Alvis TD21 Series II
The 1962 Alvis TD21 Series II represents one of the final chapters in the history of Alvis as an automobile manufacturer, a marque whose cars embodied the understated quality and engineering integrity that defined the finest British grand tourers. The TD21, introduced in 1958, was the penultimate Alvis model and is widely regarded as one of the most handsome and capable cars the company produced.
The TD21's engine was Alvis's venerable 3.0-liter inline-six, producing approximately 130 horsepower in Series II specification. This engine featured overhead valves, a seven-bearing crankshaft (unusually robust for the era), and twin SU carburetors. While the power output was modest compared to contemporary Jaguars and Aston Martins, the engine's character was refined and flexible, with smooth power delivery and a mechanical quietness that reflected Alvis's engineering priorities.
The body was designed by Graber of Switzerland and built by Park Ward in London. The design was elegant and restrained, with clean lines, a distinctive grille, and proportions that reflected the classic British GT formula: long bonnet, compact cabin, abbreviated tail. The Series II introduced minor styling revisions, improved interior appointments, and mechanical refinements that addressed early production issues.
The TD21 featured independent front suspension with double wishbones and coil springs, while the rear used a live axle on semi-elliptic leaf springs. Disc brakes (Dunlop) were fitted at all four corners, making the TD21 one of the earlier British cars to offer four-wheel disc braking. The chassis was a traditional ladder frame of substantial construction, providing a solid foundation for the bodywork.
Driving a TD21 Series II is an exercise in refined motoring. The inline-six is smooth and torquey, the steering is well-weighted and communicative, and the ride quality reflects the substantial construction. This is not a sports car in the Jaguar E-Type mold -- it is a grand tourer in the truest sense, designed for comfortable high-speed travel with a level of refinement that rewards the discerning driver.
Alvis produced approximately 1,000 TD21s across all series before ceasing car production in 1967 to focus on military vehicles. Today, the TD21 is a cherished classic car that appeals to enthusiasts who value craftsmanship, engineering quality, and the understated elegance of a marque that never compromised its standards for the sake of volume.
The separate chassis and body construction means both must be checked for corrosion. The Alvis inline-six is robust but specialist knowledge is needed for maintenance. Verify the Park Ward bodywork is in good condition, as panel repair is specialized and expensive. The Dunlop disc brakes should be checked for condition. The ZF manual or Borg-Warner automatic transmission should be tested. Parts availability through the Alvis Owner Club is good but not all items are off-the-shelf.
Built at the Alvis factory in Coventry, England, with bodywork by Park Ward in London. Approximately 1,000 TD21s were produced across all series before Alvis ceased car production in 1967.