Description
1955 Alvis TC21/ 100 Grey Lady Drophead Coupe
Following on from the TA21 3 Litre, the TC21 was announced in 1953 as a four-door sports saloon. In October of that year, Alvis introduced a revised model with improved performance, designated TC21/ 100. Also known as the Grey Lady, this model was also available as a Drophead Coupe.
The ?100? referred to the cars maximum speed, 100 mph motor cars being few and far between at that period and highly regarded.
The frontal appearance was certainly purposeful, with matched fog and long-range lamps being standard fixtures, as were the two air scoops on the bonnet.
The Alvis build sheet indicates that this motor car was completed on 12 January 1955 and delivered to County Motor Works in Chelmsford. It was finished in two tone green - a special order - the same colour scheme it wears today.
The first owner was Augustine Courtauld of Spencers, Great Yeldham in Essex. One of the Courtauld textile family, Augustine was a yachtsman and British Arctic explorer best known for serving as the solo meterologist of a winter observation post, Icecap Station, in Greenland during 1930-31.
The car has only had five owners to date. The previous owner having owned the car from 1976; it had a colourful life, accompanying him to the USA during his spell of residence there. It was apparently transported on the deck of the USS Enterprise and had among its passengers whilst in California none other than Clint Eastwood.
After returning to Europe the car underwent a complete restoration to a very high standard by Tim Walker Restorations in the early 2000s. The receipts and extensive photos of the work accompany the car. The documentary evidence backs up the fastidious approach taken to the restoration; as well as a bare metal repaint, the interior was retrimmed in best hide and a new mohair hood was fitted.
The car has recently been treated to extensive mechanical attention by marque specialists Red Triangle, including revising the fuel delivery system to prevent fuel vaporisation, a carburettor overhaul and fitting electric power steering (which varies according to road speed). Care has been taken to ensure the car retains as much originality as possible, however, a dynamator provides improved charging whilst retaining the appearance of a dynamo, there is an original style rubber cased battery and the original vacuum powered windscreen washer has been retained and overhauled.
This Alvis was featured in Classic Cars magazine in January 2021 and in Classic & Sportscar magazine in March if the same year.
A wealth of history is included and this car is immaculately presented and sure to be much appreciated by a connoisseur.
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