AutoCult Alvis Speed 20 SE 4.3 Litre Special (1933) (Great Britain)

About the Original:

Looks Right, Feels Right and Is Right

The British manufacturer Alvis-Car and Engineering Company Ltd., better known under its abbreviation Alvis, was founded in 1919 and had already a lucky hand with its first automobile. In 1921, the company moved into its new factory location in the Holyhead Road in Coventry. The plant earned a solid reputation within a few years with large-volume engines.

With this experience the plant was constructing the type Speed 20 SA, which was put on the market in 1932. For the drive, a six-cylinder, 87hp in-line engine with a connected four-speed was used and positioned in the low frame. This completely new frame integrated the front and rear wheel axle by big bows. Big leaf springs were the only suspension comfort of both rigid axles, which was common in the former automobile scene. The customer could choose a car body of different suppliers on this chassis. Due to customers’ requests, the Speed 20 was sold as a convertible, elegant sedan, two-seater, four-seater and also as a racy sports car. The two-seater race car version was also often used at motor sports events, as the Alvis Speed 20 SA was belonging to the faster vehicles in Great Britain, with a standard reachable speed of 140/km/h. Only approximately 400 models in all versions of the type Speed 20 SA were leaving the plant during 1932 and 1934. A lot of former buyers agreed that the statement, which was published in the motor magazine in 1932 was right. The editorial office wrote: “The new Alvis Speed Twenty is the type of car which looks right, feels right and is right…”