1935 | Alvis Speed 20

Believed to be one of only 32 Speed 20’s bodied by Charlesworth of Coventry, Alvis’ most favored coachbuilder. Chassis number 12080 was delivered new to Denmark in April 1935, to automotive dealer Cai Caspersen, who treated the public to witness the car in person in his Copenhagen showroom. At the time a sportscar of this stature commanded very heavy sums, and the local newspapers did bicker about whether the price was DKK 26,000 or 28,000, roughly the equivalent of two townhouses!  

Introduced in 1932 the Alvis Speed 20 was the epitome of British sporting elegance. The aluminium bodywork, the purring straight-6 engines, and the all-synchro gearbox (a first for a 4-speed), the Alvis Speed 20 was and is considered one of the best UK cars ever built from this era. The low-slung chassis made sure that cornering was free from rolling, and servo-assisted brakes and independent front suspension will impress even drivers accustomed to newer classics. 

The factory’s Car Record confirms that the car was delivered in its beautiful deep shade of blue, but it does benefit from careful keeping, and only a single respray in its original colours back in 1964. The Car Record also notes that chassis number 12080 was delivered with a KPH-speedometer, an extra taillight and an extra bucket of deep blue lacquer. We have been able to track this car and all of its 8 previous caretakers back to 1935, which gives it a distinctly unique Danish history, of being the oldest Alvis that still resides in the country.   

The car is in incredibly good shape with tight lines and solid paintwork. The welcoming interior benefits from matching dark blue leather, and the wooden framework is in good condition. The soft top is without tears and the brightwork is well kept. The wiring is intact and functional, and the mechanics are recently sorted. Our mechanics did conclude on a test drive that the Speed 20 was “surprisingly peppy and drives more modern than expected”.  

Of a total production run of approximately 1,165, this Drop Head Coupé is easily one of the scarcer variations, and an absolute treat to any Alvis or pre-war collection in general. An absolute gem of pre-war styling, and a piece of Scandinavian history unlike any other.