The Olympia Motor Show
1935 Alvis 3½-Litre Speed Twenty SD Project

• Present ownership since 2014
• 3½-litre triple-carburettor engine from a Speed Twenty-Five
• Engine rebuilt by West Hoathly Garage
• Offered for restoration

'WS 7223' is an example of the 4th-series (SD) Speed Twenty with the all-synchromesh gearbox and independent front suspension, making it one of the more technologically advanced British cars of its day. This particular car was displayed at the Olympia Motor Show in 1935, the chassis and wheels at that time being resplendent in chromium plating. The Alvis subsequently formed part of the Farr Museum Collection for many years before being purchased at auction in 1986 by Magnus Mansson of London SW1. While in Mr Mansson's ownership the Speed Twenty featured in an article in the Alvis Owners' Club's Bulletin in which its enthusiastic owner recounted his experiences of owning several of the Coventry firm's products (copy on file).

The car's next owner was Mr Stephen R Jones, who acquired it in 1993. On his death in 1996 the car passed to his executor, the immediately preceding owner, since deceased. Correspondence on file states that the Alvis was in full working order and had been in (fairly) regular use up to 1996. 'WS 7223' has had four different engines over the course of its life, one of them a 4.3-litre unit, and is currently fitted with the triple-carburettor 3½-litre engine from a Speed Twenty-Five, endowing it with better-than-average performance (see documentation on file).

The current vendor purchased the Alvis at Bonhams' sale at the RAF Museum, Hendon in April 2014 (Lot 365). Subsequently it was discovered that there was asbestos within the bodywork, which necessitated specialist removal and disposal. The car is now offered as a rolling chassis in need of completion and is sold strictly as viewed. Works carried out on the vendor's behalf by West Hoathly Garage include rebuilding the engine and overhauling the cylinder head and the triple SU carburettors; fitting new fuel pumps; removing all bulkhead-mounted components and reassembling after refurbishment; fitting a new heater matrix; overhauling the suspension and brakes; repositioning the brake and central throttle pedal to conventional locations; and fitting a new key-operated ignition switch to dashboard. In addition, James E Pearce made a start on the bodywork (invoices on file).

As well as the aforementioned paperwork, the history file contains a copy of the factory Car Record; old auction catalogue descriptions; additional correspondence and a V5C registration document. Kept garaged and not used since 1996, this handsome British post-Vintage thoroughbred represents a potentially most rewarding project for the enthusiast-restorer.