1963 Alvis TD21 Convertible (MkII)

Description

Wonderful example of this fine and handsome British motor car with adjustable automatic transmission from local ownership

Dating from September 1963, this rather splendid looking Alvis TD21 Drop Head Coupe is finished in a striking Alice Blue, with Dark Blue hood and tonneau cover and offers a special opportunity to acquire a most excellent alternative to a 60s Bentley or Aston, although shares some of its looks with both.

The Series 2 TD21 is widely regarded as one of the most desirable tourers of the period and show cases some wonderful details, such as the discreet air intakes around the front spot lights either side of the radiator, utter elegance and unique to the Series 2.

Under the bonnet, we find Alvis’s big 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine which developed 115Bhp when new, driving the rear wheels here, via three-speed Borg Warner automatic transmission with adjustable change points (see photo of gear selector).

The car was carefully converted from a TD21 2 door coupe to Drop Head at an unknown time, and although the history file is considerable, this detail escapes it. 

Our vendor acquired the car five years ago in the summer of 2019 and has since enjoyed it sparingly on dry days with the roof down. During his tenure, he has treated the car to a major service and check over by highly regarded Classic Car specialists Peter Thetford of Mathon, Worcestershire.

The thick history file includes a considerable number of bills recording a great amount of sympathetic, costly and thorough repairs and restoration since the 1990s, no doubt helping the car to remain looking so smart and elegant. The file also includes the vehicle instruction manual, catalogue of parts, two service booklets recording one stamp each, numerous old MOTs, original order form and the current V5C.

We are told the chassis is unusually (and due to careful previous attention) is straight, sound and corrosion free underneath (so often the number of different metals used in construction in the Alvis T range cause serious problems over the years and this car does not seem to suffer).

The bodywork, including the complex front wings and the rear end, had extensive skilled attention prior to our vendor’s ownership with a high quality repaint with excellent finish.

When our vendor acquired the car, he noted the suspension, brakes and steering performance were poor. These components were stripped, replacements fitted as necessary, and road holding and stopping were transformed. The wheels were refurbished and rim finishers fitted as well as a new set of tyres (which have done less than 400 miles).

The car looks to have covered a lower mileage, sounding wonderful and providing a splendid turn of speed and effortless acceleration, with very little scuttle-shake. A previous owner has fitted an aftermarket 'Durite' mechanical temp gauge mounted below the steering column because the original Alvis electric temp gauge is not accurate and wildly over-reads.

A lovely example on offer at around half what a genuine DHC would fetch it looks excellent value for money and mightily attractive at the guide price suggested.

For more information contact - will.daniels@brightwells.com