Lot 435: Alvis TD21 Drophead Coup�

The first production Alvis to be styled by Swiss carrossier Graber appeared at the Paris Motor Show in October 1955. Based on the existing TC21 Grey Lady chassis, the newcomer brought a much-needed injection of Continental style and modernity to the Coventry manufacturer's range. Lighter, stiffer and with a much smaller frontal area than the traditionally styled Grey Lady, the Graber Alvis enjoyed much improved handling and a higher maximum speed in excess of 100mph. The first Graber-styled model - the TC108G - was built by coachbuilders Willowbrook, before production switched to Rolls-Royce's in-house coachbuilder Park Ward on the introduction of the re-styled TD21 for 1959. The TD21 retained Alvis's torquey, 3.0-litre, overhead-valve six, which in up-rated form now came with 120bhp courtesy of a redesigned cylinder head. Inside, there were improvements to the accommodation, with increased headroom and legroom, especially in the rear. Lockheed servo-assisted disc brakes were an option, becoming standardised for 1960. The Motor magazine summed up the TD21 thus: 'As a perfectly serviceable everyday car with extra chic, extra performance, and high standards of comfort and safety, its appeal to a select but important clientele should be strong.' Originally a saloon, this right-hand drive example was purchased in 2001 from one Robert Prendergast of Beckenham, Kent, who had owned it since 1987. It is not known when the conversion to soft-top configuration was carried out. The recently deceased owner embarked on a restoration, which remains uncompleted, and the car comes with a bespoke history folder containing assorted expired MoTs (most recent 2006) and sundry invoices for work carried out by marque specialists Red Triangle in 2005. Finished in red with blue leather interior, the car is described as in fair condition throughout and is driveable, although in need of re-commissioning. It is offered with SORN and Swansea V5 registration document.