Alvis was founded by Thomas George John and G.P. de Freville. The first cars built under the Alvis name were manufactured in 1920, and the last Alvis (sports) cars came out of the factory in Coventry 47 years later. The ending of the brand name Alvis was sealed when it was incorporated into the British Leyland concern, where it became part of Rover.

The Alvis cars were of great quality and workmanship and were very fast as well. As for their cars, many parts were designed and manufactured by Alvis’ own staff, and production was small-scaled and exclusive.

In the 1920s, Alvis was the first British car model to experiment with four-wheel drive. In fact, in 1925, they even manufactured sports and racing cars equipped with front-wheel drive, which had also been fitted with an overhead camshaft.

The Alvis TD 21 was built from 1959 until 1963. Customers were able to choose between 2-door saloon, coupe and convertible models with bodywork created by Park Ward of England and by Graber of Switzerland.

Technical data

Six cylinder in-line engine
2 S.U. carburettors
cylinder capacity: 2993 cc.
capacity: 153 bhp. at 5000 rpm.
top-speed: approx. 180 km/h.
gearbox: 5-speed, manual
weight: 1580 kg.

Information

Alvis TE 21 Drophead coupe (DHC), year 1965. Colour Regency red with a dark blue leather interior and a dark blue hood. The Alvis TE 21 is a rare car, only 325 have been built of which less than 100 Drophead coupes. The stylish Graber designed bodywork was built by Park Ward.