1961 Alvis TD21 Saloon

Highlights

  • Refined luxury with a graceful straight-six engine
  • A 100mph car that doesn’t make a fuss about it
  • Recent expenditure on mechanical equipment and trim

The Appeal

An attractive step in the evolution of Alvis’s range of three litre sporting saloons, the TD21 cuts a sharp image and would still to this day feel at home on a long continental tour, or performing executive transport duties about town. 
This particular example has benefitted from recent mechanical attention as well as interior refurbishment, which will allow it to be enjoyed in comfort and with confidence. 
With a top speed of over 100mph, and a silky smooth engine, the TD21 should surely be on the radar of any distinguished, discerning driver. 


The History and Paperwork

  • As featured recently in Classic Car Weekly
  • Accompanying history file going back 50 years
  • Reproduced workshop manual
  • Photographs of restoration work completed
  • Plentiful invoices including marque specialists Red Triangle

The Interior

  • Refurbished leather seats and trim
  • Burr walnut dashboard and door caps renewed
  • A most comfortable place to be
Stepping into the luxurious interior of this Alvis TD21, we are immediately immersed in the old-world charms of burr walnut veneer, sumptuous leather and plush carpets. The fittings wear their age well and exude a warm glow of respectful use over the years. 
The leather seats are said to have been refurbished, and they certainly appear to be in good condition for their age. The beautifully executed leather trim continues onto the door cards, which are capped in burr walnut. This, along with the walnut dashboard, has been refurbished and appears to have come up to a fine finish, with the grain exhibiting a deep lustre. 
The dashboard is generously appointed with all the gauges a discerning Alvis owner would require as well as conveniently placed heater and lighting controls. Adjustable fresh air vents in the footwells keep the driver and passenger cool and comfortable.


The Exterior 

  • Extensive use of lightweight aluminium panels 
  • Smart Midnight Blue paintwork
  • Webasto sunroof
Aluminium panels were used extensively by Alvis during the production of the TD21. The bonnet, doors, roof and boot lid are all lightweight aluminium, keeping the overall weight of the car around 1,500kg, a respectable figure for a powerful 1950s four-seat saloon.  
The deep Midnight Blue paintwork appears to be in good condition and the Webasto sunroof opens to add to the cabin’s already airy atmosphere. The history file includes photographs of repairs carried out to the bodywork.
Overall, this appeals as a very well looked after car with a graceful presence on the road. 

The Mechanics 

  • Ultra-smooth running engine
  • Much recent work including to suspension
  • Chrome wire wheels and new tyres
The current owner notes that the three litre straight-six engine, mated to a three speed Borg Warner automatic transmission, runs almost silently at idle but will perform commendably when such a request is made of it. 70mph can readily be achieved and maintained all day long, with plenty of power left in reserve. 
Recent mechanical works are said to have included new shock absorbers all round, gearbox mounts, automatic transmission fluid and oil pan gasket, differential oil, chrome wire wheels and new tyres, new Lucas battery and stainless steel wiper blades.


Summary

A stylish and capable long-distance tourer which has benefited from recent mechanical expenditure. The exceedingly comfortable passenger compartment would be a pleasant place to spend time.  

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1961
  • Make Alvis
  • Model TD21 Saloon
  • Colour Blue
  • Odometer 54,590 Miles
  • Engine size 2993
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Location Hampshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
6 bids from 3 bidders
  • GM•••• £23,250 07/08/22
  • si•••• £23,000 07/08/22
  • GM•••• £22,750 07/08/22
  • si•••• £22,500 07/08/22
  • si•••• £22,250 07/08/22
  • wi•••• £22,000 31/07/22
Message C&C Auction Team

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