1964 | Alvis TE 21

In 1950, Alvis announced a new car - a 3 litre six-cylinder engine housed in a new chassis, which was to become the basis of all future Alvis models. The new model - the TA21 – was available with saloon or drophead bodies from various coachbuilders, including the Swiss company Graber. The Graber design subsequently became the basis for Alvis’ own coachwork, which was used on the later TD21, TE21 and TF21 models. From 1958 onwards, production was contracted to Park Ward, coachbuilders for Rolls-Royce and Bentley. 

The TE21 model appeared in 1963, available in either sports saloon or drophead versions and was essentially an updated version of the earlier TD21 model.

The 2993cc six-cylinder engine received a modified cylinder head and manifold, which increased power to a claimed 130 bhp, driving through either an automatic or five-speed ZF gearbox to give the car a top speed of over 105 mph. Disc brakes were fitted to all wheels, together with recirculating-ball-type steering. The independent front suspension used coil springs, with traditional leaf springs at the rear.

The model remained in production until 1967 (after its replacement, the TF21, had been announced in 1966) and 352 in total were manufactured, with over 200 of these being the Park Ward sports saloon.

This particular car was first registered in July 1964 in Belfast and left the factory painted grey. Little is known of the subsequent history until the mid ‘70s when a new owner acquired the vehicle, painted it red and kept it until 2002. The next owner re-painted the car again into its current livery of dark blue and undertook some body repairs, interior re-trimming, new wire wheels etc. etc. There is an MOT history on file running from 1985 until 2016, together with service and maintenance invoices from 2002. The car was purchased by a new owner in Guernsey in 2020.

The Alvis has been very well looked after mechanically with, most recently, a new battery and fuel pump fitted. Upgrades include an alternator and auxiliary electric cooling fan. The car drives very well.

The bodywork is in a solid, sound condition, with just a little surface corrosion on the underside of the rear wings. The re-paint into dark blue took place in 2002 October and is holding up well – the car looks good, but there is a little bubbling in places and some cracking around the bonnet. The brightwork is in a very good condition, including the silver-painted wire wheels (replaced in 2004).

The red leather interior was part re-trimmed in the early 2000s and remains in a good, used condition. Likewise the matching carpets are good and all wood veneer is intact, with the dashboard being particularly smart.

Handbuilt in limited numbers, Alvis cars are elegant, rare and have an air of exclusivity. They have a reputation for excellent build quality and clever engineering, with good spares and servicing support through Red Triangle Auto Services.

This TE21 is a smart and solid car in a very good mechanical condition, ready for regular use. There is a full history file for the vehicle from 2002, and MOT history from 1985.

The car is located in Guernsey and now Guernsey registered. We can assist with shipping and importation processes if required.