The last car produced
1940 Alvis Speed Twenty-Five SC Saloon
Coachwork by Charlesworth
Registration no. EVC 568
Chassis no. 14688
Engine no. 15172

Pre-war development of the six-cylinder Alvis culminated in the announcement of two new models for 1937: the 4.3-Litre and the 3.6-litre Speed Twenty-Five, both powered by new seven-bearing, overhead-valve engines. The cruciform-braced chassis were similar and embodied the kind of advanced thinking long associated with the marque: independent front suspension and a four-speed, all-synchromesh gearbox - introduced on the preceding Speed Twenty - were retained, with the additional refinements of driver-controlled Luvax hydraulic dampers and servo-assisted brakes. On test with Autocar, the Speed Twenty-Five demonstrated remarkable top-gear flexibility combined with a maximum speed of 95mph, and was found to possess qualities of, 'quiet running and general refinement in a striking degree.'

This particular Alvis is an example of the SC-type Speed Twenty-Five with the all-synchromesh gearbox and independent front suspension, making it one of the more technologically advanced British cars of its day. Sturdily built and endowed with a generous wheelbase, the Alvis six attracted some of the finest examples of the pre-war coachbuilders' art, though the Speed Twenty-Five's initial chassis-only price of £775 meant that ownership was necessarily confined to wealthy connoisseurs. This example wears four-door saloon coachwork, incorporating a full-length sunroof, by the Coventry firm of Charlesworth, a company perhaps best known for its contract work for various manufacturers, most notably Alvis, as well as bespoke designs on other high quality chassis.

Supplied new to Brooklands of Bond Street on 18th October 1940, chassis number '14688' is the last car to leave the factory, which by then had been turned over to war work. We are advised that the car is un-restored apart from a re-spray carried out a few years ago, and that it also benefits from rebuilt carburettors and a new radiator core. The original leather-upholstered interior is said to be in excellent condition, with all instruments working, while a heater and a cigarette lighter socket (for satellite navigation connection) are other noteworthy features. Used regularly and described as in generally good condition - steering and braking well, and with a quiet drive train - 'EVC 568' is offered with old-style logbook, dating certificate, sundry invoices, current MoT/tax and V5 registration document. The car also comes with a full set of tools.