2,993cc, Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU H6 Carburetors, 134bhp at 5,000rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Copies of original build sheets on file
*British sportscar from storied Alvis company
*Present ownership since 2015
*Rarely found in the USA

THE ALVIS

Engineer T G John founded the Alvis company in 1919 when he acquired the rights to an automobile engine, and with it the brand name of its aluminum pistons - Alvis. Manufactured by T G John Ltd, the first Alvis - the 10/30hp - appeared in 1920 and the subsequent 12/50 succeeded in establishing the firm's reputation as builder of fine sporting cars. More luxurious models were developed during the 1930s, though always of a sporting inclination, but in the immediately post-war years the range might best be described as worthy but unexciting.

In 1955 the first production Alvis styled by Swiss carrossier Graber appeared, bringing a much-needed injection of Continental style and modernity to the Coventry manufacturer's range. Introduced for 1959, the Park Ward-built TD21 replaced that first Graber-styled coupé, the TC108G. The latter's torquey, 3-liter, overhead-valve six was retained in up-rated form, and now came with 120bhp courtesy of a redesigned cylinder head. Inside there were improvements to the accommodation, with increased headroom and legroom, especially in the rear. Lockheed servo-assisted disc brakes were now an option, becoming standardized for 1960. Sporting a distinctive stacked-headlight front end first seen on Graber's Alvis coupé at the 1963 Geneva Salon, the TE21 entered production the following year. Maximum power was now 130bhp, and there was a choice of five-speed manual or automatic gearboxes.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Hitting the road on September 24, 1965, this original drophead coupe was registered on the British Roads as 'EDU 379C', according to Wayne Brooks well researched archive on the model. That also confirms manual ZF transmission and power steering from new. A copy of the factory record also on file supports this with details of original supply to Grose Ltd. of Mayfair, Northampton in the UK. It was supplied in 'triple Beige' of Beige bodywork, interior and top.

Later history on file shows that it passed through the late Adrian Hamilton's esteemed business Duncan Hamilton Ltd. in July 1997, making a short trip to the Channel Island of Jersey and ownership with a Mark Syvret. From him it crossed the channel Eastward to Jost Nyhuis in the Netherlands in 2001 and remained in that country spending some time with the Kennis Brothers 'Retrolegends, BV'. That tenure ended when it was sold to the current owner seven years ago in May 2015. With only modest use in this relatively brief custody, the sensible precaution of checking over and servicing prior to road use is advised.

As inspected when cataloguing, the Alvis presents well. Its paintwork, which must be similar to the original hue, but is recorded as Rolls-Royce Sand Metallic when sold by Hamilton, is in tidy order, while the interior which has the appearance of being the either the original or a much older refurbishment which has been 'Connollised' at some point and now shows some cracking and creasing on the more active surfaces.

With manual transmission, four seats and fully convertible such that it can be enjoyed whatever the weather, this all makes for a very practical sporting road car, ideal for the summer now it has arrived.