1966 Alvis TF21
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
- One of just 100 TF21s ever made - Alvis’ last, most powerful and most advanced production car
- Said to be one of fewer than than 40 TF21 saloons made with an automatic gearbox
- Coach built by H.J. Mulliner Park Ward (Rolls-Royce’s in-house coachbuilder)
- Exhibiting a great patina accrued over many years and still regularly used
The Appeal
Renowned for their quality and elegance, an Alvis remained the car of choice for the discerning and wealthy motorist throughout their esteemed history and the last model to leave their Coventry plant was the TF21.
Based upon its successful predecessor the TE21, several improvements and refinements were made to its design. These most notably included the fitment of triple SU carburettors, resulting in an impressive performance increase. The TF21 was showcased to the rich and famous at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1966, with this car being produced a few months later. Less than 40 TF21’s of this variant were ever built before Alvis finally closed its doors for the last time in 1967. That makes it their last and most advanced car, so it’s no wonder enthusiasts will go to great lengths in order to hunt them down.
That’s exactly what the owner of this Alvis did. After searching for years, they acted quickly upon seeing this hardtop TF21 for sale and after six years of ownership, they comment that they “haven't regretted a single moment”. Benefitting from such conveniences as power steering, all-round disc brakes, an automatic gearbox, electronic ignition, and an electric choke, this is a supremely driveable classic. Its low indicated mileage is difficult to substantiate given the age of the car – although it is supplied with a substantial history file amassed by its total of five owners.
It has accrued a charming patina over the years and it will be up to the next owner whether they continue to preserve this or undertake some bodywork restoration. The vendor had considered having it converted into a cabriolet, which is reportedly quite straightforward, although this never came to fruition. Offered with valid MOT, although exempt, this is a car you could can certainly enjoy as is.
The History and Paperwork
- Low indicated mileage, with volumes of historic files
- Just four previous keepers
- Offered with MOT valid until January 2024 - although the car does of course qualify for exemption
- In present ownership since July 2017
- Accompanied by a substantial history file, dating back many years
- There’s no main record of its service history, although we’re assured that the car is serviced annually when it MOT tests are undertaken
- One of 100 TF21’s made and the vendor estimates only around half that number have survived.
- Stored in a dry, dehumidified garage during present ownership
The Interior
- Original and largely complete
- Pale grey leather upholstery with displaying minimal signs of wear
- The seats remain well padded and free from any notable tears, abrasions or other damage
- All trim present and in reasonably good order
- Some portions of the veneers are missing although it continues to present quite well overall
- Tactile wood-rimmed steering wheel with nice age-related patina
- Minimal wear to the controls and switches
- Much of the carpet has been removed as it was no longer serviceable
- Overall, there is of course some scope for cosmetic improvement although this interior’s originality is commendable
The Exterior
- Elegant hardtop variant by H.J. Mulliner Park Ward (Rolls-Royce’s in-house coachbuilder)
- Handsome grey paintwork now showing some corrosion in places
- The most notable corrosion is around the nearside headlamp
- Some bubbling to rear wheel arches where there is also a crease in the nearside rear quarter panel
- Some microblistering, light scratches and other isolated areas showing corrosion
- OEM steel wheels complete with Alvis choked hubcaps and period appropriate Vredestein tyres
- The chrome is very good overall, with only light pitting
- Lucas square spot lamps mounted to the front bumper
- We’re informed that there is no structural damage or corrosion
- The underside displays some minor surface rust, although nothing which appears excessive
The Mechanics
- 3.0-litre straight-six
- Triple SU carburettors
- Automatic gearbox
- Power steering
- Disc brakes for all four wheels
- Electronic ignition timing and electric choke
- Reserve fuel setting
- New stainless fuel tank, battery, coil, HT leads, fuel pump recently fitted
- Presents well under the bonnet with a few signs of age
- Said to be starting readily and regularly without issue
- Reportedly runs very well and drives exactly as it should
Summary
The ultimate and last Alvis in both senses of the word, this TF21 is sure to entice collectors the world over. With a great history file and impressive levels of originality (all matching numbers throughout), it’s a lovely example. Whatever the future holds for this delightful motor car, we’re sure it will be cherished and enjoyed for years to come.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1966
- Make Alvis
- Model TF 21
- Colour Grey
- Odometer 12,174 Miles
- Engine size 2993
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Prestbury
- Location Cheshire
- Country United Kingdom
8
bids
from 7
bidders
- Tizzyno•••• £13,000 24/09/23
- Gary Co•••• £12,500 21/09/23
- atlanti•••• £12,000 21/09/23
- yann-la•••• £11,000 21/09/23
- dmc_lov•••• £10,000 21/09/23
- jash101 £9,000 20/09/23
- atlanti•••• £8,000 18/09/23
- peter-a•••• £7,000 18/09/23
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
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.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.