The Alvis 4.3-litre and Alvis Speed 25 were British luxury touring cars announced in August 1936 and made until 1940 by the Alvis Car and Engineering Company in Coventry. They replaced the Alvis Speed 20 in its 2.8-litre and 3.5-litre forms.
Alvis Speed 25 at a glance
| Production | announced August 1936, made until 1940 |
|---|---|
| Engine | new strengthened in-line six with seven main bearings (3.5-litre and 4.3-litre) |
| Chassis | heavy steel chassis with a substantial cross brace; independent front suspension; rear leaf springs 15 in longer than before |
| Gearbox and brakes | all-synchromesh gearbox, servo-assisted brakes |
| Bodies | supplied as a chassis; coachbuilt by Cross & Ellis, Charlesworth, Vanden Plas, Lancefield, Offord and others |
| Price | almost £1,000 |
| 1938 update | dual exhaust system |
This page is based on English Wikipedia only, so the figures could not be cross-checked against a second source.
History of the Alvis Speed 25
The Speed Twenty’s engines with four main bearings were replaced in the 4.3-litre and Speed Twenty-Five by a newly designed, strengthened six-cylinder unit with seven main bearings. Alvis did not build any of the bodies: the cars were supplied in chassis form and firms such as Cross & Ellis (the standard tourer), Charlesworth (standard saloon and drophead coupé), Vanden Plas, Lancefield and Offord fitted open tourers or saloons.
With its low-slung sporty look, all-synchro gearbox, independent front suspension and servo brakes, it was a fast, reliable and beautifully made car, although at almost £1,000 it was not cheap. Later models had increased chassis boxing, and to save weight Alvis cut numerous holes in the box sections. Improvements announced at the October 1938 Motor Show included a dual exhaust said to quieten the engine and improve power output; only detail changes followed for 1940.
Design and features
- Engine: seven-bearing six, new for these models.
- Chassis: heavy steel frame with cross brace and drilled box sections.
Alvis Speed 25 versions
- Speed 25 (3.5-litre) and 4.3-litre, with tourer, saloon and drophead bodies by various coachbuilders.
More Alvis cars are in our Alvis collection, for example the Silver Eagle and the Firebird.
Alvis Speed 25 questions and answers
What did the Speed 25 replace?
The Speed 20.
Who built its bodies?
Outside coachbuilders such as Cross & Ellis, Charlesworth and Vanden Plas.
How much did it cost?
Almost £1,000.
Sources
- Alvis Speed 25, English Wikipedia: history and specifications
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