• One of the most advanced British sporting cars of its day
• Formerly resident in the USA
• Returned to the UK in 1987
• Present ownership since 2002

Pre-war development of the six-cylinder Alvis culminated in the announcement of two new models for 1937: the 4.3-Litre and the 3.6-litre Speed Twenty Five, both powered by new seven-bearing, overhead-valve engines. The cruciform-braced chassis were similar and embodied the kind of advanced thinking long associated with the marque: independent front suspension and a four-speed, all-synchromesh gearbox - introduced on the preceding Speed Twenty - were retained, with the additional refinements of driver-controlled Luvax hydraulic dampers and servo-assisted brakes. On test with Autocar, the Speed Twenty Five demonstrated remarkable top-gear flexibility combined with a maximum speed of 95mph, and was found to possess qualities of "quiet running and general refinement in a striking degree".

Sturdily built and endowed with a generous wheelbase, the Alvis six attracted some of the finest examples of the pre-war coachbuilders' art, though the Speed Twenty Five's initial chassis-only price of £775 meant that ownership was necessarily confined to wealthy connoisseurs.

Chassis number '14416' was delivered new on 12th August 1937 via the Cardiff dealership Hinton & Britton and first registered 'CDD 789', a Gloucester mark. The reference in the factory Car Record to '14416' being a 'Speed Saloon' is known to be a clerical error. Records of Charlesworth-bodied cars show that it falls in the middle of a batch of 14 drophead coupés manufactured (see correspondence on file).

'14416' subsequently spent many years in the USA before returning to the UK in 1987 when it was acquired by an enthusiastic Alvis Owners Club member who died in 2002. Our vendor purchased the Alvis from Bonhams' auction at the Goodwood Revival Meeting in September 2002 (Lot 93, invoice on file).

Repainted circa 1990, 'CDD 789' is finished in blue with maroon interior, and in the 2002 sale catalogue was described as in "generally very good original condition, having covered fewer than 100 miles in the past 2-3 years due to its late owner's ill health". The Alvis has been unused for at least the last 6-7 years, possibly longer, and will require recommissioning before returning to the road. A rare and highly sought-after British sporting thoroughbred, this Alvis Speed 25 is offered with faxed correspondence; an original instruction manual and parts book; and sundry invoices from marque specialists Red Triangle and other suppliers.

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.