LOT 341
1962 Alvis TD21 Drophead Coupé Coachwork by Park Ward Ltd Registration no. 108 DLC Chassis no. 26680
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Lot 341
1962 Alvis TD21 Drophead Coupé
The December Sale Collector's Motor Cars, Motorcycles and Automobilia|7 December 2016, 16:00 GMT|London, Olympia
1962 Alvis TD21 Drophead Coupé
Coachwork by Park Ward Ltd
Registration no. 108 DLC
Chassis no. 26680
Coachwork by Park Ward Ltd
Registration no. 108 DLC
Chassis no. 26680
*Rare and desirable soft-top variant
*Single family ownership since 1963
*Fully documented from new
*Restored between 1995 and 2005
*Single family ownership since 1963
*Fully documented from new
*Restored between 1995 and 2005
Footnotes
In October 1955 at the Paris Motor Show, Alvis displayed its first production car styled by the Swiss carrossier, Graber. Based on the existing TC21 Grey Lady chassis, the newcomer brought a much needed injection of Continental style and modernity to the Coventry manufacturer's range. Lighter, stiffer, and with a much smaller frontal area than the traditionally styled Grey Lady, the Graber Alvis enjoyed much improved handling and a higher maximum speed in excess of 100mph. The first Graber-styled model - the TC108G - was built by coachbuilders Willowbrook, before production switched to Rolls-Royce's in-house coachbuilder Park Ward on the introduction of the restyled TD21 for 1959.
The TD21 retained Alvis's torquey, 3.0-litre, overhead-valve six, which in up-rated form (from March 1959 onwards) produced 120bhp courtesy of a redesigned cylinder head. With its increased power, this under-stressed engine proved capable of propelling the TD21 to a top speed of 103mph while turning over at a lazy 5,000 revs. Inside, there were improvements to the accommodation, with increased headroom and legroom, especially in the rear. Lockheed servo-assisted disc brakes were an option, becoming standardised for 1960. The Motor magazine remarked on the Alvis's exclusivity and individuality of character, summing up the TD21 thus: 'As a perfectly serviceable everyday car with extra "chic", extra performance, and high standards of comfort and safety, its appeal to a select but important clientele should be strong.'
This automatic transmission model was purchased by the vendor's father in 1963, and was in more-or-less continuous use until the late 1990s, when its owner became too old to drive it. At that point, he and his other son (the vendor's brother) began the lengthy process of restoration, which was completed around 2005 (bills on file). A new hood and carpets were fitted during the restoration, the original interior leather and woodwork being retained, and the Alvis is described by the vendor as in generally very good condition. The car is offered with a V5C registration document, current MoT certificate, and a large suitcase of papers and bills covering the entire period of the family's ownership.
Saleroom notices
Please be advised that the car does not come with a current MoT.
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- 6 December 2016, 16:00 - 19:30 GMT