1961 Alvis TD21 Saloon

The Alvis TD2, introduced in October 1958 at the London Earls Court Motor Show, replaced the short-lived TC 108/ G and represented Alvis’s determination to remain competitive in the exclusive British grand touring market. The TD21 combined traditional Alvis engineering with modern, elegant styling and became one of the company’s most successful post-war models.

During the mid-1950s, Alvis faced a major challenge. Its long-standing coachbuilders, Mulliner and Tickford, had been absorbed into larger motor manufacturers and were no longer available to supply bodies. At the same time, the attractive Swiss-bodied Graber versions of the Alvis Three Litre had demonstrated that buyers wanted a more contemporary design than the rather traditional "Grey Lady" saloons.

To solve both problems, Alvis adopted an updated version of the Swiss Hermann Graber design, but arranged for production by Park Ward, the prestigious Rolls-Royce and Bentley coachbuilding subsidiary. Park Ward's modern pressed-steel manufacturing methods offered higher quality, greater consistency, and improved production capacity than the earlier Willowbrook-built TC 108/ G.

Mechanically, the TD21 continued with Alvis's well-proven 2, 993 cc inline six-cylinder engine, but it received a redesigned cylinder head and a higher compression ratio, increasing output to approximately 115 bhp. Early production cars retained the TC 108/ G specification, including drum brakes, but from early 1959 servo-assisted front disc brakes became available and soon became standard. Transmission options included: Four-speed manual gearbox

Optional Borg-Warner automatic transmission

Optional Laycock overdrive introduced during 1960 for manual cars.

These improvements made the TD21 a refined high-speed touring car capable of around 100-104 mph, with notably smooth performance.

KSJ 181 is a 1961 TD21, with history from new, including first bill of sale (Lord Leigh of Stoneleigh) and comprehensive service and upkeep history from 2011. Clearly, it has been maintained to a high standard, and although MOT exempt, it has a superb recent MOT record. A major body-off restoration was carried out from 1988-1992, and the interior was retrimmed in 2011-12 in beige leather, with West of England cloth headlining and new carpets - all to original Alvis patterns. The speedometer was recalibrated for the taller rear axle ratio and the clock converted to electronic initiation. Since 2022, all five wire wheels were rebuilt and re-enamelled and fitted with new tyres and inner tubes. All project work is supported by photographic evidence and receipts.

From 2020-2022 the car benefitted from £27, 000 spent with renowned Alvis specialists Earley engineering. Engine, clutch, gearbox and suspension were overhauled, the engine upgraded to TE21 specification with a higher compression ratio and electronic ignition, giving approximately 140bhp, so the car has excellent performance in modern traffic, with its 4-speed and Laycock overdrive gearbox. Originally an automatic car with taller rear axle ratio, the car was converted to manual at its major refurbishment 1988-1992.

E-Z electric power steering is fitted and four structurally supported retractable seat belts all make for safer driving. An alternator has been discretely fitted in place of original dynamo, largely to support the power steering requirement. All LED lights were fitted for superb illumination.

This is a thoroughly well sorted example, which has competed in local shows and attended Alvis Owner club meetings, proving itself capable of relaxed and reliable long-distance touring. The TD21 comes with a huge history file and is definitely one not to be missed!