• One of the most advanced British sporting cars of its day
• 'Barn find' in 1995
• Partially restored
• Offered for completion

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 touring-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 later-series (SC/SD) Speed Twenty with the 2.8-litre engine, all-synchromesh gearbox and independent front suspension, making it one of the more technologically advanced British cars of its day. Most of these Alvis cars were bodied either by Cross & Ellis or Charlesworth, but this car was commissioned by dealer Charles Follett from Vanden Plas and despatched in December 1934. Six months later the Alvis was registered and delivered to its first owner, Countess Hella Frijs of 28 Chesham Place, London SW1. The old-style buff continuation logbook (issued 1950) records one Albert Painter as owner in 1946.

In March 1950 the Alvis passed to the late Mr Ernest Onions, whose estate - a £1 million hoard of antiques and paintings - was sold at a UK auction in October 1995. The Alvis was auctioned soon afterwards (in December 1995), the sale catalogue describing it "'as found' and in poor mechanical condition, with engine and brakes seized... believed to be largely complete... ready for a full restoration". It is believed that the late owner subsequently acquired the Alvis from its purchaser at the auction. There are bills on file for work done since then, but the project stopped when the owner fell ill (he passed away some five years ago). On file are invoices from marque specialists Red Triangle, John Kirby and Early Engineering, together with a hand-written note on monies spent and what remained to be finished. The car also comes with instruction and parts books; a copy of the auction catalogue entry; a Classic & Sports Car press cutting (December 1995); and photographs of it 'as found' and undergoing restoration.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.