1934 Alvis Speed 20 SB Tourer

1934 Alvis Speed 20 SB Tourer
Gooding Auction, Monterey, CA 2013
Body by Cross & Ellis; S/N 11337; Engine # 11787; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $155,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $170,500. No Reserve -- Synchromesh transmission, wire wheels, dual side-mounted spares, tonneau cover, folding windshield, driving lights -- Known history from new, in the US since 1961 and vintage raced in the 1970s. Fully rebuilt and restored in 2006 by experts in New Zealand. Paint, plating and engine compartment are excellent but the ill-advised interior change from green to loud leather detracts from the presentation. A handsome and very sound example that begs for a redo on the interior. -- Probably less appreciated in the US than overseas, particularly in other English-speaking regions, but this Alvis is a thoroughbred with near 100 mph performance. The price it brought is fair to both the buyer and the sellerAlvis was a small but innovative company that introduced their second-generation Speed 20 model at the 1933 Olympia Motor Show, utilizing the company's SB series chassis. The Speed 20 SB introduced two important innovations including a front independent suspension and a fully synchromesh gearbox. The synchromesh feature was the first such gearbox ever fitted on a production automobile.

In total, just 375 SB chassis were produced in three series over the course of 1934. Most of these were given closed coachwork. Just 41 examples were given Cross & Ellis' open touring body.

Chassis Number 11337
This car was originally bodied as a four-seat tourer with a two-tone paint scheme of green wheels and fenders, with a black hood. It was powered by the later version of the SB engine, which featured higher performance SS4 carburetors.

On June 6th of 1934, the car was dispatched for Mann, Egerton & Company, an automotive and aviation concern in Norwich, England, which retailed new cars. From there, it was purchased new by Martin Hodson of Ridlington, Norfolk, who eventually sold the car to G.B. Pearce of Southampton. By 1961, the SB was imported to the United States by Al Chambers of Powell, Ohio.

During the 1960s, Mr. Chambers sold the car to Roy Tausch, a mechanical engineer for the Ford Motor Company who actively raced in the SCCA. Mr. Taush used the car in vintage events during the early 1970s on circuits such as Watkins Glen, Mid-Ohio, and Nelson Ledges.

After Mr. Taush's death in 1982, the car remained with his widow for many years. In 2006, Mrs. Taush finally parted ways with the car. It was acquired by the current owner.

The new owner commissioned a comprehensive five-year refurbishment by Tempero Coachworks in Oamaru, New Zealand. The matching numbers engine was completely rebuilt and fine-tuned to factory specifications. Every effort was made to properly and authentically restored the body and chassis.

The only change to the cars originally was done to the interior, which was done in a shade of fawn rather than the original green. Currently, the car shows just over 24,000 miles, which are believed to be original.

The engine is a 2511cc overhead valve unit fitted with Triple SU SS4 carburetors and offering 87 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes


Robert Myrick Photography