshaft, pushrod-operated overhead valves, triple SU carburetors, dual electric fuel pumps, and a 12-volt BTH dual ignition system with a coil for starting and a magneto for normal running conditions. Maintenance performed in preparation for the sale is said to have included an oil change, a lubrication service, and checking of the carburetor and ignition timing. Output was rated at 87 horsepower and is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission with synchromesh on all forward gears. The build sheet lists the equipment and component numbers as well as delivery to London in December 1933. Additional historical documentation and photos of the car are included in the gallery below. The car does not have a title as it is registered in a country that does not issue titles for vehicles. It is being sold on its registration.