1933 Alvis Speed Twenty SB Tourer

Coachwork by Cross & Ellis Registration no. JF 5206 Chassis no. 108833

Footnotes

'The new Alvis Speed Twenty is the type of car which looks right, feels right and is right. From the driver's point of view the controls are all just where they are required and the power, speed and acceleration provided by the "hotted-up" but, nevertheless, silky six-cylinder engine are literally an eye-opener to anyone accustomed to driving about in a more or less sedate manner in ordinary motor cars of medium size.' - Motor magazine in praise of the new Alvis Speed Twenty in March 1932.

Introduced for 1932, the Alvis Speed Twenty was a fine quality, sporting car in the Coventry marque's best traditions. Carried over from the preceding 20hp Silver Eagle, the 2,511cc, six-cylinder, overhead-valve engine produced 90bhp on triple SU carburettors, an output sufficient to propel the tourer-bodied versions past 90mph. The low-slung Speed Twenty chassis was all new, addressing criticisms levelled at the 'tall-in-the-saddle' Silver Eagle, offering levels of grip and controllability matched by few of its rivals. 'When cornering it is not only free from rolling – the low build sees to that – but the layout is such that it clings to the intended path at quite unexpected speeds, and when centrifugal force does eventually produce a skid it is of the rear wheels only and easily controlled,' observed Motor Sport's tester.

This particular Alvis is an example of the second-series (SB) Speed Twenty with the all-synchromesh gearbox and independent front suspension, making it one of the more technologically advanced British cars of its day. Chassis number '108833' carries four-door tourer coachwork by Cross & Ellis. Founded in Coventry in 1919, Cross & Ellis supplied bodies under contract to the local motor industry, enjoying a long, though sometimes troubled, relationship with close neighbours Alvis. Indeed, its four-door tourer bodies on the larger Alvis chassis are regarded as among its finest work. It is estimated that only some 40 SB tourers were bodied by Cross & Ellis.

'JF 5206' has been in the private vendor's possession for the last 10 years having belonged to the preceding owner for over 45 years. Sympathetically maintained but never restored, the car benefits from a recent mechanical overhaul, including refurbishment of the engine (bills available). While in the vendor's care the Alvis has been used infrequently and mainly for rallies such as the Flying Scotsman (2013 and 2016) and Wolseley, its overdrive transmission and very tractable and long-legged nature making it ideal for events such as these. A full set of weather equipment is included in the sale.