55
OwninganAlvisTD21Drophead
‘Itwasoriginallypurchasedby a Harley
Streetdoctorin 1961 , thenbought by Al
Ruddy– a Hollywoodmovieproducer– and
exportedto LosAngelesin1970,’saysBrian
O’Donnell.‘Ithadfourmore ownersinthe
USA thenafter37 yearsit returnedto England
andunderwenta fullrestoration.’Althoughit waslargely
rust-free,BrianhadthebodystrippedandrepaintedinVW
ArcticBlue– a closematchfortheoriginalAlice Blue– and
hadallthechromere-plated.‘TheengineransweetlysoI’ve
notmadeany majorchanges.I hada four-speedZFgearbox
reconditionedandfitted,alongwitha custompropshaft.
I alsohadtheelectricsconvertedto negativeearth,fitted
electricpowersteeringandoverhauledthesuspensionand
brakes.’Theextensiveworkis to make theAlvisreadyforuse
aspart of a newclassiccarhire fleet, MemoryLaneClassic
MotorCars(classiccarsatmemorylane.com).1961 Alvis TD21 Drophead
Engine 2993cc in-line six cylinder, 12-valve, two SU HS6 carburettors
Power and torque 115bhp @ 4000rpm; 152lb ft @ 2500rpm
Transmission Four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive Suspension
Front: independent, wishbones, coil springs. Rear: live axle, leaf
springs Steering Recirculating ball Brakes Disc front, drum
rear (Series II: disc rear), servo-assisted Weight 1588kg (3501lb)
Performance Top speed: 105mph; 0-60mph: 14sec Cost new
£2827 Classic Cars Price Guide £32,500-£80,000‘The engine spins with a silken
smoothness and there’s a
timbre to the exhaust note
that suits the Alvis’ suave style’
Worn suspension can take the shine of the TD21’s road manners,
but refurbishment is easy and inexpensive. The engines are
robust units and all the major parts are available new from
specialists like Red Triangle, but a full rebuild will be £10,000 or
more. Overheating can be caused by debris collecting in cooling
passages in the cylinder block and head, necessitating a head-off
flush and inspection. The chassis is strong but can suffer from rot
around the front and rear suspension mountings. Corrosion in the
bodywork is likely to be expensive to rectify (£30,000 or more in
the worst case) because it is a hand-built structure of alloy and
steel with some ash framing. Replacing a hood can cost £4500.
TD21 dropheads are worth about 50 per cent more than saloons,
with good examples starting around £35,000 and the very best
selling for £75,000 or more. For that you get a stylish, graceful
machine with genuine class.