1933 Alvis Speed 20 SB – Exterior and Interior – Classic Expo Salzburg 2021

Engineering priorities, rather than market fashion, shaped the Alvis Speed 20 SB. Introduced as a development of an already capable model, the SB variant refined performance and road manners through targeted mechanical changes rather than increased displacement or visual drama. In 1933, it stood as a technically sophisticated British sporting car aimed at drivers who valued chassis balance and control as much as outright speed.

Technical Details:

The Alvis Speed 20 SB was powered by a front-mounted inline six-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 2,511 cc. This overhead-valve unit produced approximately 87 horsepower, an increase over earlier Speed 20 versions, achieved through improved breathing and tuning rather than radical redesign. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox, a key advantage over many contemporaries still using three-speed units. The SB designation marked the adoption of a revised chassis layout. Alvis retained its hallmark independent front suspension using transverse leaf springs, but the SB introduced a lower and stiffer frame compared to the earlier SA. At the rear, a rigid axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs was used. Braking was by large mechanically actuated drum brakes, widely regarded as effective and progressive for the period. The result was a car capable of sustained high-speed touring with precise steering and notable composure on uneven roads.

• Manufacturer: Alvis
• Model Name: Alvis Speed 20 SB
• Year of Manufacturing: 1933 (SB variant introduced 1933; Speed 20 production 1932–1936)

Design:

The design of the Alvis Speed 20 SB was closely tied to its coachwork, as bodies were supplied by a variety of coachbuilders. Common configurations included four-seat tourers, saloons, and drophead coupes, each emphasizing proportion rather than ornament. Long hoods, upright grilles, and flowing fenders gave the car a purposeful yet restrained appearance. Unlike some rivals that pursued overt sportiness through visual cues, the Speed 20 SB remained understated. The emphasis was on clean lines and practical elegance. Interiors were well finished but not lavish, with clear instrumentation and seating designed for long-distance comfort. The overall aesthetic reflected Alvis’s philosophy: technical seriousness expressed through restraint.

Historical Significance:

The Speed 20 occupies a central place in Alvis’s interwar history. Introduced at a time when British manufacturers were competing to define what constituted a true “sporting” road car, the Speed 20 distinguished itself through engineering rather than marketing claims. The SB variant, in particular, demonstrated Alvis’s willingness to refine chassis dynamics in response to driver feedback and competition experience. Alvis had established a strong reputation in motorsport and endurance events during the 1920s, and lessons learned there informed the Speed 20’s development. The SB’s lower chassis improved handling and stability, reinforcing the marque’s standing among knowledgeable drivers. While production numbers were modest, the Speed 20 SB helped cement Alvis’s image as a manufacturer for enthusiasts who valued control, durability, and mechanical integrity over prestige branding.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

The Alvis Speed 20 SB is not associated with popular media, but it has long enjoyed respect within vintage motoring circles. A notable quirk is how modern the car can feel when driven compared to many contemporaries, largely due to its independent front suspension and well-chosen gear ratios. Period road tests often highlighted steering precision and ride quality as defining traits. Today, Speed 20 SBs are frequently seen in long-distance vintage rallies and touring events, where their balance of performance and reliability remains evident. Owners often emphasize usability rather than show value, continuing the car’s original spirit.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Classic Expo Salzburg in 2021. As one of Austria’s premier classic car events, the show has established itself as a central meeting point for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts from across Central Europe. The 2021 edition took place at Messezentrum Salzburg and featured more than 250 exhibitors, along with a strong turnout of over 20,000 visitors. Attendees could explore a broad range of offerings—from historical vehicles and motorcycles to automobilia, spare parts, and literature.

Conclusion:

The 1933 Alvis Speed 20 SB represents a disciplined approach to sporting car design. With its tuned six-cylinder engine, four-speed gearbox, and carefully revised chassis, it offered performance rooted in balance and control rather than excess. Its understated design and engineering-led development make it a clear expression of Alvis’s interwar philosophy. Nearly a century later, the Speed 20 SB remains a respected benchmark for how thoughtful mechanical refinement can define a sporting automobile.