Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2024 - Cars on Saturday the 9th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. The Grand Tourers Collection was curated by a now deceased gentleman, who amassed some 38 cars at one stage. Each car stands on its own merits, and represents an era of stylish roadsters and hand-built coupes. Offered at No Reserve, the cars are worthy of serious attention.
The TD21 was conceived in 1956 and was quite a departure from the lovely, but rather 'post-war' TC21 however, on its arrival in dealer's showrooms, it quickly set about changing established views of the Alvis. Following the loss of coachbuilders Mulliner and Tickford (who were now tied to other companies), Alvis turned to the Swiss coachbuilder, Graber, whose tradition of producing sleek, modern and very elegant saloons and dropheads proved a good fit in terms of the way Alvis saw their future. Graber first presented this new style to the Alvis board in late 1957 who were very impressed with the Swiss company's flowing design and commissioned the body to be built on the new TD chassis. To ease logistical problems, Park Ward of London, built the Graber designed bodies in the UK.
The Alvis Three Litre TD21 Series I was produced between the end of 1958 and April 1962 and was powered by the TC's 2, 993cc engine, uprated by 15bhp to 115 as a result of an improved cylinder head design and an increased compression ratio. A new 4-speed gearbox from the Austin-Healey 100/ 6 was incorporated, whilst the suspension remained similar to the car's predecessor, independent at the front using coil springs and leaf springs at the rear, but the track was increased slightly and a front anti-roll bar added. From 1959, the all drum brake set up was changed to discs at the front retaining drums at the rear.
This handsome and luxurious motorcar was built in 1959 and presents today in gleaming metallic green paintwork with what appears to be the original, charmingly patinated interior. The odometer reading shows 30, 628 miles. The history file includes maintenance receipts, the V5C and an advisory-free MOT valid until 7th October 2025. Offered without Reserve this motor car deserves serious attention.
