One of just 785 Park Ward-bodied Series 1 TD21s of which there were only 192 DHC examples
Comprehensive engine-out restoration completed
Finished in Graber/Alvis ‘Piasio Green’
Fully rebuilt engine, braking system and suspension
Upgraded with a five-speed gearbox and new clutch assembly
Enhanced cooling system and stainless steel exhaust system fitted
Rare adjustable reclining seats
The Appeal
Like most British motor manufacturers, Alvis switched to supplying the Armed Forces during the Second World War, and that left them in a challenging position once the conflict was over.
With no new models in the pipeline, a material shortage, and economic hardship rendering high-end sports car ownership unobtainable for most, Alvis was in a precarious predicament. Worse still, the firm was left without a British coachbuilding partner for several years after Mulliner entered into an exclusive deal with new owners Triumph and Tickford was absorbed into Aston Martin Lagonda.
In 1955, a deal was finally reached with Graber to build bodies for the new 3.0-litre chassis, but the Swiss firm simply couldn't build enough of them. Fortunately, in 1958, British coachworks Park Ward stepped forward, offering to assemble the new bodies in full-scale production. That led to the introduction of the TD21, soon to become one of Alvis' most celebrated cars.
Collectors covet all variants of the TD21, but especially those rare few factory convertibles. Of the 785 Series I TD21s bodied by park Ward, just 192 were Drophead Coupés like this one.
This Alvis really stands out from its peers, resplendent in a new coat of Graber/Alvis ‘Piasio Green’ and benefits from a meticulous engine-out restoration. The work entailed incorporating several choice upgrades, including an uprated cooling system and the fitment of a five-speed manual gearbox - like those found in Series II examples.
If you're looking for a hand-built, open-topped '60s GT, it would be remiss to overlook this superbly restored and sympathetically enhanced Alvis TD21 DHC.Alvis TD21 Convertible-25 Large.jpeg592.38 KB
History and Paperwork
First registered on 9th February 1961
UK home market example in RHD
One of 785 Park Ward-bodied Series 1 TD21s of which there were 192 DHC examples like this
Among famous Series I DHC owners were flying ace Sir Douglas Bader and the Duke of Edinburgh
Comprehensive restoration performed in recent years
Speedometer recalibrated during restoration; 665 miles indicated
Voluntarily MOT tested - resulting in an advisory-free pass
MOT until 11th April 2025
Current owner since 2018
Copy of the original Alvis build record present
The Condition
Coachwork refinished to a high standard in Graber/Alvis ‘Piasio Green’
Impressive stainless steel wire wheels and correct radial tyres fitted
Reportedly one of a very few made with an almost square rear license plate configuration with illumination on both sides, rather than the more common but less attractive oblong plate with the lights above it
Re-aligned doors and replaced hinges
Dark green original seats and interior trimmings restored and re-installed
One of only a handful equipped with adjustable reclining seats, enabling them to be set in ‘sleeping position’
Full dashboard restoration completed - the walnut dash looks fabulous
Original radio reconditioned with modern components and MP3 connectivity
Colour-matched front seatbelts retrofitted
Original opaque sun-visors present and in excellent order
Original twin Lucas driving lights
All chrome in good condition
Steering wheel has period laced leather cover on the rim. Good Alvis badge with some patina
Indicators are working on the wheel centre spinner
This Alvis presents exceedingly well following extensive restoration work. The Park Ward coachwork looks particularly elegant in this most tasteful of colours - for us, bringing to mind Aston Martins of the period. The paint and brightwork all looks in fine order, with only minor imperfections, the most noticeable of which is a double paint chip to the nearside rear wheel arch.
We're informed that the folding roof is in good order and we note that it is complete with a colour-matched hood bag for when it is in its lowered position. The stainless steel wire wheels look fantastic, especially shod in period-appropriate radial tyres.
There is a tonneau with the car (not photographed) and a tailored cover for when the roof is down. Twin eared hub spinners are correct with Alvis badges. All tyres are Michelin XVS (date marked 2022).
As you step inside, the cabin is luxuriously appointed with swathes of green leather, deep-pile carpeting and burr walnut veneers not dissimilar to the cosseting club chairs and convivial atmosphere of an Edwardian Gentlemen's Club. Besides some light patina to the driver's seat, there's little in the way wear to report inside this Alvis and we understand the various cabin electrics to be in good working order. There is some wear to the carpet on top of the tunnel beneath the dash.
3.0-litre petrol straight-six fed by twin SU carburettors
Engine ultrasonically cleaned, cylinders re-bored, new pistons, cam bearings and new tappet adjusters fitted
Upgraded with a modern five-speed gearbox and new clutch assembly
Fully rewired
The dynamo has been replaced with a high capacity alternator and the contact distributor made room for an electronic version
Independent front suspension with coil springs and double wishbone links
Now equipped with an enhanced cooling system to prevent overheating - a common Alvis issue
Exhaust system upgraded to stainless steel
Brake and steering systems completely overhauled
The TD21 was intended to be a fast cruiser - the sort of car one could cross continents in, arriving at one's destination calm, carefree and generally unflustered. As such, a torquey, powerful straight-six engine provides the necessary shove to ensure the TD21 can easily keep pace with even today's traffic. This one is further enhanced with a retrofitted five-speed gearbox, giving it sufficiently long legs for lengthy road trips.
Alvis owners will be familiar with the limitations of the original cooling systems, but this car now reportedly has no bother with overheating or vapour-locking thanks to upgraded cooling equipment. We're informed that it drives very well and we're not informed of any known mechanical issues.
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Comments
Tivman••••
Does it have PAS?