Details
1934 ALVIS SPEED 20 TYPE SB TWO DOOR COUPE
COACHWORK BY VANDEN PLAS
Chassis No. 12292
Engine No. To be advised
Engine: six cylinders, overhead valves, 2,511cc, 87bhp at 4,000rpm; Gearbox; four-speed, all syncromesh; Suspension: independent front suspension by transverse spring, semi-elliptical at rear. Right hand drive.
The Speed Twenty, the Type SA, appeared in 1932 and was followed in 1934 by the Type SB, of which this is an example, with up-dated gearbox and front suspension. Records show that a total of 1,165 Speed Twenties were made, 318 of them in 1934, which was the best year. Top speed was quoted as 89 mph, 0-60 mph in 18 seconds and 16.4mpg. The brakes were outstanding, with a stopping distance of 26 feet from 30mph. DWS permanent jacks were fitted all round, and the frontal appearance was enhanced by the famous P100 headlamps. Prominent coachbuilders of the day produced bodies of great beauty for this chassis, the price of which was a mere ¨600, complete cars costing from ¨695 to ¨825 according to coachwork, compared to the contemporary 3½-litre Bentley at ¨1,460.
This car is believed to have been made for Charles Follett, well-known London Alvis agent and frequent competitor at Brooklands. The instruction book had this to say, "The genius who designed it and the men who built it are proud of your car - it is the child of their brains. You will be able to speed the day long unchecked, glorying in the swift acceleration and wonderful hill-climbing. Take care of it."
This car was donated to the museum in the early 1980s by Dr Jason Baron.
COACHWORK BY VANDEN PLAS
Chassis No. 12292
Engine No. To be advised
Engine: six cylinders, overhead valves, 2,511cc, 87bhp at 4,000rpm; Gearbox; four-speed, all syncromesh; Suspension: independent front suspension by transverse spring, semi-elliptical at rear. Right hand drive.
The Speed Twenty, the Type SA, appeared in 1932 and was followed in 1934 by the Type SB, of which this is an example, with up-dated gearbox and front suspension. Records show that a total of 1,165 Speed Twenties were made, 318 of them in 1934, which was the best year. Top speed was quoted as 89 mph, 0-60 mph in 18 seconds and 16.4mpg. The brakes were outstanding, with a stopping distance of 26 feet from 30mph. DWS permanent jacks were fitted all round, and the frontal appearance was enhanced by the famous P100 headlamps. Prominent coachbuilders of the day produced bodies of great beauty for this chassis, the price of which was a mere ¨600, complete cars costing from ¨695 to ¨825 according to coachwork, compared to the contemporary 3½-litre Bentley at ¨1,460.
This car is believed to have been made for Charles Follett, well-known London Alvis agent and frequent competitor at Brooklands. The instruction book had this to say, "The genius who designed it and the men who built it are proud of your car - it is the child of their brains. You will be able to speed the day long unchecked, glorying in the swift acceleration and wonderful hill-climbing. Take care of it."
This car was donated to the museum in the early 1980s by Dr Jason Baron.