Description
This car is Lot 117 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at the Goodwood Members' Meeting Sale on the 13th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Saturday 12th April from 09:00 until 17:00 and Sunday 13 April from 09:00, at Goodwood Members' Meeting.
Lot 117
1934 Alvis Speed Twenty SC Oxborrow and Fuller Continental Tourer
Registration no. BYL 926
Chassis no. 11908
Ultra-rare coachwork
Body-off restoration in 1994
Engine rebuild by Jim Stokes Workshops 2011-2013
Present ownership since 2007
Extensive history file
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. Chassis number '11908' was delivered on 29th September 1934 to Charles Follet and registered in July 1935 as an Oxborrow and Fuller Enclosed Continental Tourer with coachwork by Vanden Plas. The Oxborrow and Fuller aluminium body was designed to offer drivers the best of both open and closed motoring with glass rear quarter windows, wind-up front side glass, and a well-fitting hood. It is said that only three O&F bodies were fitted to Alvis cars, and quite possibly this is the sole surviving example.
'BYL 926' underwent a body-off restoration in 1994, carried out by The Motor House in Newbury, and was refinished in Grosvenor Brown with tan hide interior. The Alvis is now beautifully presented, having acquired a charming patina over the last 24 years.
Between 2011 and 2013 the engine was rebuilt at great expense by Jim Stokes Workshops (invoices on file), with new internal parts and a new cylinder block casting. Other notable features include an electric water pump, electric cooling fans, and new brakes and wheel location plates. In 2023, the car was converted to a 12-volt system and new tyres were fitted. The car was then treated to an extensive service by IK Classics.
The current owner has enjoyed the car for some years, and is only parting with it due to ill health, and a large history file with receipts dating back to 1950 comes with it. A rare opportunity to own a unique and beautiful open-bodied VDP Speed Twenty SC with a refreshed engine by Jim Stokes Workshop and wonderful patina.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
