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Alvis was founded in Coventry, England in 1919. Ironically, the name Alvis had no particular significance; it was chosen by the founders of the company as it sounded good in any language. The cars established a reputation for both quality and performance with Alvis producing 6937 cars prior to WWII. During the Thirties, the company concentrated on aero engines and military vehicles until well after the War. In the Fifties, it became a one-model, one-engine company. Production continued through July 1965 when the Alvis was taken over by Rover.
The Alvis Speed 20 is powered by a 90 horsepower, 2511cc six-cylinder engine. Coupled with its low-slung coachwork, it offered superior handling unmatched by its rivals. The SB is the second version of the Speed 20 updated with an all-synchromesh transmission and independent front suspension. It is one of 41-speed 20 SB fitted with Cross & Ellis coachwork. The numbers-matching example was restored in New Zealand in 2007.
The Alvis Speed 20 is powered by a 90 horsepower, 2511cc six-cylinder engine. Coupled with its low-slung coachwork, it offered superior handling unmatched by its rivals. The SB is the second version of the Speed 20 updated with an all-synchromesh transmission and independent front suspension. It is one of 41-speed 20 SB fitted with Cross & Ellis coachwork. The numbers-matching example was restored in New Zealand in 2007.
Alvis was a small but innovative company that introduced its second-generation Speed 20 model at the 1933 Olympia Motor Show, utilizing the company's SB series chassis. The Speed 20 SB introduced two important innovations including a front independent suspension and a fully synchromesh gearbox. The synchromesh feature was the first such gearbox ever fitted on a production automobile.
In total, just 375 SB chassis were produced in three series over the course of 1934. Most of these were given closed coachwork. Just 41 examples were given Cross & Ellis' open touring body.
Chassis Number 11337
This car was originally bodied as a four-seat tourer with a two-tone paint scheme of green wheels and fenders, with a black hood. It was powered by the later version of the SB engine, which featured higher-performance SS4 carburetors.
On June 6th of 1934, the car was dispatched for Mann, Egerton & Company, an automotive and aviation concern in Norwich, England, which retailed new cars. From there, it was purchased new by Martin Hodson of Ridlington, Norfolk, who eventually sold the car to G.B. Pearce of Southampton. By 1961, the SB was imported to the United States by Al Chambers of Powell, Ohio.
During the 1960s, Mr. Chambers sold the car to Roy Tausch, a mechanical engineer for the Ford Motor Company who actively raced in the SCCA. Mr. Taush used the car in vintage events during the early 1970s on circuits such as Watkins Glen, Mid-Ohio, and Nelson Ledges.
After Mr. Taush's death in 1982, the car remained with his widow for many years. In 2006, Mrs. Taush finally parted ways with the car. It was acquired by the current owner.
The new owner commissioned a comprehensive five-year refurbishment by Tempero Coachworks in Oamaru, New Zealand. The matching numbers engine was completely rebuilt and fine-tuned to factory specifications. Every effort was made to properly and authentically restored the body and chassis.
The only change to the cars originally was done to the interior, which was done in a shade of fawn rather than the original green. Currently, the car shows just over 24,000 miles, which are believed to be original.
The engine is a 2511cc overhead valve unit fitted with Triple SU SS4 carburetors and offers 87 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes.By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2013
In total, just 375 SB chassis were produced in three series over the course of 1934. Most of these were given closed coachwork. Just 41 examples were given Cross & Ellis' open touring body.
Chassis Number 11337
This car was originally bodied as a four-seat tourer with a two-tone paint scheme of green wheels and fenders, with a black hood. It was powered by the later version of the SB engine, which featured higher-performance SS4 carburetors.
On June 6th of 1934, the car was dispatched for Mann, Egerton & Company, an automotive and aviation concern in Norwich, England, which retailed new cars. From there, it was purchased new by Martin Hodson of Ridlington, Norfolk, who eventually sold the car to G.B. Pearce of Southampton. By 1961, the SB was imported to the United States by Al Chambers of Powell, Ohio.
