Alvis Speed 25 Charlesworth Saloon

Alvis introduced their first six-cylinder model in 1927. The 1,870cc 14.75 was a completely new unit and was to form the basis of all pre-war Alvis six cylinder engines with its cast iron head and block, with separate alloy crankcase and sump. The overhead valves were operated by pushrods, and the company carried over the external water transfer port between head and block which was a trademark of the 12/50. The Silver Eagle model replaced the 14.75 in 1929 and used a larger 2,148cc engine. During its successful production run this was again increased to 2,511cc whilst from 1934 the chassis was developed with cruciform bracing and the world’s first all synchromesh gearbox.

Built alongside the Silver Eagle from 1932, the Speed 20 used the 2,511cc engine in a new low slung chassis. This enabled a range of most elegant bodies to be fitted, making good use of the low chassis rails to accentuate the long sweeping lines. The coachbuilders chosen by Alvis and their customers used this to great effect and there can be few better looking cars of the mid 30s.

For 1935 the engine was enlarged yet again to 3,571cc and launched as the 3½ litre. It used a strange arrangement of 9 tiny valve springs per valve making a total of 108! This had independent front suspension and carried over the all-synchromesh gearbox. This thoroughly modern machine, with only very minor revisions, became the Speed 25, now developing 106bhp. The engine was fed by triple SU carburettors and the saloon, which weighed in at a hefty 36½ cwts, was tested to nearly 100mph, with 50mph coming up in 10.4 seconds and the standing ¼ mile taking 20 seconds – a remarkable performance for the time. An outstandingly sophisticated and handsome car, it was also very expensive and just 536 examples were made before production came to an end in 1940.

This superb 1938 Alvis Speed 25 Charlesworth Saloon is one of many Alvis cars owned by the late Peter Wheeler, former owner of TVR Sportscars. Peter had owned the car for many years and had it fully restored in the early 1990s. Now said to be in outstanding condition throughout, it also comes with a very large history file including the original bill of sale from 1938 and many invoices for maintenance and refurbishment to date. It is said to drive beautifully and is due to have a fresh MOT before the sale.