1938 Alvis Speed 25 Drophead Coupé by Charlesworth | The Iconic Sale 2026 | 14th Nov 2026

A Charlesworth-bodied Speed 25 with London Motor Show provenance, benefiting from extensive restoration, an uprated engine and a history of regular touring in Britain and Europe.

By the late 1930s, Alvis had established a reputation for producing thoughtfully engineered cars that combined performance with refinement. The Speed 25 continued this tradition, pairing a substantial six-cylinder engine with independent front suspension, servo-assisted brakes and a four-speed manual gearbox featuring synchromesh on all forward gears. These were sophisticated specifications for the period, helping make the model an accomplished choice for long-distance motoring.

As with many prestige manufacturers of the era, the chassis provided the foundation for coachwork from specialist builders. Charlesworth’s drophead coupé offered the flexibility of open motoring alongside the greater protection of an enclosed hood, creating an appealing combination for owners intending to travel beyond fair-weather outings.

This particular example has an especially interesting introduction to that story. According to the factory record card referenced in the accompanying information, car number 19761, chassis number 14607, was built as a London Olympia Motor Show exhibit, showcasing the latest Charlesworth drophead coachwork. Its presentation also reportedly served another purpose: demonstrating the possibilities of metallic paint.

The supplied history states that DuPont commissioned and paid for the car to be finished in “Jewellesence Powder Blue”, promoting its pearlescent paint finish to audiences in Britain and Europe. This account adds an intriguing dimension to its show-car history, placing the Alvis at the meeting point of coachbuilding design and developments in paint technology.

Following its London appearance, the car is understood to have been exhibited further by Alvis, including at the Scottish Motor Show, before being registered in late October 1938. Subsequently well known within Alvis club circles, it has participated in numerous tours throughout Britain and Europe and is reported to have featured in several publications concerning the model. More recently, it has been enjoyed by a young family, taking part in extended journeys both at home and abroad.

A comprehensive restoration was undertaken around 2010 and the supplied account describes a ground-up programme encompassing the whole car, with new timber and replacement bodywork incorporated as required, although the chassis was reported to have been in excellent condition, providing a sound basis for the work.

Mechanical development formed an important part of that programme. The engine received a higher-capacity, higher-compression rebuild, described by the vendor as bringing its effective capacity to approximately 4.3 litres, and improvements to the radiator core were also incorporated to assist cooling, with the vendor reporting satisfactory running temperatures in use. These changes complement the car’s established touring role, although no specific power output is claimed.

Inside, the leather upholstery has acquired the patina associated with regular enjoyment, lending the cabin an inviting, lived-in character. A heater made by Clayton of Riseley is also fitted, a useful addition for longer journeys and cooler-weather outings.

The Alvis is reported to have been maintained throughout its recent use and has benefited from a recent full service and condition report by marque specialists Red Triangle. A set of new Blockley tyres has also been fitted, alongside further maintenance and remedial work. At the time of cataloguing, the vendor described it as ready for further touring.

Combining distinctive Charlesworth coachwork with reported factory-recorded Motor Show provenance, this Speed 25 offers considerably more than period elegance. Its restoration, mechanical upgrades and subsequent use provide an appealing basis for continued enjoyment, whilst its exhibition history gives the next custodian a fascinating story to explore. We encourage your inspection of both the car and its accompanying documentation.