1959 Alvis TD21 £27,500
Strong mechanicals and an interesting history make this Alvis TD21 well worth a look. Ben Wanklyn checks it over
This TD21 has led an interesting life. A weighty history file says the car’s first owner was a diamond dealer who used it for business trips to Holland. She specified the two extra locks still fitted to the bootlid, and also had the car fitted with power steering. It’s unclear if this was a bespoke fitment when the car was new or a retrofit of the optional system offered on later Alvises. In 1980 the car was sold to a hot-air balloon pilot, who also kept it for more than two decades. The speedometer was changed in 1981 at 43,000 miles, with 23,000 miles covered since.
The car was resprayed in 2001. Aside from light crazing near the front grille and small bubbles around the door handles and bonnet trim strip, the external paintwork is still in good order with a deep shine. The paint in the door shuts and around the alloy sill trims is cracking, though.
Cosmetically, only a light dent by the nearside wing mirror can be noted. All wheelarch lips are excellent and there are even panel gaps save for the rear edge of the driver’s door, which sits slightly proud. Front and rear valances are corrosion-free and the rot-prone rear quarters sound. The front grille assembly is in good condition, with only a stonechip to the red Alvis badge, while side grilles and bumpers are similarly well preserved, as are bonnet and boot trim strips and window surrounds. There is light pitting to the rear lamp bezels. Aged underseal, peeling on forward sections of the chassis frame, lets down the otherwise solid-looking underside. Lifting the carpets reveals surface rust on the driver’s floorpan and a screwed- on metal plate, which will require rectification. The engine starts readily without smoke from the twin tailpipes. The unit settles to a steady 600rpm tickover and pulls cleanly under acceleration. Oil pressure is a low-looking 5psi at idle, rising to a happier 30psi under load. Neither reading is unusual or cause for concern on these cars. There’s a slight oil-weep from the front of the sump pan.
The four-speed gearbox is smooth and near- silent in operation, with the differential similarly unobtrusive. That power steering works faultlessly and all four Dunlop crossply tyres on the silver-painted wires have plenty of tread. There are no clunks or rattles from the suspension, while the front disc and rear drum brake set-up pulls the car up sharply and straight.
Time has been kind to the red leather, with gentle wear to the seat faces and doormounted arm rests. The cloth headlining is unmarked, complemented by tidy carpets. Aside from slight peeling to the driver’s door capping, all wood trim is in very good order, including the elaborate dashboard.
Apart from a handful of bodywork niggles, this mechanically healthy TD21 represents a charming route into Alvis ownership, with a reasonable asking price. The car’s excellent road behaviour and interesting history only enhances its appeal.