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, new clutch assembly & power steering
Enhanced cooling system and stainless steel exhaust system fitted
Rare adjustable reclining seats
Recently serviced
The Appeal
The first production Alvis styled by Swiss coachbuilder Graber debuted at the Paris Motor Show in October 1955. Based on the existing TC21 Grey Lady chassis, the newcomer brought a shot of Continental style and modernity to Alvis’s lineup. Lighter and stiffer, and with a much smaller frontal area than the traditionally styled Grey Lady, the Graber Alvis delivered significantly better handling and a higher top speed—well over 100 mph. When production moved to the later Graber-styled models, it switched to Rolls-Royce’s in-house coachbuilder, Park Ward, after the TD21 was restyled for 1959. The TD21 kept Alvis’s torquey 3.0-litre overhead-valve six, which—when uprated—now made 120 bhp thanks to a redesigned cylinder head. Inside, the cabin was improved with more headroom and legroom, especially in the rear. Lockheed servo-assisted disc brakes became a standard upgrade in 1960.
Elegant coachbuilt bodies by firms such as Cross & Ellis or Vanden Plas cemented Alvis’s reputation for high-quality, high-speed luxury. Their closest competition came from Bentley and Aston Martin, and Alvis built quite a name for engineering innovation. Success at Le Mans—finishing first and second in their class—is just one of many achievements in the history of this pioneering, well-respected company
Collectors covet all TD21 variants, but especially the rare few factory convertibles. Of the 785 Series I TD21s bodied by Park Ward, only 192 were Drophead Coupés like this one.
This Alvis really stands out from the crowd: resplendent in a fresh coat of Graber/Alvis ‘Piasio Green’ and benefiting from a meticulous engine-out restoration. The work involved several well-chosen upgrades, including an uprated cooling system and fitting a five-speed manual gearbox—just like those fitted to Series II cars. Most recently, it received a power-assisted steering upgrade.
If you’re after a hand-built, open-topped ’60s GT, it’d be remiss to overlook this superbly restored and thoughtfully upgraded Alvis TD21 DHC.image.png2.5 MB
History and Paperwork
First registered on 9th February 1961
Original sales order and copy of Alvis build
Ordered 9th November 1960
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 the famous Series I DHC owners were flying ace Sir Douglas Bader and the Duke of Edinburgh
Comprehensive restoration with upgrades carried out in recent years
Receipts from Wren Classics to the sum of £47,700 (2014–16), including 500 man hours
Other receipts in excess of £8,500
Current keeper since 2018
Bills for £12,000 for further refinement during current ownership
Speedometer recalibrated during restoration; 665 miles indicated
Previous advisory-free MOT expired 11th April 2025
Reportedly one of very few made with an almost square rear license plate arrangement, with illumination on both sides—rather than the more common oblong plate with the lights above it
Doors re-aligned and hinges replaced
Dark green original seats and interior trim restored and reinstalled
One of only a handful equipped with adjustable ‘Reuter’ reclining seats, allowing them to be set into a ‘sleeping position’
Full dashboard restoration completed—the walnut dash looks fabulous
Retro-fitted water temperature gauge installed beneath the dashboard
Original radio reconditioned with modern components and MP3 connectivity
Color-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 a period-stitched leather cover on the rim. Good Alvis badge with some patina
Indicators are working in the wheel-centre spinner
A few signs of use since restoration, but it remains beautifully presented overall
This Alvis presents exceptionally well following extensive restoration work. The Park Ward coachwork looks especially elegant in this most tasteful of colors—for us, bringing Aston Martins of the period to mind. The paint and brightwork all look to be in fine order, with only minor imperfections; the most noticeable is a double paint chip to the near-side rear wheel arch.
We’re informed the folding roof is in good order and we note that it comes complete with a color-matched hood bag for when it’s in its lowered position. The stainless steel wire wheels look fantastic, especially shod in period-correct radial tires.
There’s a tonneau cover 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 tires are Michelin XVS (date marked 2022).
Step inside and the cabin is sumptuously appointed with sweeping green leather, deep-pile carpeting and burr walnut veneers—not dissimilar to the cozy 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 of wear to report inside this Alvis and we understand the various cabin electrics are in good working order. There is some wear to the carpet on top of the tunnel beneath the dash. image.png1.94 MB
The Mechanics
3.0-litre petrol straight-six fed by twin SU carburetors
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
Power-assisted steering fitted in recent years and is reported to be a pleasing addition for driver enjoyment
Fully rewired
The dynamo has been replaced with a high-capacity alternator and the contact distributor has been made room for an electronic version
Independent front suspension with coil springs and double wishbone links
Now equipped with an enhanced cooling system to help 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 kind of car you could cross continents in, arriving at your destination calm, carefree, and generally unruffled. As such, a torquey, powerful straight-six engine provides the shove to keep the TD21 right up with even today’s traffic. This one is further enhanced with a retrofitted five-speed gearbox, giving it the kind of gearing you want for long road trips.
Alvis owners will be familiar with the limitations of the original cooling systems, but this car now reportedly has no issues with overheating or vapor lock thanks to upgraded cooling equipment. We’re informed that it drives very well, and that there are no known mechanical issues.
The car is reported to start effortlessly and drive magnificently, as you’d expect given the recent specialist investments. image.png1.98 MB
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, meaning consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes, and it’s customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer’s fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status, and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes, so it’s worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.
Pre-bids
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction. You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Comments
No comments yet
Ask a question, share your knowledge, or show this auction some love!