Alvis Speed 25 Charlesworth DHC

Strange to notice how some classic cars always come back to me. Thinking about it, in the case of this exclusive Alvis SP 25, it is probably due to a combination of facts. The first is that my company is very well reputed as being a specialist for classic Alvises and more specifically for the Speed models; secondly, once we have chosen a car because we were convinced of her qualities, we stimulate things to have her back whenever we can. The story of this particular Alvis Speed 25 goes back many years to the time when I met another Alvis fanatic in England, Ben Lenthal, from whom I bought years ago another Speed 25 ( a Cross & Ellis Tourer). He had also taken care of the complete rebuild of this elegant Charlesworth DHC being very well assisted in this project by the well known Oxfordshire Alvis specialists Hightone restorations. In the file of this car, I found mostly invoices for more than £100,000 = 150.000 euro (poor Ben ...!) but also a fantastic documented history of this Speed 25 DHC. SE5000 was sold new as a 2nd series Charlesworth DHC on the 1st of January 1938 to Mr.Grant (of the well known Whisky distillery in Scotland Glenfarclas). Some charming black/white photographs show the proud owner with his car in the snow that very first day of ownership. The Alvis remained for many years in Scotland with a very limited number of owners and ended up in a derelict state in the hands of Ben Lenthal at the end of the 80-ies. After a complete, photographic documented restoration, SE5000 had a whole new life in front of her. Because Ben started this time the restoration of an even more derelict Chateau in the South of France (he is indeed a courageous man !), he was understandably looking for finances and I was offered the car. Ben wanted to show me the excellent condition of his Speed 25 by driving her from the South of France to Brussels. This non-stop drive was covered without the slightest problem in less than 10 hours. I also had during several years of personal ownership, the chance to experience her excellent condition and road manners by covering similar long distance trips in great comfort and security. Even better while participating at various classic car events in Belgium and abroad, this Charlesworth Speed 25 obtained quite a few times the title of "Best of Show", "Most elegant thirties classic" etc... After a 1 year stay with a very enthusiast German engineer-owner in the South of France, SE5000 is once again with me. She passed easily the rather severe German TUV-test and this last owner also confirms the Speed 25 was totally reliable and brought him a lot of pleasure during that year. I will love to take her on the road again from now and then and will in the meantime look out for a future enthusiast owner. A lot of originality, pedigree, quality, elegance, exclusivity and...pleasure.