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1936' Alvis Speed 20
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NegotiablePublished 16 July 2026ID: QhvsVC
- Humbert & Ellis
- Northamptonshire
- +44Show phone
Information from the owner
Age: 90 years
Exterior color: Green
Seller's comments about 1936' Alvis Speed 20
1936 ALVIS SPEED 20 CHARLESWORTH SALOON - RESTORATION PROJECTA highly desirable pre-war sporting saloon, this 1936 Alvis Speed 20 is offered as a restoration project, presented in dismantled form but appearing substantially complete with the exception of the main body. Coachbuilt by Charlesworth, the elegant saloon body reflects the marque’s reputation for understated refinement and engineering excellence. The Speed 20 model is well regarded for its smooth six-cylinder performance and capable road manners, making it one of the more usable and sought-after Alvis models of the period. Although currently in component form, the car offers an excellent opportunity for recommissioning or full restoration, with the majority of key elements believed to be present bar the main body- this would make an excellent 'Special.'Projects of this quality and relative completeness are increasingly difficult to source, particularly with such attractive coachwork. An appealing prospect for the enthusiast or collector seeking a rewarding and worthwhile restoration and offered here at no reserve. It is offered with a photocopy of the original build sheet. Below is a transcript of a letter from a previous keeper:'I bought this car when a law student at Edinburgh in Sept 1967. It had been on sale at Sloans for £450, but by the time I saw it it had been moved out to Gilroy's of Newbridge who were asking only £350 for it. It was being stored in what appeared to have been a large hen house. I heard about it from Mr Sinclair of Middleton & Townsend, the Lancia agents in Edinburgh, who knew ! was looking for a 'small' postwar Alvis, eg. TA14, as a reliable runabout!History:The car was dispatched to Glasgow from the Alvis works on 28th May 1936 and was sold by Inglis, the main Edinburgh dealers. It was registered on31st May in the name of George H. Green who owned it until 1953. According to a brief note amongst the car's instruction books there is some doubt as to whether the car is an SC (1935) or SD (1936) model. The Spares List is for an SC, but the Car Record sheet describes it as an SD. This would normally be conclusive, but all the main castings have 1935 dates. Either way the changes for 1936 were quite minor, the main one being a slightly wider body. I have always believed, though I don't now remember who told me, that George Green was assistant to a well-known and respected Edinburgh genitourinary surgeon of the time called Morrison (whom I know my own grandmother consulted about her illness). Later on there was a scandal connected with Morrison, I think something to do with him and his female patients, and he was struck off. I have no idea whether Mr Green was involved too though it seems possible; at any rate the Alvis remained in his ownership during the war years, no doubt in storage. Would Charles have heard anything about this scandal?In late 1954 it was acquired by Stuart Russel Matthew, an Edinburgh architect whom I later met. He put about 20, 000 miles on it, mainly running between Edinburgh and his cottage at Lochearnhead, before retiring it in 1964. It had a new clutch fitted in 1955 and was resprayed in 1961 (probably not very well as it was quite scruffy when I bought it 3 years later).'This vehicle is located near Selby, North Yorkshire from where it will need to be collected. Motorscan report and videos available on request. Viewing is by appointment, please contact the office to arrange.
