LOT 219

1936 Alvis Speed 25 SB Tourer Coachwork by Cross & Ellis Registration no. BAK 932 Chassis no. 13368

Estimate: £85,000 - £100,000

Lot 219

1936 Alvis Speed 25 SB Tourer
Coachwork by Cross & Ellis Registration no. BAK 932 Chassis no. 13368

The Golden Age of Motoring Sale '1886-1939': Veteran, Vintage and Post-Vintage Motor Cars & Automobilia|5 November 2021, 17:00 GMT|London, New Bond Street

1936 Alvis Speed 25 SB Tourer
Coachwork by Cross & Ellis
Registration no. BAK 932
Chassis no. 13368

• One of only 39 Speed 25s with this Cross & Ellis coachwork
• Comprehensive mechanical restoration (2015-2021)
• One of the fastest British sports cars of its day

Footnotes

This matching-numbers Alvis Speed 25 retains its original Cross & Ellis four-door tourer coachwork, which was fitted to only 39 Speed 25s. Chassis number '13368' was first registered as 'BAK 932' on 4th December 1936, and the Alvis Car Record document and AOC Speed 25 Register both verify the car's identity.
'BAK 932' is a very original car that remained unused for many years (probably since the early 1960s) but has now undergone a comprehensive mechanical restoration including the chassis and frame, transmission, brakes, steering, suspension, wiring, radiator (re-cored), fuel tank, instruments, etc, these works being carried out between 2015 and 2021. The braking system includes a Clayton Dewandre servo, which incorporates a leather seal that requires periodic lubrication with neatsfoot oil. The front (bonded) brake linings are relatively new and are still bedding in, the rear (riveted) linings are worn and will need replacing soon.

The engine has been extensively rebuilt with all new bearings, JP pistons, core plugs, little-end bolts, timing chain, etc. The flywheel has been lightened, and with a 9" diaphragm clutch is 171lb lighter than standard. In its early running-in phase, the engine holds very good oil pressure and does not overheat. Non-original SU carburettors are fitted currently, but the original bronze-bodied carburettors and air intake boxes are included. These not standard SU's mean that the choke is not operational, and the car can run a bit rough at low throttle openings. A new stainless steel exhaust system is fitted and the car also benefits from a 3.8:1 crown wheel and pinion.

As of October 2021 the engine has covered approximately 300/400 miles since rebuild and consequently requires further running-in. Engine speed has been limited to 2,200 revs thus far and it would be prudent to increase this speed gradually with further mileage. The tappets and the cylinder head and cylinder block nuts have been checked but this should be done again after further running. Engine oil is 20/50 semi-synthetic Millers Classic Sport and this should be changed after perhaps another 250 miles.

The electrical wiring is described as 95% new. The original regulator cut-out and fuse box is present, but the charging cut-out is inoperative. A more modern Lucas regulator box has been fitted discretely inside the glove box, and the dynamo charges normally. Additional rear lights and flashing indicators have been fitted (the original trafficators are on a separate switch). The central chassis lubrication system has been replaced with grease nipples, and it should be noted that the Luvax rear shock absorbers' adjustment system is inoperative.

The body and interior are largely original but with new leather to the seat bases, back and front. They display a wonderful charm which has mellowed over the passage of time. The steel wings and running boards were refitted following stabilisation/treatment of surface rust, while the inner rear wheelarches, hood box, boot floor, etc have been replaced with treated marine plywood. Some sections of the ash frame were removed and used as patterns for new, professionally cut pieces as required, and the entire body is now very tight and quiet on the road.

All six side screens are present (stored in a section within the boot lid). The four main side screens are in good useable condition but the two small rear screens require recovering. The hood is operational as can be seen in the photographs. Spare parts include the two-speed built-in jack operating rod and handle (originally mounted on the bulkhead) plus the two mechanical rear jacks.

MoT'd to September 2022, this example is offered from a significant private collection, the current owner is a true connoisseur of the marque. A car for the cognoscenti, this Alvis must be one of the last of the 39 Speed 25 tourers remaining in generally original condition with associated patina. Restoration photographs of the frame are on file together with some period photographs showing the car at Land's End. The car also comes with a V5C document and an old-style logbook and bills for the recent mechanical restoration.

Saleroom notices

Interested parties should note, further to the catalogue description, the owner has not had sufficient time to identify the cause of the rough running

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