1961 Alvis TD21 Sports Saloon, Coachwork by Park Ward Ltd Registration no. 607 BRY Chassis no. 26563

* Rare and desirable coachbuilt Alvis sports saloon
* First TD21 equipped with front disc brakes and wire wheels
* Manual transmission
* Present ownership since 1995
* Recently professionally re-commissioned

In October 1955 at the Paris Motor Show, Alvis displayed its first production car styled by the Swiss carrossier, Graber. Based on the existing TC21 Grey Lady chassis, the newcomer brought a much-needed injection of Continental style and modernity to the Coventry manufacturer's range. Lighter, stiffer, and with a much smaller frontal area than the traditionally styled Grey Lady, the Graber Alvis enjoyed much improved handling and a higher maximum speed in excess of 100mph. The first Graber-styled model - the TC108G - was built by coachbuilders Willowbrook before production switched to Rolls-Royce's in-house coachbuilder Park Ward on the introduction of the improved and restyled TD21.

Introduced for 1959, the TD21 retained Alvis's torquey, 3.0-litre, overhead-valve six, which in up-rated form (from March 1959 onwards) produced 120bhp courtesy of a redesigned cylinder head. With its increased power, this under-stressed engine proved capable of propelling the TD21 to a top speed of 103mph while turning over at a lazy 5,000 revs. Inside, there were improvements to the accommodation, with increased headroom and legroom, especially in the rear. Lockheed servo-assisted disc brakes were an option, becoming standardised for 1960. The Motor magazine remarked on the Alvis's exclusivity and individuality of character, summing up the TD21 thus: 'As a perfectly serviceable everyday car with extra "chic", extra performance, and high standards of comfort and safety, its appeal to a select but important clientele should be strong', while Autocar declared the TD21 to be 'one of the most enchanting owner-driver cars imaginable.'

This particular TD21 is historically significant as the first of its kind to leave the factory equipped with front disc brakes and wire wheels. '607 BRY' was first registered to the lady vendor in April 1995. We are advised that the car has benefited from an engine rebuild, the cylinder head being overhauled and converted to unleaded compatibility by Forward Engineering. Last used in 2009, the Alvis has just been re-commissioned and MoT'd, and is described as in generally good condition, the engine running well. Offered with a V5 Registration Document, this elegant Alvis would enhance any private collection.