Alvis TE21 Saloon

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Launched in October 1958, the Graber-styled Alvis TD21 was an immediate success, the combination of a luxury interior, elegant bodywork and 100mph performance proving immensely attractive to the well-heeled clientele at which it was aimed. 

The Motor described it as having "a Jeeves-like quality of responding to its master's whim" while Autocar praised it as "one of the most enchanting owner-driver cars imaginable," singling out the quality of the Park Ward coachwork with doors that "close with a majestic clunk - more like an air of finality than a noise."

Qualities that were no doubt appreciated by owners as august as the Dukes of Edinburgh and Windsor, Sir Douglas Bader and James Mason – all as quintessentially English as the car.

Powered by a torquey 120bhp straight-six engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox as standard, the car was capable of effortless high speed cruising and handled exceptionally well for such a stately machine. In 1963 it was replaced by the TE21, immediately distinguished by its stacked-headlight front end, another design flourish by Swiss coachbuilder, Graber.

Maximum power was now 130bhp courtesy of a new cylinder head and torque was up to 172lb/ft, with a choice of automatic or five-speed ZF manual gearboxes. Lockheed servo-assisted disc brakes were now standard and power steering was available as an option. Tested by Autocar, a TE21 could reach 60mph in 12.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 108mph. An extremely rare car, only 349 were made before it was replaced by the TF in 1966. All are increasingly sought after today.

First registered in Leicester in January 1966, this particular TE21 has been in the current ownership since 1984 and was reputedly formerly owned by Mike McCartney, younger brother of Beatles star Paul, and a noted musician and photographer in his own right.

Along with a 5-speed manual gearbox and power steering, it has a lovely colour scheme of light metallic blue with a pale grey leather interior. The car was in regular use until about 13 years ago when the owner fell ill and it was put into storage. Last started and driven a short distance about five years ago (when the engine is said to have run very sweetly), it has not been started since, although we are informed that the engine does still turn freely.

Appearing to be very sound and straight with good paintwork and chrome, it has a nicely patinated grey leather interior which looks to be original and would no doubt respond well to a good clean and some sympathetic refurbishment here and there. With any luck, a thorough recommissioning should be all that is  required to return it to roadworthy condition.

Values of these aristocratic saloons have risen strongly in risen years and this well-preserved and well-specified example looks mighty tempting at the guide price suggested.

Incidentally, we noticed that the front number plate, which carries a very pleasing FRY 8D registration, also bears a Latin motto, 'Esse quam videre', meaning 'To be, rather than to seem (to be)' which suits this coachbuilt  machine rather well, we think.