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1961 Alvis 3-Litre Special
Highlights
- Bespoke one-off Speed 20 replica
- Built on TD21 3L running gear
- Fully rebuilt car in great condition
- Aluminium wings formed on English Wheel
- Distinctive and unusual conversation-starter
The Appeal
Before moving into the realm of upmarket GTs such as the TD21, Alvis made its name with cars like the Speed 20, a well-engineered pre-war sports car with 100mph capability and an innovative fully synchromesh gearbox. With just 1,165 built, they’re rare and sought-after today.
This bespoke, one-off Special blends those pre and post war eras. It is a ‘boat tail’ evocation of the Speed 20 built on a 1961 3L TD21 chassis. Mixing red metalwork with aluminium wings - formed using a traditional English Wheel - this stand-out special is an instant conversation-starter.
Under the bonnet is the original 3L straight six, giving this light, agile car considerable performance. There isn’t another like it so grab an interesting Alvis Special before it goes.
The History and Paperwork
- Donor car first registered 1961
- Alvis chassis number 26616
- Chassis records indicate the car was despatched on 10th July 1961
- Donor car was a Series I TD21 saloon previously registered as 789CUV
- Speed 20 advert included in history file
- Described as fully rebuilt in handwritten notes shown in photographs
- Additional information relating to history shown in the same photograph
- Displays 31,961 miles
The Condition
- Red metalwork with bespoke ‘boat tail’ styling
- Aluminium unpainted cycle wings and running boards fashioned using an English Wheel
- Well detailed evocation including Brooklands aero screens and Alvis TD21 grille
- Also retains other features such as lights from the original donor car
- Fitted with chromed wire wheels with Alvis-branded spinners in good order
- Painted wire spare wheel and additional steel spare also included
- Underside presents well with some light flaking to paintwork to note
- Fitted with a badge bar containing two historic badges
- Exterior chromework presents well with light tarnish to some light surrounds
- Well kept and bespoke fabricated interior with wooden dashboard
- Black bucket seats in very good condition
- Original Alvis Smiths-branded dials in patinated condition
- Red carpets in good order with some wear to edges to note
- Alvis pedal rubbers showing some wear
- Cabin door cards and other trim well kept
- Carpeted boot area with spare wheel and fuel tank
- Three spoke Moto Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel with Alvis boss
The Mechanics
- Alvis 3L straight six engine
- This engine appears to be from the TD21 donor car
- Twin SU carburettors
- We are advised of recent new brakes and shoes
- 4spd manual gearbox
- No reported running or driving issues
- Some handwritten history contained in photographs
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
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