Alvis TD/TF21 Drophead Coupe

By the mid ‘50s, Alvis had decided it needed to bring the sporting but somewhat "square rigged" Mulliner bodied TC21 100 up to date. At this time Mulliner were also struggling to supply bodies in any sort of quantity and so Alvis approached Graber of Switzerland to help. Their design was perfect – pretty, low slung and very airy inside. Just 37 of these gorgeous TC 108G Alvis’s were built between 1955 and 1958, after which time Alvis had negotiated the rights to the design and had approached Park Ward to build them.

The Park Ward bodied TD 21 was made between 1958 and 1963 using the same 3-litre 6-cylinder engine as the TC 108G producing around 115bhp and was the company's only model during the period. A second series added discs all round and a lovely ZF 5-speed box, after which the series III arrived with the familiar stacked headlamps and a power boost to 130bhp. The final series, the TF21 made its appearance for just two years in ’66 and ’67, adding triple SUs giving a heady 150bhp, enough to take the not inconsiderable weight to over 120mph. These really were the ultimate gentleman’s express.

This example has had a most interesting life, being completed in late 1962 as a left hand drive TD21. A letter from Red Triangle (the factory service department) states that the car was returned to the works in “as new condition” (it is believed in 1963) and converted to right hand drive and used by the works Experimental Executives. It goes on to say that the car was later sold to Mr Batchelor of Engineering Design and then to Mr Wilkinson-Riddle who had the body converted to TE specification and a TF head fitted, again all within the confines of the factory. The car was subsequently sold to the Braybyn family. It sports adjustable radiator slats which were apparently being tested at the time. The works sheet confirms that it was completed in 1962, delivered in 1963 to Batchelor, painted metallic grey, had grey headlining and red carpets and was trimmed in Connolly VM 3195.  The only deviation from full TF spec today is the lack of power assisted steering, although this could be added relatively easily.

The car spent some time in the US before being imported back to the UK by Eddie Welch in 1988. The vendor believes that it had been repainted and had received new wings whilst in the States. Upon purchase the vendor headed straight off for a French holiday and during his ownership has used the car on several 'Claret and Classics' runs. It was also used as the lead car in the hit ‘80s series “Forever Green” staring John Alderton.

By 2001 the vendor decided that it needed some attention and took it off the road. Renovation of the body around the lights and under the rear seat took place and new carpets were fitted,  the original upholstery being retained. Red Triangle undertook some chassis work (bills included) and during their service discovered that one cylinder was down on compression. By 2007 the car was re-commissioned and used sparingly until the lack of compression became more apparent.

In 2010 the vendor entrusted JT Classic Cars to undertake a top end overhaul, which included new unleaded valves, seats and guides, a new heater matrix, thermostat and carburettor rebuild. Some paintwork was also attended to, the final bill amounting to £7,769. Alas whilst improving matters it was clearly not the final cure and so the engine was subsequently removed and rebuilt with new pistons, a rebore, a crank re-grind and new bearings, new oil pump gears and a timing chain. A new clutch was also fitted whilst accessible, most parts being supplied by Red Triangle. The new owner is advised to have the head re-torqued as the car has yet to cover 500 miles since the rebuild. Suffice to say, the car now runs beautifully and the vendor reports that mechanically it is in first class condition.

This most interesting example is ready to use. Its bodywork is sound, both door fits being superb, whilst the interior remains original and well patinated. These sophisticated long distance tourers drive beautifully and this example, with its fascinating early factory history, is just too good to miss.

Please note that the personalised number plate shown is not included in the sale.