15th Mar, 2023 13:00

Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire

 
Lot 87
 

1959 Alvis TD21 Drophead Coupé
1 of 192 Series I Drophead Coupés manufactured

Sold for £63,000

(including buyers premium)


Lot details

Registration No: 34 MPF
Chassis No: 26150
MOT: Exempt

  • 1 of just 192 Alvis TD21 Series I Drophead Coupes made and featuring coachwork by Park Ward
  • Current (late) ownership since 2002 and previous from 1991
  • The beneficiary of a comprehensive restoration by renowned marque specialists Red Triangle upon entry into current ownership
  • Supplied new to M. H. Arnold Esq. of Richmond, Surrey
  • Accompanied by a large history file including documentation relating to the restoration and copies of the factory records

Launched in late 1958, the Alvis TD21 was stylistically indebted to a special-order Hermann Graber Coupe variant of its TC21/100 predecessor. Suitably reinterpreted for production by Park Ward, the newcomer's decidedly elegant coachwork sat atop a rigid box-section chassis equipped with independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension and a leaf-sprung back axle. Powered by a 2993cc OHV straight-six engine allied to either a four-speed manual or Borg Warner three-speed automatic transmission, the four-seater boasted a 100mph-plus top speed. Featuring a polished wood fascia, leather upholstery, and pile carpets, the TD21 could be had in two-door Saloon or Drophead Coupe guises and was every bit as luxurious as its contemporaries. Superseded by the Series II in 1962, just 192 of the 784 Series I cars made were Drophead Coupes.

Chassis number 26150 was delivered new to Brooklands of Bond Street, London W1, on the 23rd of November 1959, being supplied new to the first owner, M. H. Arnold Esq. of Richmond, Surrey. The 2993cc straight-six engine is allied to the Borg Warner three-speed automatic transmission, with the Alvis finished in the complementary colour combination of Midnight Blue paintwork, with Grey leather interior upholstery, chrome wire wheels, and a Blue mohair hood. ‘34 MPF’ was purchased by the late vendor through renowned marque specialists Red Triangle in 2002, who were offering the Alvis on behalf of the previous eleven-year owner, but unfortunately, as the Alvis was returning to the premises, the engine blew!

Still purchased by the vendor, with the blown engine, he commissioned a comprehensive restoration through Red Triangle. The work completed comprised repairs to the wood frame; an extensive bodywork restoration; a full engine overhaul including uprating to unleaded fuelling; considerable mechanical refurbishment, including braking and handling kit work; a full repaint; refreshed interior; a new mohair hood, and much further restoration work. Invoices on file relate to over £26,000 of restoration expenditure with Red Triangle, and the TD21 went on to win 1st place in the motor car section at Cromer Carnival, and 2nd Wimpole Hall post-war class, with the Alvis being well maintained since the restoration.

Accompanied by a large history file, that documents further expenditure on improvements and servicing, it also comprises an album of restoration images, approximately twenty previous MOT certificates, copies of the factory records and early correspondence, a service book from Red Triangle documenting recent services, previous logbooks, and current V5C document. Reputedly a previous star of the big screen, the Alvis is thought to have featured in films ‘Mad Cows’ and ‘A Rather English Marriage’. Opportunities to acquire one of the fewer than 200 TD21 Dropheads manufactured are scarce enough, but this example, restored by renowned marque specialists, is surely not to be missed!

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452

 

Auction: Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire, 15th Mar, 2023

Established in 1993, H&H has sold some of the world's most significant motorcars and motorcycles over the past 30 years. Trusted by over 75,000 clients worldwide, we are the longest established auction house of our kind in Europe. 

An auction of classic, collector and performance motorcars to be held at the iconic and visually stunning Imperial War Museum, Duxford. Cambridgeshire. 

Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our website, by telephone and commission. 

Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door. 

To enquire about entering your motorcar into the auction please call our sales office on 01925 210035, email sales@HandH.co.uk or click the Valuations For Sale button below. 

All our professional valuations are complimentary and without obligation.

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VIEWING TIMES
Tuesday 14th March 2023, from 12pm to 6pm
Wednesday 15th March 2023, from 9am


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All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:

               

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