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Curated Auction

1961 Alvis TD21 DHC

At a Glance

Matching Numbers | Five-Speed ZF Gearbox | Extensive History | Stunning Presentation

  • Mileage~19,556 on the clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine3.0-litre
  • LocationTonbridge, Kent

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more


Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

Days
HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£12,500
See Bidding

AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£12,500

Introduction

Alan Stuart
Professional Consigner

A superb example of the Alvis TD21, combining handsome Park Ward drophead coachwork with a matching-numbers straight-six engine and several desirable later-model upgrades. A rare opportunity to acquire one of the finest hand-built cars ever produced in the UK.

Introduced in the late 1950s, the TD21 represented a refined development of Alvis’s established, refined three-litre grand tourer. Its body was based on a design by Swiss coachbuilder Graber and constructed in Britain by Park Ward, creating an understated alternative to the more familiar luxury cars of the period. The Alvis TD 21 was widely regarded as one of the best-built vehicles of its time. Renowned for their independent engineering talent and history in aviation engine manufacturing, Alvis applied that technical expertise to create some of the smoothest powerplants ever produced.

Only 784 TD21s were produced, of which 192 received Drophead Coupe coachwork. The model combined traditional hand-built quality with a 2,993cc straight-six engine producing approximately 115BHP.

This 1961 Series I example is finished in the rich Alvis Peony Red with a cream leather interior, contrasting red piping, burgundy carpeting and a tan folding hood. Polished wire wheels and extensive chrome detailing complete its elegant period appearance.

The chassis plate supports the car’s matching-numbers status, with corresponding chassis and engine numbers.

A comprehensive restoration was carried out during the late 1980s. As part of that work, the car was upgraded with a five-speed ZF manual gearbox and front disc brakes; features associated with later developments of the TD21 and particularly beneficial for modern touring.

This listing was written from information supplied by Alan after meeting John the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

The Alvis is a matching-numbers car and underwent a full restoration in the late 1980s, when it was also upgraded with the five-speed ZF gearbox and front disc brakes.

John is the current custodian of this elegant Alvis TD21 Drophead Coupe.

During his ownership, he has focused primarily on the car’s mechanical condition. Recognising the specialist knowledge required to maintain an Alvis correctly, he entrusted it to Red Triangle and gave the company permission to undertake whatever work it considered necessary.

John reports spending approximately £10,000 with the specialist. The car now starts promptly, sounds excellent, and drives well, with a smooth five-speed gearbox, reassuring brakes, and good unassisted steering.

John would be happy to answer any questions in the comments section.

John
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

Finished in Alvis's Peony Red, the TD21’s elegant Park Ward coachwork remains beautifully proportioned and gives the car tremendous presence.

Wheels and Tyres

The Alvis is fitted with polished wire wheels and traditional two-eared knock-off spinners.

The wheels present extremely well, and provide the perfect finishing touch to the car’s sporting yet understated appearance. The spokes, rims, and centre fittings all appear smart, with no significant corrosion or damage apparent during our visit.

Period-style tyres are fitted, which appear to retain a suitable level of tread. Given that the car has spent time in storage, prospective buyers should confirm their age and condition before returning it to regular road use.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

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Bodywork

The Park Ward Drophead Coupe body presents particularly well, retaining the long bonnet, restrained tail and balanced proportions that define the TD21.

The panels appear straight, and the shut lines around the bonnet, doors, and boot are especially good. The doors opened and closed as expected, and we did not notice any significant dents or areas of obvious panel damage.

Overall, the body remains very attractive, with only very minor imperfections,. These are few and far between, and don't detract from the quality of the car's presentation.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

image

Paint

The Peony Red paintwork presents to a very high overall standard, and retains an attractive depth of colour and gloss. Over £4,000 was spent in August this year on tidying up the front wings, and it really shows just how well loved this car is.

The finish complements the flowing Park Ward coachwork particularly well, creating an effective contrast against the cream interior, tan hood and extensive chrome detailing.

