1951 Alvis TA21 Drophead Coupe

Registration No: CKS256
Chassis No: 24375
MOT: Exempt

• 1 of 302 'Tickford' bodied DHC's ever made
• Benefiting from over £15,000 spent in last 5 years
• Fitted with uprated front disc brakes and electronic ignition
• Offered with a comprehensive history file, 38 MOT's and V5C logbook

Introduced at the March 1950 Geneva Salon, the Alvis TA21 was powered by a brand new 3 litre, straight-six OHV engine. Featuring a seven-bearing crankshaft and near ‘square’ (84 x 90) bore and stroke dimensions, it proved notably smooth and flexible. Based around a sturdy box-section chassis equipped with independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a 'live' Salisbury back axle, telescopic shock absorbers and four-wheel Girling hydraulic drum brakes, the TA21 was a natural rival to the Bentley MkVI and Lagonda 2.6 litre. Available in either Mulliner Sports Saloon or Tickford Drophead Coupe guises, it was deemed by Autocar magazine to be fitting for ‘discerning owners who appreciated quality and good handling as well as mere performance’.

This elegant three-position TA 21 Drophead Coupe with coachwork by Tickford was first registered on 14 December 1951. One of only 302 examples built, with some 80 surviving, little is known of its early history although it comes with a comprehensive history file including 38 old MoTs dating back to 1975 whilst the vendor advises it has been meticulously maintained. Finished in grey over silver with maroon leather upholstery and dark blue mohair hood, known works carried out include the fitment of new rear springs, higher ratio rear axle, wire wheels and front disc brakes in 2005/6. The engine was fully overhauled in 2009/10, with new pistons, crankshaft re-grind, new bearings, new valves, springs etc. A new mohair hood was fitted in 2014. A collection of invoices from Fisher Restoration and Red Triangle in 2014/15 evidence new sills, new A-and B-post sections, repairs to the wooden frame and wings and repair work to the brakes at a cost of around £11,000. Fisher also carried out work to the suspension in 2015 at a cost of over £2,300. Since acquiring the car in 2019, the vendor has installed electronic ignition, rebuilt the steering idler box at a cost of over £3,000 (2020), fitted new front shock absorbers and bushes (2021), new fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator, new rear tyres and replaced the rear indicator lights (2022). The Connolly leather upholstery was cleaned and refurbished in 2022.

The car is driven frequently on local runs and to regional car shows and is said to be a very reliable performer. Two classic car show competitions have been entered by the vendor, with two first prizes - one being a concours competition for pre-1970 cars. Offered with large history file, it registers some 86,514 miles and comes with a current advisory-free MoT to October 2025 and sundry spares.

For more information, please contact:
Oliver Fernyhough-Martin
oliver.fernyhough-martin@handh.co.uk
07483 361000