In August 1936 the British manufacturer Alvis introduced the Speed 25, a more highly developed version of the 3.5-liter model it had announced a year earlier. Utilizing a shorter 126-inch wheelbase, and improvements such as a revised air-cleaner system and Luvax hydraulic shock absorbers, the Speed 25 was equipped with the same inline six-cylinder engine, although power was raised to 106 hp.
A total of 391 examples were built in four series through 1940, a great majority of which were clothed by coachbuilder Charlesworth, including 246 saloons. Conversely, Cross & Ellis bodied only 39 examples in the sleek four-door Tourer style, and these lighter open cars were capable of exceeding 100 mph.
Story by RM Sotheby’s
