Single family ownership until 2026
1965 Alvis TE21 Drophead Coupé

• One of only 349 TE21s built, of which only 95 were factory dropheads
• Manual transmission
• Restored in 2022 at a cost of some £32,000
• Good history file
• In regular use and has covered 500 miles this summer.

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 aluminium 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.

That all changed in 1955 when 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 at the 1958 Motor Show, the Park Ward-built TD21 replaced that first Graber-styled coupé, the TC108G. The latter's torquey, 3.0-litre, overhead-valve six was retained, and after February 1959 came with 120bhp on tap courtesy of a redesigned 'six-port' 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 standardised for 1960. Sporting a distinctive stacked-headlight front end first seen on Graber's Alvis coupé at the 1963 Geneva Salon, the successor TE21 model – also known as the 3-Litre Series III - entered production the following year. Maximum power was now 130bhp and there was a choice of gearboxes: ZF five-speed manual or Borg Warner automatic, while the adoption of the German firm's power assisted steering was another welcome development. Alvis had completed a total of only 349 TE21s by the time production ceased in October 1966, most of which were two-door sports saloons. The successor TF21 model only lasted for another year, its passing marking the end of Alvis passenger car production.

This elegant TE21 has enjoyed single family (father and son) ownership for almost all of its life, undergoing one restoration in each generation: in 1980 (£1,800) and 2022 (£32,000) respectively. The Alvis was driven regularly around the North West of England, with occasional trips to Europe including Paris and Italy, where it was photographed. The car comes with considerable service and maintenance history with marque specialists Red Triangle and Fisher Restoration.

Accompanying documentation includes the original purchase invoice from P J Evans; the original logbook; service history dating back to 1967; original instruction manual; and assorted Alvis Owners Club material. The car also comes complete with spare wheel; detachable rear camera; detached tow bar; an Alvis car cover; and some old traditional petrol cans commensurate with the car's age. A wonderful opportunity to own one of the final examples of this coachbuilt British thoroughbred.