1960 Alvis TD 21 Drophead Coupe

Handbuilt British excellence offering refined luxury and effortless open touring. The 'Alice Blue' finish presents well, displaying a healthy lustre and consistent coverage throughout. While the car is largely free from typical road wear, we spotted a few minor surface marks and slight fractures. Small bubbles (likely a paint reaction) are visible under the surface, primarily on the upper section of the offside rear wing. These do not detract from the car’s strong overall presence, though a scuff is present on the nearside rear wing near the bumper edge. The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint. The bodywork is in good condition, showing no evidence of damage or corrosion. Every panel sits visually flush, complemented by tight, consistent shut lines. The doors operate effortlessly, shutting with a reassuring, mechanical thud. Enhancing the restoration, the original steel passenger doors were upgraded to lightweight aluminium items. The structural integrity is excellent, featuring solid chassis rails, jacking points, and a clean floor pan. The undercarriage has been treated with a protective inhibitor for long-term preservation. While the engine bay, boot floor, and wheel wells are clean, there is some minor, superficial age-related wear on the lower exterior panel edges. We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves. The leather dashboard padding is smart, and the burred walnut fascia presents beautifully, though some minor hairline fractures are visible on the driver’s side. The instrumentation and switchgear are in good aesthetic order. Roger told us the fuel gauge is known to provide inaccurate readings, all other controls are reported to function correctly. The headlining, door cards, and interior trim are in good condition. Refined at speed with a near-silent engine, this Alvis is a true gentleman’s carriage; it prioritises a reassuring and comfortable ride over sprited performance. The handling remains even and controllable throughout our trip, as Roger gently persuaded the car to dual carriageway speeds. Its straight-six engine, paired with the manual gearbox, demonstrates impressive torque flexibility, pulling smoothly without strain, splutters, or mechanical noise. The steering is remarkably compliant, it has been fitted with an aftermarket electric power steering unit, providing ample feel and assistance to manage the car’s weight with comparative ease. Free of any knocks or wobbles, the setup is well-weighted, and Roger told us that it was a genuine pleasure to operate. The engine pulls exceptionally well with linear power delivery; it reaches 50 mph with total reassurance and minimal fuss, remaining nearly silent throughout the range. The engine has proven dependable over the last seven years; Roger confirms that oil pressure and temperatures have remained stable and consistent throughout his time with the vehicle. The windscreen is in good condition showing minor surface marks and well-preserved seals. All lights and lenses are clear and well-presented. The chrome brightwork is in good order, with the exception of the passenger door glass finisher, which shows some light ageing. Both bumpers are securely mounted and retain a smart appearance. The 15” wire wheels present positively, with tight spokes, with just a couple of spinners show signs of age. The front and rear of the car are fitted with Vredestein Sprint tyres showing a spec of 185/HR. They all date from 2012 and are in good shape and have even tread. Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old. The trimmed leather seats remain in excellent condition, offering both comfort and ample support. Below, the deep-pile wool carpets and matching mats are tidy and completely dry. The boot area is equally well-presented, reflecting a history of careful and considerate ownership. The engine fires up without hesitation, settling into a smooth, consistent idle free of any hunting or surges. The typical cold-start condensation dissipated entirely as the engine reached operating temperature. Importantly, the oil pressure and ignition lights remained off throughout operation. The engine bay is well-presented, featuring tidy ancillaries and hoses in good condition. No fluid leaks were observed during our inspection. While the exhaust tailpipe shows some minor surface corrosion, the main unit remains structurally sound. Please review the 'On the road' video to make your own assessment of the engine and gearbox. As mentioned before, Roger told us the fuel gauge can give an inaccurate reading but everything else is in working order as far as he is aware. The hood is in excellent condition. Despite its substantial size, it is surprisingly straightforward to operate. Both raising and lowering the top can be done with ease. It comes with a hood cover, which provides a perfect fit. This home-market Series 1 model was first registered in May 1960. The car has a fascinating history that has been partially documented in a self-published book, which will be supplied with the car. It appears to have four long-term owners and is believed to have been shipped out to the US in 1978. During its time in the US, the car underwent a partial restoration before returning to the UK in 2012, where a comprehensive, ground-up rebuild was completed. This entire process is meticulously chronicled in the accompanying book. Acquired by Roger in 2019, the car is offered with its current V5 and a commemorative Alvis Centenary volume. While it may require deeper research to verify, Roger believes that the ~25,425 miles is genuine. We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check. This check showed finance on the VIN, we believe this to be due to the short VIN, that it is recorded against something else with same VIN, we are waiting for confirmation from HPI. We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming. If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house. The car performed majestically on our test drive, delivering a smooth ride free of any knocking or vibrations. The suspension handled the road surface effortlessly, providing a composed feel throughout. The braking system brought the car to a halt without drama, remaining completely free of squeals, judders, or vibrations. The steering wheel and gear knob show a level of wear consistent with the car’s age, serving as aesthetically authentic details that enhance the interior’s character.