1933 Alvis Speed 20 SB Drophead Coupe Vanden Plas - Countdown Auction Collection

23rd Sep, 2026 10:00 KELHAM HALL | NEWARK, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Countdown Auction Collection https://handh.co.uk/vehicles/1933-alv... Exhibited at the 1933 Olympia Motor Show on the Vanden Plas stand Subject to an extensive restoration in the 1980’s 1 of just 36 Speed 20 SB chassis to be fitted with Vanden Plas Drophead Coupe coachwork Previously used on numerous European and international tours 4 speed synchromesh gear box and subject to recent mechanical fettling “The driver has the benefit of rock steady steering, completely accurate, and without a trace of road shocks, while corners and curves merely give him an opportunity to show up the roadholding of the car at its best. Acceleration is greatly assisted by the new all-synchromesh gearbox, with very quick changes to be made absolutely silently right up through the gears” (Motorsport, February 1934). Introduced at the October 1933 London Motor Show, the Speed 20 SB marked a shift in design philosophy for Alvis. Fitted with a massive cruciform brace, the newcomer’s ‘double dropped’ chassis frame was notably stiffer than that of its predecessor, while the adoption of independent transverse-leaf front suspension, adjustable ‘Telecontrol’ rear shock absorbers and an all-synchromesh four-speed manual gearbox gave it a technological edge over rivals such as the Bentley 3 1/2 Litre and Lagonda M45. A welcome carryover, the marque’s smooth but free-revving 2511cc OHV straight-six engine ensured that performance remained a strong suit. Featuring dual magneto / coil ignition, triple SU carburettors and an aluminium crankcase, the proven powerplant reputedly endowed the Speed 20 SB with a 90 mph top speed. Riding on nineteen-inch ‘jelly mould’ wire wheels, the Alvis further benefited from sizeable fourteen-inch drum brakes, well-weighted Marles Weller steering and a Luvax-Bijur lubricating system. The model’s added sophistication and refinement were not only entirely in keeping with the wishes of influential dealer Charles Follett but also helped it win sales from the likes of Lady McAlpine, Sir Michael Nairn, Lord Carrington, James A. Sainsbury, Cecil Beaton, Lord Amherst, the Duke of Westminster, Norman Birkett KC, Clair Luce, H.H. The Rajah of Bhopal and racing driver the Hon. Brian Lewis. A corollary of its low-slung stance, 10ft 4in wheelbase and sloping bonnet line, the Speed 20 SB proved an ideal canvas for the coachbuilder’s art. Although, the majority were bodied to factory-approved designs by Charlesworth and Cross & Ellis, a select few received rather more bespoke treatment. Despite the absence of any official Works programme, several Speed 20s were used for competition both pre- and post-World War Two at venues including Brooklands, Silverstone and Goodwood. The Speed 20 SB proved to be an effective rally car with Captain G.E. Stott and K.W.B. Sanderson both finishing the 1934 Monte Carlo Rally (a feat matched by Miss Dorothy Patten the following year) and Charles Follett, the Earl of March and the Hon Brian Lewis choosing it as the basis of an official Alvis Team for the 1934 RAC Rally. Chassis 10852 is 1 of just 36 Speed 20 SB chassis to be fitted with extremely elegant Drophead Coupe coachwork by Vanden Plas and was delivered to Messrs Charles Follett on 18 August 1933. It has the distinction of having been exhibited at the 1933 Olympia Motor Show on the coachbuilder’s stand. Taken on numerous Alvis European and International tours and classic motoring events including 2000 and 2003 trips to North America and Quebec and a tour of New Zealand in 2005, the love and care expended on it was recognised during a tour to Switzerland in 2005, where the Alvis won the Swiss Trophy for Supreme Elegance at the 35th Veterans Gstaad which was then followed with a tour to Spain in 2008. It is said to be so easy and comfortable to drive that it would suit almost anyone. Some notable features of the straight 6 engine include dual magneto / coil ignition, triple SU carburettors and an aluminium crankcase, this allowed the Speed 20 SB to reach a top speed of 90 mph. Recent work includes carburettor tuning and fitment of new inlet manifold gaskets. The interior presents in wonderful condition following gentle application of leather feed and colour which has contributed much to the car’s appeal. The woodwork is also said to be exceptional alongside the matte black dash while the aesthetics of the interior are just as impressive as the rest of the car. The underneath is clean, the chassis ‘rock solid’ and evidence of recent work can be seen on the steering idler. This was noticed to be worn when a thorough 140 point check was carried out. A real head turner, ‘APK 354’ would stand out at any car event, showroom or collection for a multitude of reasons and comes with a valid MOT until March 2027.