Alvis, British motoring heritage at its best. Started out as an small engine factory in 1919 they where well known for producing aluminum piston engine, so the owner proposed the name ALVIS combining the words ‘aluminum’ and ‘vis’ meaning strength in Latin. Starting with their first model in the early 20’s the company gained a reputation for quality and performance. Following racing success at Le Mans in 28 Alvis produced one of the first front wheel drive production models with overhead camshaft and supercharger. Later cars introduced ‘in true Alvis tradition’ the worlds first all synchromesh gearbox, independent front suspension and servo brakes. After the war car production resumed and in 1950 a 3liter six cylinder engine was announced which since then became the base engine for all their produced cars. In 53 Alvis agreed to build the Graber coachwork on their chassis, but it was so expensive they only build around 17 examples in tree years, Alvis bought the Graber rights in 55 and struck a deal with well-known Bentley and Rolls coachbuilder Park Ward to build the cars. The resultant TD21 was announced in 59 and received excellent press, calling it “one of the most enchanting owner-driver cars imaginable” it was the success model for Alvis These cars, TD21 and its later variants the TE21 and finally the TF21 are known for its build quality, attraction and speed. However it was clear by the mid-60’s that with a price tag of nearly double that of the mass-produced Jaguar, the end could not be far off.
Registered new in 1963, this lovely TD drophead Coupe was in the same family until purchased by its present owner in 2011. Since that date the car has undergone an extensive program of restoration and improvement; the car received a nuts and bolts restoration and has been resprayed in its original Alice Blue, finished of with a lovely off-white hide interior. Engine and mechanics have been rebuild to a excellent standard, hence the car still looks and drives excellent almost 10 years after its restoration, which can only proofs the quality of the work done. All this work is fully documented in invoices as with hundreds of pictures. Historical documents are present and include old paperwork of the first owner until present.
The Press was more than right when stating this was a superb owner-driver car, with the additional Bentley or Rolls look and feel to it. Gear changing goes as smooth as the ride. The handling benefits of an electrical Power steering upgrade, so driving around town goes as effortless as with a modern car. As this is a four-seater convertible it’s a car that can take you and the family out for some lovely country drives. And for its presence it is amongst the finest examples we have encountered and will fit nicely in any collection.