Offered by the family of the late Barrie Pook
1933 Alvis Speed 20 Tourer

• Fine British 'Post-Vintage Thoroughbred'
• Believed only four owners from new
• Present ownership since 1972
• Recommissioned for sale (see text)

"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, 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 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 Alvis Speed Twenty tourer was first registered in January 1937 and owned until 1964 by Mr M B Saunders. The car is believed to have had two subsequent owners before Barrie Pook bought it in October 1972 from the well-known motor dealer Peter Harper (bill of sale on file). The Alvis was then displayed at a motor museum in the Cotswolds for approximately 25 years before returning to Barrie's custodianship.

Recommissioned for sale following a period of inactivity, the car is running well with good oil pressure. It is holding coolant (plain water in this case), but the radiator hoses need replacing and the electrics need a thorough check. Fuel is being delivered by the mechanical pump from a fuel can to the carburettors. No other fluids have been checked apart from engine oil. Clutch thrust bearing needs attention. The (new) battery is under the bonnet on the bulkhead. The brakes have not been tested. Offered with an old-style V5.