Heroshot

1953 Alvis TC21

Cabriolet
£138,000 ($186,341)
Sale Price
£120,000 - £140,000
Est. Range
Yes
Reserve
16 December 2020
Sold Date
107
Lot Number
#3
Older restoration
Bonhams
Auction House
Chassis no. 25255. Light green over cream leather. 2993-cc, 100hp six with twin SU carburetors, 4-speed, independent suspension, white steel wheels with chromed hub caps, walnut veneered dash insert, pushbutton AM radio and aerial, Smiths instrumentation.

Evaluation: One of 11 TC21s bodies for Alvis by Graber of Switzerland, and only six convertibles. Appeared on the Graber stand at the Geneva Motor Show. Originally registered in Switzerland. With the current owner for 35 years and has participated in historic rallies and tours.

Older paint with fine swirls and an uneven surface, but no chips or touch-ups. The number plate looks old. The chrome is good but with polishing lines. The windshield frame is the original alloy. It’s dull and not buffed at all. The steel wheels are painted cream but chipped on the edges, and the chrome hub caps have minor pitting. The top cover in cream leather is aging nicely and the rest of the seat leather is too, creases but not worn through or marked. The carpets look aged. The dash button black paint has worn through on the edges. The original steering wheel is a delight. An enjoyable, usable and rare four-seater convertible.

Bottom Line: Vintage Alvises don’t have the name recognition of the equivalent Rolls-Royce or Bentley, but they offer a similar level of style and sophistication in a smaller and sportier (and significantly cheaper) package. Like the equivalent Rolls-Royce or Bentley, though, a rare coachbuilt body like this elegant if not exactly striking piece by Graber translates to a much higher price. This result, for example, is about twice what other, better condition cars with standard bodies have brought.

by Andrew Newton
23 December 2020
Alvis TC21 Rear
Alvis TC21 Interior
Alvis TC21 Graber
Alvis TC21 Engine

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