A small number of chips and tiny marks are visible upon closer inspection: primarily a small bubble by the off side headlamp and a small chip on the bonnet's leading edge. Both are photographed close up for transparency. These imperfections really don't detract from the appearance of this stunning car.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

image

Glass and Trim

The exterior glass and chrome detailing present well overall.

The large upright Alvis grille, chrome bumpers, overriders, headlamp surrounds, and auxiliary lighting give the car an unmistakable and appropriately formal front end.

The windscreen, side glass, and light lenses appear clear, while the exterior handles, mirrors, and remaining brightwork look complete and presentable.

The tan folding hood operated correctly during our visit and fits neatly when raised. Its light colour works particularly well with the cream upholstery and red bodywork.

An accompanying tonneau cover is also included and fits the roof well.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

image

Interior

The cream leather, beige carpeting, and extensive walnut veneer create exactly the sense of occasion expected from a hand-built British grand tourer of this period.

Seats and Carpets

The front and rear seats are trimmed in cream leather.

The upholstery presents very well overall, with only light creasing and age-related character visible across the seating surfaces. The front seats retain their shape, while the rear compartment provides useful additional passenger accommodation.

Cream door cards and matching surrounding trim continue the colour scheme throughout the cabin. Chrome door furniture and contrasting darker sections provide further visual detail.

The beige carpeting works particularly well against the exterior paintwork.

Overall, the cabin appears to have been carefully preserved since the car’s restoration, and remains an inviting place to spend time.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

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Dashboard

The walnut dashboard is one of the interior’s standout features. A comprehensive collection of Smiths instruments is arranged across it, combining large speedometer and rev-counter displays with smaller gauges monitoring fuel level, temperature, oil pressure, and electrical output.

The odometer indicated approximately 19,556 miles during our visit.

The rev counter is not currently working and will require investigation. The remaining instruments and switchgear present well visually, while a period radio is incorporated neatly into the centre of the dashboard.

The veneer displays an attractive grain and aged patina, contributing greatly to the traditional atmosphere of the cabin.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The large period-typical steering wheel features an Alvis-branded centre and slender metal spokes.

The original transmission has been replaced with a five-speed ZF manual gearbox. This is a highly desirable usability upgrade that provides an additional cruising ratio and makes the Alvis better suited to faster roads and longer journeys.

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Mechanics

The matching-numbers three-litre straight-six engine provides the smooth and flexible performance expected from an Alvis grand tourer.

Engine and Gearbox

The TD21 is powered by its matching-numbers 2,993cc straight-six engine.

The engine started promptly during our visit and produced a particularly pleasing six-cylinder note. It settled into a smooth idle and responded well without any obvious unwanted noises.

The engine bay has a clean and appropriately traditional appearance, retaining the twin-carburettor arrangement and substantial components associated with the Alvis three-litre engine.

The car underwent a comprehensive restoration in the late 1980s. As part of this work, its original transmission was replaced with a five-speed ZF manual gearbox.

This conversion gives the car an additional cruising ratio, allowing the engine to operate more comfortably at sustained road speeds. It represents a particularly useful improvement for anyone intending to use the Alvis for touring.

During our drive, the gearbox operated smoothly and selected each ratio cleanly.

John has also spent approximately £10,000 with Red Triangle, giving the specialist discretion to address any mechanical work it considered necessary.

Please watch the mechanical and on-the-road videos to hear the engine starting and running and to see the Alvis being driven.

image

Suspension and Brakes

No specific suspension concerns were raised during our visit.

The car felt composed on the road and delivered the settled, refined ride expected from a substantial British grand tourer of this period.

The steering is not power-assisted, but it felt good once the car was moving and provided an appropriate level of connection with the road.

The car was upgraded with front disc brakes during its late-1980s restoration. This provides greater reassurance than the original Series I braking arrangement and contributes to the TD21’s usability in modern traffic.

The brakes performed well during our drive, bringing the car to a stop without any obvious pulling or unwanted vibration.

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The Drive

With sufficient power to reach speeds of 100 mph while maintaining lavish comfort amongst high-quality furnishings, the Alvis TD21 provides a genuine experience of British reserve, exclusivity, and panache.

The three-litre straight-six engine started promptly and sounded excellent during our visit. Its smooth power delivery feels well suited to the size and character of the car.

