Lot 222: Alvis TD21 Coupe by Park Ward

The name Alvis was always synonymous with craftsmanship and performance. The final models produced by this very British manufacturer were no exception. The origins of the TD21/TE21/TF21 series date back to 1953 when sales of Alvis' three litre, ladder frame chassis cars, such as the TC21/100 Grey Lady, were falling and its planned all-new V8 saloon was scrapped at huge financial cost. When production of the three litre cars ended in 1954, that might have been the end of Alvis cars for good had it not been for Swiss coachbuilder Graber. For some time he had successfully re-bodied Alvis chassis with his own elegant and modern designs but in 1953, Alvis reached an agreement to build the Graber cars under licence. Initially Loughborough coachbuilder, Willowbrook, built the first model, the TC108G, but it was expensive and only 17 examples were built in three years. Production ceased in 1957 when Alvis, having bought the Graber rights two years earlier, struck a deal with Park Ward to build the cars at a more reasonable cost. The new TD21 was announced in October 1958 and benefited from a strengthened chassis, sharper styling and increased interior space. Suspension remained wishbone/coil spring at the front with a live rear axle and semi-elliptic springs but Austin-Healey's four speed manual gearbox became standard, as did front disc brakes on all but the earliest examples. It received excellent press, with Autocar calling it 'one of the most enchanting owner-driver cars imaginable'. It is no surprise therefore that the T series Alvis always prove popular and sell well when offered. This car is no exception and is described by the vendor as being in very good condition. The aluminium bodywork is finished in metallic blue with a blue hide interior with complementing Wilton carpets. The cylinder head has been refurbished with hardened valves and valve seats for unleaded fuel undertaken by Forward engineering. 26563 has particular historical interest as it was the first TD21 to roll off the production line with front disc brakes and wire wheels. The TD21 is considered to have the best engine of the T series Alvises; with the 3 litre straight six engine described as being in good order. Supplied with a V5 document and sales invoice, this most elegant of motor cars would be welcome addition to any collection.