1959 Alvis TD21 2dr Saloon

The Alvis car company was formed after the conclusion of the 1914-1918 war and quickly gained a reputation for building attractive luxury cars fitted with many technological advancements.

Styled by Swiss Carrosserie Graber and boasting coachwork manufactured by Rolls-Royce's in house coachbuilder 'Park Ward', the Alvis TD 21 debuted in 1958. The TD 21 initially retained the torquey 3-litre, overhead-valve six that came with 104 bhp , though this was increased early in 1959 to 120 bhp courtesy of a new cylinder head and it was then capable of 100mph. Inside there were improvements to the accommodation with increased headroom and legroom when compared to the preceding TC108G, especially in the rear. Lockheed servo-assisted disc brakes were now an option, becoming standard in in 1960. A mere 592 saloons were produced between 1959 and 1963, as a result these traditional, thoroughbred, luxury Gran Turismos are nowadays regarded as a very exclusive motor car.

This particular Alvis TD21 was supplied new by the then Alvis main agent "Brooklands' of Bond Street and delivered on the 21st of November 1962 to Lieutenant Colonel R.Bevan of Trowbridge in Wiltshire for the sum of £1,325.00 pounds. Between 1984 and 1986 the then owner, Mr D.C.F Meynell of Newborough, Burton Upon Trent, funded a full body off restoration, which we have photos on file showing the restoration work that was undertaken.

We are informed by the current owner that when the vehicle was purchased in March of 1993 the mileage was showing approximately 31,500, over the following 20 years of ownership this car has only covered a further 9000 miles. This is supported by previous MOT certificates and servicing bills. Amongst the car's history file are bills from marque specialist 'Red Triangle' in 2005 totalling nearly £10,400. This covered the renewing of all the steering linkages, kingpins, and braking system, a new dynamo was also fitted and a complete overhaul of the fuelling system was undertaken plus there were other various areas of expenditure.

In April of 2008 the vehicle was subject to a respray and rechroming of bumpers and other chromium plated items to refresh the cars overall appearance and keep its period charm in tact. The result is a car that externally looks very smart and is mechanically sound with a full MOT. There is scope to improve the car as you wish, nothing is urgently required, think of it more as a "rolling renovation' project.

The vendor informs us that in November 2007 the car was issued with an age related number 650 XUG by the DVLA ( 650 XUG is not transferable), and will stay with this particular vehicle.

The car drives very well and should be happy to be used regularly without the worry that comes with maintaining an immaculate concours car. Less ostentatious than a Bentley or an Aston, the Alvis TD-TF series is the epitome of the British gentleman's carriage.