Lot 339: Alvis TD21 Series 1 Coupe

The name Alvis was always synonymous with craftsmanship and performance and 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, Autocar calling it 'one of the most enchanting owner-driver cars imaginable'. It is no surprise, therefore, that T series Alvises always prove popular and sell well when offered. Whilst this example was still in good general condition, a comprehensive restoration was undertaken in the 1970s, photographs of which form part of the history file. This took a number of years, eventually giving rise to an extremely well finished car; so much so, in fact, that when completed, it was displayed with great success at shows and club meetings. In October 1980, it was the cover car for the Alvis Owners Club magazine and as a result was chosen by Motorcraft Batteries for its advertising campaign, photographs of which also accompany the car. It was then purchased in 1990 and formed part of a private collection. Five years ago it was bought back to full operational status which included fitment of brand new wheels and tyres, a stainless steel exhaust system and an overhaul of the carburettors. A number of sympathetic upgrades have also been put into play, including a modern CD/radio system and uprated front disc brakes. Included in the accompanying documentation are the photographs of the restoration, various period advertising of this car and similar models, as well as bills, invoices (a number from Alvis specialist Red Triangle), instruction manuals and a catalogue of spare parts (price - fifteen shillings!). Attractively finished in bronze with a tan leather interior, and complete with tool kit still present in the boot drawer, this most elegant of motor cars is reported to drive excellently.