142 | GOODWOOD REVIVAL SALE
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The last car produced
1940 Alvis speed TwenTy-Five sC sAloon
CoAChwork by ChArlesworTh
Registration no. EVC 568
Chassis no. 14688
Engine no. 15172
Pre-war development of the six-cylinder Alvis culminated in the
announcement of two new models for 1937: the 4.3-Litre and the
3.6-litre Speed Twenty-Five, both powered by new seven-bearing,
overhead-valve engines. The cruciform-braced chassis were similar
and embodied the kind of advanced thinking long associated with
the marque: independent front suspension and a four-speed, all-
synchromesh gearbox - introduced on the preceding Speed Twenty
- were retained, with the additional refinements of driver-controlled
Luvax hydraulic dampers and servo-assisted brakes. On test with
Autocar, the Speed Twenty-Five demonstrated remarkable top-gear
flexibility combined with a maximum speed of 95mph, and was
found to possess qualities of, ‘quiet running and general refinement
in a striking degree.’
This particular Alvis is an example of the SC-type Speed Twenty-
Five with the all-synchromesh gearbox and independent front
suspension, making it one of the more technologically advanced
British cars of its day. Sturdily built and endowed with a generous
wheelbase, the Alvis six attracted some of the finest examples
of the pre-war coachbuilders’ art, though the Speed Twenty-
Five’s initial chassis-only price of £775 meant that ownership was
necessarily confined to wealthy connoisseurs.
This example wears four-door saloon coachwork, incorporating
a full-length sunroof, by the Coventry firm of Charlesworth, a
company perhaps best known for its contract work for various
manufacturers, most notably Alvis, as well as bespoke designs on
other high quality chassis.Supplied new to Brooklands of Bond Street on 18th October 1940,
chassis number ‘14688’ is the last car to leave the factory, which
by then had been turned over to war work. We are advised that
the car is un-restored apart from a re-spray carried out a few years
ago, and that it also benefits from rebuilt carburettors and a new
radiator core. The original leather-upholstered interior is said to be
in excellent condition, with all instruments working, while a heater
and a cigarette lighter socket (for satellite navigation connection)
are other noteworthy features. Used regularly and described as in
generally good condition - steering and braking well, and with a
quiet drive train - ‘EVC 568’ is offered with old-style logbook, dating
certificate, sundry invoices, current MoT/tax and V5 registration
document. The car also comes with a full set of tools.
£45,000 - 55,000
€56,000 - 69,000