Alvis TD21 3-litre Drophead Coupe with many Factory Upgrades For Sale (1963)
A truly exceptional car that has recently benefited from a very detailed bare-shell rebuild and professional respray resulting in a Show Quality Alvis Drophead. All panels either replaced or repaired using traditional coach building methods. Superb door-shut lines and with gun-barrel straight body profile. Recently driven thousands miles on an AOC Club rally to Netherlands without any hitch. This car is very responsive on the road and can maintain high speed on today’s motorways if required. The hood is new, as is the chrome work.. The engine was completely rebuilt last year by J T Classics.
It has had a most interesting life, being completed in late 1962 as a left hand drive TD21 Series 2. A letter from Red Triangle (the factory service department) states that the car was returned to the works in “as new condition” (it is believed in 1963) and converted to right hand drive and used by the works Experimental Executives. It goes on to say that the car was later sold to Mr Batchelor of Engineering Design and then to Mr Wilkinson-Riddle who had the body converted to TE specification with stacked headlamps, TF head, triple SU’s, 5 speed syncro gearbox again all within the confines of the factory. The car was subsequently sold to the Braybyn family. It sports adjustable radiator slats which were apparently being tested at the time. It also has a unique external bonnet & key lock. The works sheet confirms that it was completed in 1962, delivered in 1963 to Batchelor, painted metallic grey, had grey headlining and red carpets and was trimmed in Connolly VM 3195. The only deviation from full TF spec today is the lack of power assisted steering, although this could be added relatively easily.
The car spent some time in the US before being imported back to the UK by Eddie Welch in 1988. It is thought that it had been repainted and had received new wings whilst in the States. Upon purchase the penultimate owner headed straight off for a French holiday and during his ownership has used the car on several ‘Claret and Classics’ runs. It was also used as the lead car in the hit ‘80s series “Forever Green” staring John Alderton.
By 2001 it needed some attention and was taken off the road. Renovation of the body around the lights and under the rear seat took place and new carpets were fitted, the original upholstery being retained. Red Triangle undertook some chassis work (bills included) and during their service discovered that one cylinder was down on compression. By 2007 the car was re-commissioned and used sparingly until the lack of compression became more apparent.
In 2010 JT Classic Cars undertook a top end overhaul, which included new unleaded valves, seats and guides, a new heater matrix, thermostat and carburettor rebuild. Some paintwork was also attended to, the final bill amounting to £7,769. Alas whilst improving matters it was clearly not the final cure and so the engine was subsequently removed and rebuilt with new pistons, a rebore, a crank re-grind and new bearings, new oil pump gears and a timing chain. A new clutch was also fitted whilst accessible, most parts being supplied by Red Triangle. Suffice to say, the car now runs beautifully and mechanically it is in first class condition.
This most interesting example is ready to use. Its silver bodywork is flawless, both door fits being superb, whilst the interior looks unblemished. These sophisticated long distance tourers drive beautifully and this example, with its fascinating early factory history, is just too good to miss. Comes with Toolkit, Owner’s Manual, Cherished Plate 888 ALV (recently purchased for over £2000) Retro Stereo Radio (cost over £600) There is also a special discreet compartment in the walnut facia to accommodate a Tom Tom GPS.
Historical Note
Launched in October 1958, the Graber of Swizerland-styled Alvis TD21 was an immediate success, the combination of a luxury interior, elegant bodywork and 100mph performance proving immensely attractive to the well-heeled clientele at which it was aimed. The Motor described it as having “a Jeeves-like quality of responding to its master’s whim” while Autocar praised it as “one of the most enchanting owner-driver cars imaginable,” singling out the quality of the Park Ward coachwork with doors that “close with a majestic clunk – more like an air of finality than a noise.”
Qualities that were no doubt appreciated by owners as august as the Dukes of Edinburgh and Windsor, Sir Douglas Bader and James Mason – all as quintessentially English as the car.
Powered by a torquey 120bhp straight-six engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox or optional 3-speed automatic, the car was capable of effortless high speed cruising and handled exceptionally well for such a stately machine. Just 1,069 TD21s were made before it was replaced by the TE21 in 1963.
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