Alvis Speed 25

Key facts

Year

1937
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

3,571cc
Cylinders

In-line 6
Valves

Overhead
Output

110hp @ 3,800rpm
Performance

95mph, 0-60mph15.8 seconds
Price new

£600 (chassis only)
Owner

National Motor Museum Trust
Manufacturer

Alvis

Alvis built some of the most desirable high-performance cars of the 1930s, the Speed 25 and its predecessor the Speed 20 being perhaps the most highly regarded. Advanced features of the Speed models included independent front suspension, all synchromesh four-speed gearbox and servo-assisted brakes. Along with the 4.3-litre model launched at the same time, the Speed 25 was the first Alvis with the accelerator pedal located to the right of the brake pedal, a layout that had already been adopted by most manufacturers.

Alvis built their first car in 1920. The company had something of a sporting reputation in the 1920s and even built, but didn’t race, a Grand Prix car. Alvis were among the pioneers of front-wheel-drive in the second half of the decade. Financial restructuring led to a change of company image during the 1930s. Bodywork was always outsourced to independent specialist coachbuilders, this example is by Charlesworth.

Rated 0 out of 5

Road-holding of that special quality that is so rarely encountered nowadays … A car which will delight those who appreciate fast motoring

The Motor
25 August 1936