The five-speed ZF gearbox is one of the car’s most valuable upgrades. It operated smoothly and provides a more relaxed cruising ratio than the original Series I transmission.

With the hood lowered, the long bonnet, expansive dashboard and polished wire wheels create a considerable sense of occasion. Raising the tan hood transforms the Alvis into a more enclosed and refined grand tourer suitable for less favourable weather.

Its performance during our visit suggests a fundamentally appealing and well-maintained example.

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Electrics and Other

The folding hood operated correctly during our visit, and the accompanying tonneau cover fits neatly.

The dashboard retains its comprehensive Smiths instrumentation and period radio. Most of the equipment appears visually presentable, although the rev counter is not currently working and will require attention.

No other specific electrical concerns were reported to us.

image

History and Paperwork

An extensive collection of historical records, invoices and supporting documentation accompanies the Alvis.

Prospective buyers should study the paperwork gallery carefully to understand the dates, extent and cost of the work completed.

The car underwent a comprehensive restoration in the late 1980s. During that process, it received two particularly useful upgrades: a five-speed ZF manual gearbox and front disc brakes.

The car is now ready to pass to its next custodian, presenting a rare opportunity to acquire a matching-numbers TD21 Drophead Coupe with desirable later-model upgrades, extensive specialist expenditure and a substantial supporting history file.

The chassis plate supports the matching-numbers status of the car, with corresponding chassis and engine numbers displayed.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
04/03/2026 MOT 19,551
02/06/2025 MOT 18,939
13/03/2025 MOT 18,973
22/05/2020 Service 18,790
21/05/2020 MOT 18,785
19/06/2019 Service 18,629
19/06/2019 MOT 18,627
22/06/2018 MOT 18,626
28/02/2017 MOT 18,626
11/11/2016 Service 18,626
03/2016 Service 18,626
12/03/2016 MOT 18,614
19/03/2015 MOT 18,030
19/11/2014 Service 18,023
22/04/2014 MOT 17,710
05/02/2014 Service 17,606
29/11/2013 MOT 17,601
09/05/2013 MOT 16,006
28/09/2009 MOT 15,954
16/07/2009 MOT 15,929
31/03/2006 MOT 15,306
Key Details
  • Model TD21 DHC
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 19/01/1961
  • CC 2993
  • Mileage ~19,556 on the clock
  • Colour Peony Red
  • Interior Colour Cream
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # 26475
  • Engine # 26072
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes - all clear
  • Former Keepers 6
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Key Feature Restoration
  • Vehicle Registration 569 TTT
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type Convertible
  • Auction ID 4007


    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £12,500
    £
    1961 Alvis TD21 DHC
    AUCTION STATUS RESERVE NOT MET
    RESERVE NOT MET RESERVE MET
    Countdown Timer
    0 Days
    0 HRS
    0 MIN
    0 SEC
    Auction Ends Thu 1st Oct at 7.20pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  6
    £12,500 bid by amazondean21.09.26 @ 10:02:58
    £10,000 bid by BAH19.09.26 @ 17:26:09
    £8,250 bid by Giles99319.09.26 @ 15:51:56
    £8,000 bid by BAH17.09.26 @ 16:15:53
    £6,000 bid by RICKARDS17.09.26 @ 15:53:58
    £2,000 bid by mikeypat17.09.26 @ 12:02:31
    SEE MORE BIDS SEE MORE BIDS
    2049
    Ask Owner
    Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
    4 Comments
    GAZ5092
    GAZ5092
    6 hours ago

    Is this a no reserve auction so it goes to the highest bidder or is there a reserve set

    ColinB
    ColinB
    Admin
      GAZ5092
    5 hours ago

    Hi,

    All our auctions have a reserve unless stated otherwise in the title, you can also see how close the reserve is to being met with the gauge just above the comments.

    Thanks,
    Colin.

    amazondean
    amazondean
    3 days ago

    Hello John, do you know if the cover on the steering wheel is covering any damage at all? Thanks…..Dean

    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Alvis like this is £158 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Autumn 2026.

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Tonbridge, Kent

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