We displayed two fantastic Alvis cars on our stand at Goodwood Festival of Speed this year, both cars being very well received by the crowds. We had glorious weather and a busy four days chatting to visitors and enjoying some great driving on the track.
Our first display car was an Alvis Special racecar known as the Goodwin Special. Built in 1948 by Billy and Eric Goodwin, the car enjoyed great success at the Shelsley Walsh hillclimbs. The engine is an Alvis six cylinder with a 4387cc capacity, three SU 13/4” carburettors, overhead valves, operated by pushrods from single ’high lift’ camshaft driven from rear of engine and Scintilla Vertex magneto. The transmission is an Alvis 4 speed Silver Crest all synchromesh gearbox.
The second – also unique – was very beautiful Alvis Speed 25 SB Vanden Plas “Continental” Sports Tourer built on a Speed 25 SB chassis, with a 3.5 litre six cylinder engine, independent front suspension, servo-assisted brakes, all synchromesh gearbox and a one-off all aluminium Vanden Plas body.
Built for the 1937 London Olympia Motor Show, the car was designed with many exclusive features, including striking chrome lattice ventilation grills on the bonnet sides, unique door handles, sports twin exhaust system, concealed stored hood and fabulous pontoon-style wings accentuated by the long chassis platform and body length.
