Lot 047: Alvis TD21 Series

Launched in October 1958, the Graber-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 as standard, 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.This particular car is a very early example that would appear from its chassis number to be the 75th car made and still retains its original drum brakes all round. First registered on 23rd April 1959, it was first owned by Alan Nash of Aldborough, Norfolk, who sold it a year later to W Marsh of Dorset. It then had two further keepers until it was bought by the current vendor in 1990 after a long period in storage. At this point the car was still in good running order apart from the paintwork which had deteriorated somewhat.The car was then subject to a careful examination by a local car restorer who declared the chassis and frame to be in excellent condition. A bare metal respray was undertaken and all the the brightwork was rechromed. The entire braking system was overhauled with new pipes throughout and all the suspension bushes were replaced with new Koni shock absorbers fitted all round. A new West of England cloth headlining was also fitted as was a custom-made stainless steel exhaust and a new radiator. Apart from completing three Norwich Union Rallies, the car has been very little used since the restoration was finished, hence the reason for sale. About four years ago the engine was removed and fully rebuilt with new pistons and an unleaded head conversion. It is now said to drive superbly with a surprising turn of speed and very effective brakes. The 45,000 miles on the clock is said to be the genuine mileage covered from new and is backed up by a run of old MOTs back to 1969. The history file includes the original buff log book, many bills for work carried out to date and the original owner's handbook. Due to be freshly MOTd before the auction, this represents a rare opportunity to acquire what would appear to be a low mileage car in excellent working order at a very realistic guide price.