During the 1960s, Mr. Chambers sold the car to Roy Tausch, a mechanical engineer for the Ford Motor Company who actively raced in the SCCA. Mr. Taush used the car in vintage events during the early 1970s on circuits such as Watkins Glen, Mid-Ohio, and Nelson Ledges.
After Mr. Taush's death in 1982, the car remained with his widow for many years. In 2006, Mrs. Taush finally parted ways with the car. It was acquired by the current owner.
The new owner commissioned a comprehensive five-year refurbishment by Tempero Coachworks in Oamaru, New Zealand. The matching numbers engine was completely rebuilt and fine-tuned to factory specifications. Every effort was made to properly and authentically restored the body and chassis.
The only change to the cars originally was done to the interior, which was done in a shade of fawn rather than the original green. Currently, the car shows just over 24,000 miles, which are believed to be original.
The engine is a 2511cc overhead valve unit fitted with Triple SU SS4 carburetors and offers 87 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes.By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2013
2018 Bonhams : Greenwich Concours
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $180,000-USD $220,000
Sale Price :
USD $174,720
2017 RM Sothebys : Hershey
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $150,000-USD $200,000
Sale Price :
USD $159,500
2016 Bonhams : Quail Lodge
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $150,000-USD $200,000
Sale Price :
USD $165,000
2013 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $150,000-USD $225,000
Sale Price :
USD $170,500
1934 Alvis Speed 20 SB Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Alvis Speed 20 SB
(Data based on Model Year 1934 sales)
1934 Alvis Speed 20 SB Charlesworth Drophead Coupe Sold for USD$27,000 2020 H & H - Imperial War Museum Duxford | |
1934 Alvis Speed 20 SB Sports Tourer Chassis#: 11337 Sold for USD$174,720 2018 Bonhams : Greenwich Concours | |
1934 Alvis Speed Twenty 'SC' Drophead Coupé Chassis#: 11959 Sold for USD$112,879 2017 Bonhams : London Olympia | |
1934 Alvis Speed 20 SB Sports Tourer by Cross & Ellis Chassis#: 11337 Sold for USD$159,500 2017 RM Sothebys : Hershey | |
1934 Alvis Speed Twenty 'SB' Tourer Chassis#: AXV 325 Sold for USD$132,026 2016 Bonhams : The December Sale | |
1934 ALVIS SPEED 20 SB SPORTS TOURER Chassis#: 11337 Sold for USD$165,000 2016 Bonhams : Quail Lodge | |
1934 Alvis Speed 20 SB Two-Door Saloon by Vanden Plas Chassis#: 11845 Sold for USD$198,000 2015 RM Sotheby's : Amelia Island | |
1934 Alvis Firefly SB Tourer Chassis#: 16030 Sold for USD$37,390 2013 The Beaulieu Sale, Collectors' Motor Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia | |
1934 Alvis Speed 20 SB Four-Seat Sports Tourer Chassis#: 11337 Sold for USD$170,500 2013 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach | |
1934 Alvis Speed Twenty Tourer Chassis#: 11170 Sold for USD$90,205 2012 Bonhams - The Beaulieu Sale Collectors' Motor Cars | |
1934 Alvis Speed Twenty SC Sports Tourer Chassis#: 11896 Sold for USD$85,410 2009 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia | |
1934 Alvis SB Firefly Tourer Chassis#: 16030 Sold for USD$56,160 2008 Bonhams - Vintage New England | |
1934 Alvis Speed 20 Airline Coupe Chassis#: 11805 Sold for USD$30,135 2005 Coys Auction - Fine Motor Cars & The Jaguar Legend | |
1934 Alvis Speed 20 Sold for USD$86,097 2004 Coys - True Greats |
Alvis Speed 20 SBs That Failed To Sell At Auction
1934 Alvis Speed 20 SB's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1934 Alvis Speed SC 20 DHC | 11078 | 2022 Bonhams : The Gstaad Sale | $80,000 | $120,000 | |
1934 Alvis Speed 20 SB Vanden Plas Tourer | 11806 | 2019 Silverstone The Sale of British Marques | |||
1934 Alvis Speed 20 SC Drophead Coupe | 11959 | 2013 H & H Auctions Imperial War Museum |
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1934 Alvis Speed 20 SB
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