1935 Alvis Speed Twenty Charlesworth Bodied Saloon

Description

The wonderful Speed Model Alvis was one of the most sophisticated, advanced and stylish cars on the road in the 1930s, combining rakish looks with excellent performance and remains a firm favourite with collectors to the present day. First seen in January 1932, the Speed Twenty was essentially an improved version of the Silver Eagle on a new, lower chassis design intended to rival Lagonda's 3-litre and the Talbot 105. Although the new Alvis was soon selling well, an improved version was already under development, the revised SB chassis first appearing in September 1933 with two very significant features - independent front suspension and the first use of synchromesh on all four gears of any production car. Announced in September 1934, the SC was a further revision, powered by a 2762cc version of the six-cylinder unit rated at 87 horsepower and a maximum speed (depending on the bodywork fitted) of 83 mph for the saloon or 89 mph for the tourer. The longer stroke engine was completely redesigned by Alvis, with a cooling fan for the first time, while the chassis underwent similar revisions, including new front suspension and steering. The so-called built-in shock absorbers seen on earlier Speed Models were replaced by André Telecontrol items that could be adjusted from the dash, while the front transverse springs were softened for a more comfortable ride. Other features of the chassis included centralized lubrication along with DWS built-in jacks and the overall effect was to stiffen the frame without compromising the handling or ride. One of just 289 chassis produced by Alvis in the SC series, the car on offer was bodied by Charlesworth as a Saloon, this being the most popular body style by quite a margin, with 131 made. Described as a ?Gentleman's Club on wheels?, the Charlesworth Saloon fitted to the SC chassis was designated the Mark V and incorporated a number of improvements, including a new ?no draught? ventilation system, semaphore indicators in the central door pillars and Cornercroft box for the rear number plate. In Australia the Alvis owner is well catered for with a strong club scene and plenty of specialist support.