1964 Alvis TE21 Drophead
Registration no. JTW 29 Chassis no. 27200

The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Automobilia|5 September 2021, 10:30 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum

1964 Alvis TE21 Drophead
Registration no. JTW 29
Chassis no. 27200

Odometer reading: 40,000
MOT: Exempt

*An immaculate example
*Fully restored
*Low mileage with just two owners from new
*Comprehensive history

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Founded in 1919 and sadly defunct in 1967, Alvis Motor Company specialised in traditionally styled and coach-built luxury cars. With a Rolls-Royce standard of finish, Alvis quickly magnetised an up-market following which included the likes of Prince Philip and Sir Douglas Bader.

Introduced in 1963, the Alvis TE21 is an exquisite sports saloon that was also available in the form of a Drophead Coupé. Styled by Graber of Switzerland and built by Mulliner Park Ward, only 352 TE21s were originally produced – adding an air of exclusivity.

This 1964 example is a Drophead Coupé bodied by Park Ward. First registered to a Mrs. J. T. Waddilove of Purley, Surrey on 12th November 1964, the car was ordered direct from the 1964 Motor Show (with the supplying dealer being Jack Barclay Limited of Berkley Square, London). The original sales invoice records show it was supplied with the current registration number 'JTW 29', power steering, chrome wire wheels, anti-freeze, and a full tank of petrol.

Used by the Waddilove family until 1975, the car was sadly laid up in dry storage until 2008 whereby it was discovered and purchased by the current owner. After such a long period of inactivity, the Alvis required an extensive restoration. This included a bare metal strip down and repairs to the coachwork which was undertaken to a very high standard. Photographs in the history file show the Alvis stripped to the bare metal and entering the Aston Martin Heritage Centre works in Newport Pagnell. Although prior to the restoration the engine started and ran well, the vendor decided to convert the cylinder head to unleaded fuel specifications for greater usability. The restoration was carried out over several years, and the car was refinished in its original colour combination of Beige Metallic (resprayed by Grimshaw and Wake Ltd) and beige leather trim (renewed by Trimming Services of Cobham). The interior, with its leather and walnut dashboard and fittings, is largely original and in excellent condition. This is an incredibly elegant car that represents one of the finest and most authentic T-Series Alvis's available on the market.

Footnotes

Vendor Score Total: 83 /100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 21 /25
Body Work: 4
Paint: 4
Glass: 5
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 4
Wheels/Tyres: 4

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 16 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 4
Axles: 4
Suspension: 4
Brakes: 4

INTERIOR TOTAL: 16 /20
Seats: 4
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4
Headlining: 4
Trim: 4

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 10 /10
Main components: 5
Ancillary components: 5

ENGINE TOTAL: 16 /20
Starting: 4
Running: 4
Under Bonnet: 4
Mechanical components: 4

Car History File: 4

Additional information

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