Lot 049: 1963 ALVIS TD21 SALOON

Owing its stylistic origins to a special order Hermann Graber coupe variant of its TC21/100 predecessor, the Alvis TD21 was launched in late 1958. Suitably reinterpreted for 'mass production' by Park Ward, its sleek two-door saloon coachwork incorporated notably more interior and luggage space. Based around a rigid, cross-braced box section chassis equipped with independent coil and wishbone front suspension (complete with anti-roll bar) and a leaf-sprung back axle, the new model was powered by a 2,993cc ohv straight-six engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. Available with the option of servo assisted Lockheed front disc brakes from day one, an improved 12-port cylinder head was phased in soon after production proper got underway. Capable of over 100mph, the TD21 is perhaps best summed-up in the words of marque authority Kenneth Day who noted that it was "acclaimed by those connoisseurs seeking a car which unites the best of the past with the best of the present". Finished in dark green with green leather upholstery, this particular automatic example is described by the vendor as being a very original car in good order throughout. Said to have covered a mere 59,000 miles from new, we are further informed that the TD21 was first registered to BOAC Chairman Sir David Nicholson. Apparently remaining with its second keeper for over thirty-five years, it has been in the current (fourth) ownership since 2004. The subject of recent maintenance work by marque specialists Red Triangle (the accompanying bills for which reputedly total over ú5,000) this handsome Alvis is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until May 2007. We are informed by the present owner that the car drives superbly, feeling really solid and holding a wonderful line following a suspension overhaul. In 2004, it performed effortlessly on a 300 plus mile run from Cumbria to Bath and it will be driven from Bath to Syon Park for the auction. PLEASE NOTE: The vendor has informed us that this car benefits from a stainless steel exhaust and front/rear seat belts.