1951 Alvis TA21 Drophead Coup

For sale by auction on Saturday 30 November 2013 with Historics at Brooklands. Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit. Weybridge. Surrey. Call 01753 639170
The Alvis type TA21 was announced in 1950. looking much like its
TA14 predecessor but featuring independent front suspension and a
new. overhead-valve. six cylinder. three litre engine. Styled along
classic. pre-war lines. the Three Litre was reckoned by Autocar
magazine to appeal to 'discerning owners who appreciate quality and
good handling as well as performance. ' Additions to the range of
models were not long in coming; a sports two-seater and a Tickford
bodied two-door drophead coupé being announced for the 1951 season.
The introduction of open-top models was calculated to boost sales
in the United States market where Alvis was beginning to make an
impact. Perhaps the best thing about it is that many of the
handling characteristics of the sportscar have been built into the
chassis which. combined with a low centre of gravity and a
reasonable amount of space. make this fine car something of a
compromise suited to those who want both family car and sportscar
features all in one.

Whilst in the previous ten year ownership of a long term Alvis
enthusiast. this TA21 Tickford Drophead Coupé was the subject of
much attention and expenditure to bring it up to its present good. br/>reliable and usable condition. It is fitted with a TD21 engine unit
coupled to a gearbox with overdrive on the third and top gears.
Other mechanical improvements include the installation of
electronic ignition. a steering and front suspension overhaul. a
cylinder head conversion to unleaded and the fitting of a new
radiator. The gearbox (with the overdrive) and the engine have also
been rebuilt. covering some ten thousand miles since and the
braking system has been fully checked and a new master cylinder
fitted. The chassis rear sections have been professionally repaired
and a new boot floor and support fitted. The coachwork has
undergone 'major surgery': corroded panels and sections have been
cut away and replacements fabricated. the doors have been rebuilt
and re-timbered as required. the left-hand engine compartment
closing panel cut out and replaced and beautifully remade aluminium
rear wing panels and wheel spats by MPH Motor Panels fitted. A
complete re-spray followed this work in burgundy over ivory. Most
of the bright work has been re-chromed and the interior is good but
the upholstery could be improved upon. The comprehensive history
file contains a photographic record of the restoration. a record of
maintenance from 2003. several old road tax discs. a large quantity
of invoices. the handbook. the buff log book and the V5C
registration document. This Alvis TA21 Drophead Coupé is in good
condition and is very well 'sorted'; an example with excellent
reliability and performance which has been thoroughly enjoyed on
several continental rallies and tours.

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