Highlights

One of just 784 Alvis TD21 Series 1 saloons produced
Matching numbers car with its original 2,993cc engine
Previously part of a private collection and museum exhibit
Registered in the UK, making it easier for re-importation
Complete car that is a rare opportunity for restoration enthusiasts

The Appeal

For those who wanted a coachbuilt car that was less common and less ostentatious than a Bentley or Rolls-Royce, there was Alvis’ TD21. Coachbuilt by Park Ward with subtle, handsome lines and equipped with a powerful straight six 3L engine, these were cars for the discerning buyer.

Just 784 TD21s were built, which makes this 1961 saloon a genuine rarity. It represents an interesting project for the right enthusiast, being a complete matching-numbers car with few owners and fascinating history. It spent its life in the UK to 2010 in the hands of just four keepers - it retains its UK registration, so could be easily re-imported - before arriving in Austria in 2010 to become part of a museum. For the last 10 years it has been part of a private collection.

The car is said to be solid and starts, runs and drives well according to the seller. It would benefit from a restoration, giving the buyer scope to bespoke it to their exact requirements.

History and Paperwork

First registered on 6th January 1961
VIN number 26474
Four registered UK keepers according to DVLA records
Despatched by factory on 2nd January 1961
Factory records and UK registration records show it registered as 90BGX
Vendor tells us the car is a matching number vehicle
Imported to Austria in 2010 to become part of a museum in Austria
Subsequently acquired by current keeper in 2014 to join private collection
Car has been off road since at least 2014
We are told that it has never been registered in Austria and retains its UK registration
Good history file as shown in photographs
This includes UK registration documents, invoices, old UK MOTs and tax discs
Various invoices from specialist Red Triangle as shown below
Old club magazines and a factory handbook as shown
Vendor advises that car was written off by insurance in 2001
We are told that it has never been restored
Some work required, which is summarised by seller below
Last UK MOT expired 11th September 2010 with no advisories
8,317 miles showing on last MOT and now showing 8,624 miles

Areas for attention advised by seller:

Charge indicator light is on when engine running
Heater blower and radio not working
Check valve clearance, brakes change all fluids and so on

The Condition

Original and unrestored car according to seller finished in silver metallic
Car is sold for restoration but appears to be complete and intact
Presentable paintwork with obvious deterioration in places
This includes microblistering and delamination to at least one panel as shown
Bodywork is complete and presentable from a distance with issues up close
These include dents and damage to at least two panels
Corrosion visible to wings, doors and other panel areas as shown
Fitted with factory steel wheels with chrome hub caps showing some age
Aged Kumho tyres which appear to be in fair order and hold air
Complete chromework in fair condition with some tarnish and deterioration
Lights appear in fair condition and work as show in photographs
Burgundy leather interior showing aged patina as shown in photos
Deterioration visible to seats, door cards and carpets and ideally required restoration
Woodwork is good but needs attention on the rear left corner
Complete switchgear and dials and retains its period radio system

The Mechanics

2,993cc straight six 115bhp engine
Automatic transmission
Front disc brakes
Manual choke which we are told work correctly
Charge indicator light remains on when the engine is running
Heater blower and radio not operational
Some oil losses reported
Vendor advises car will require extensive maintenance as summarised above
Vendor tells us that the car starts easily and drives well
Car has been unused on the road since around 2010 as detailed above

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 of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s 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 fee. 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 and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ 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.