Highlights

The last TE21 DHC built
Fully resprayed in 2023
Extensive restoration since 2019
Previous keeper for 46 years
Mechanical overhaul including rebuilt gearbox
Beautiful and exceptionally rare in this condition

The Appeal

Here is a tempting slice of automotive history: the last TE21 DHC to leave the factory. Only 351 cars left the factory before it and a mere 106 of the revised TF21 would follow it before the doors of the Coventry works closed for good.

That is all a mere precursor to the quality and condition of this fine example of Alvis’ rarified coachbuilt convertible. The vendor acquired the car in 2019 as a project - the previous keeper had owned it for 46 years - and has set about a ‘no expense spared’ restoration to deliver the car you see in the photographs.

The beautifully green paintwork was resprayed in 2023 and is matched with a refurbished green leather and walnut cabin. The details are similarly attractive, including a new mohair roof, matching tonneau and refurbished wire wheels.

What you cannot immediately see is of a high standard too. The braking system has been overhauled, gearbox rebuilt, clutch hydraulics renewed and carburettors rebuilt and balanced. Naturally, it has been regularly serviced.

This is a very impressive and historically important car that would grace any collection.

The vendor tells us:

“I have owned and driven a number of this series of Alvis 3 litres and this is the best driving with smooth and rattle free acceleration, delightful power assisted steering, reassuring brakes and powerful brakes. The excellent original 5 speed ZF gearbox in easy to use with a light gear change.

“This TE21 is notable as the last Drophead coupe produced (chassis 27363) before production moved onto the TF21 range. It has the best specification with disc brakes front and rear, wire wheels, original ZF 5 speed manual gearbox and power assisted steering. They make this Alvis relaxing and easy to drive with power, acceleration and braking more than capable of living with modern traffic conditions. Plus you look so cool cruising with the roof down! I have been an Alvis enthusiast for over 40 years owning, restoring and driving these wonderful classic cars.”

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1st January 1966
Two registered keepers but this may be higher due to DVLA record keeping
Vendor states that the car’s mileage is likely to be 125,676
Recorded on the TE21 Register
Despatched on 2nd December 1965
Highest chassis number DHC of the TE21 production run
Originally registered as GRT161D
Now sports the private plate fitted by previous keeper
This is included in the same
Registration document
Old and new V5C documents
Factory handbook
List of parts fitted as shown in photos
Various invoices for parts
Two set of keys
Acquired by seller in 2019 as a project for restoration
Car had previously been off the road for two years
Seller rectified mechanicals and brakes and initially ran car ‘as is’
Extensive list of restoration work summarised below since 2019

Restoration and maintenance work since 2019:

Engine checked and serviced
Carburettors rebuilt and balanced
Full respray in 2023
Bodywork restoration including inner and outer sills, corrosion removal and outer wing sections
Gearbox stripped, checked and rebuilt replacing worn-out parts
Clutch hydraulics replaced
Brake system overhauled, including refurbished callipers, pipes and master cylinder

The Condition

Recently repainted in light green which is in superb order
Bodywork restoration in 2023 and presents very well with flush panel fit
Chassis and underside reported to be in good order with no issues advised
Refurbished wire wheels with matching spare showing no obvious deterioration
New tyres and inner tubes fitted all round since 2019 with few miles since
New black mohair roof with clear screen, hood bag and matching full tonneau as shown
Green leather interior with refurbished seats and walnut veneers
Door seats and rubbers replaced since 2019
Interior is beautifully presented with recent new carpets including boot
Fitted with a classic-style Retrosound digital radio but otherwise unmodified

The TE21 is one of the last of a particular sort of hand-built post-war British classics, and this car is a piece of the coachbuilder’s art. Its enthusiastic current keeper has clearly cherished it, expending considerable sums in 2023 on bodywork restoration and full respray in fetching light green. It looks magnificent.

The big black mohair roof, hood bag and tonneau are all new and the shiny wire wheels have been recently refurbished and fitted with new tyres.

The hand-tooled interior is similarly impressive with its green leather and walnut highlights. There is a digital radio, but otherwise, the car is factory standard.

The Mechanics

2,993cc straight six 130bhp Alvis engine
Rebuilt 5spd ZF manual gearbox
Well-specified TE21 with power steering and all-round disc brakes
Described as a strong engine that runs cool with no water leaks or overheating
Sparingly used since mechanical renovation since 2019
Extensive list of maintenance and improvements detailed above
No reported running or driving issues

It looks great, certainly, but a large part of the Alvis’ appeal is its homegrown straight six and its healthy 130bhp. It is mated here to a 5spd manual ZF gearbox - very advanced for the time - to create a proper long, legged GT cruiser.

Since acquiring the car in 2019 the vendor has carefully run through the car and rectified whatever has needed attention. The list of work is extensive and detailed above, highlights being a gearbox rebuilt, brake overhaul and carburettor rebuild and tune.

The car has covered few miles since all this work was completed and comes to market with a glowing report from the seller.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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