Alvis TD/E/F21 thoughts?
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Discussion

ric p

Original Poster:

660 posts

287 months

Saturday 4th October
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Having sold my long term VW campervan through lack of use as the children have grown up and the rise of Airbnb, I’m looking for a replacement toy.

I’d like something proper classic and that I / we can tour in both UK and Europe and work on. I have the XKR, which is an epic tourer, but my wife is not so mad about the convertible bit as I am. I’d started looking at old Jags, X300 XJR, XJS and Mk 2 etc but none grabbed me. And I definitely prefer the 2 door coupe look. Then over the summer saw a TD21.

I know they are proper old but had a reputation above Jaguar, closer to Bentley. And bodies made by Park Ward, of RR fame. But they are few and far between so before I charge off round the country looking at cars, does anyone have experience of running one?

They seem to tick a lot of boxes and appear very good value. Just after thoughts really from anyone who has owned or used one.

https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1950818

I’ve already spoken to Ian at Red Triangle and maybe a trip up there to visit is in order.

vixen1700

26,687 posts

288 months

Saturday 4th October
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Always liked these.

Rare, well made, comfortable, plenty of go and nice looking, but always thought the rear roof-line looked a little on the 'frumpy' side for want of a better word.

FarmerJim

683 posts

177 months

Saturday 4th October
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Outstandingly good cars. Comparable to a Bentley S-Type Continental or Bristol, but at a fraction of the price. The Alvis 3-litre engine is wonderful and makes a lovely sound when pressing on.

Ian at RT knows his stuff and I can also strongly recommend speaking to people in the Alvis Owner Club. There you will find abundant knowledge and advice, as well as some well cared for cars coming up for sale from time to time. The AOC is also a very sociable bunch, so expect to be invited to join in for lunch / drinks / a drive out and so on.


You will probably already be aware of the progression from TD Series 1, to Series 2, then TE and finally TF. The TE had increased power over the TD, with the TF having another step up again. Earlier cars had a 4-speed manual box, with a ZF 5-speed in the later cars. An automatic option was also available.

Come to the AOC stand in Hall 1 at the NEC Classic Motor Show if you want to find out more about them. I will be on the stand with my much older Alvis, but can sit you down with someone from the 3-litre register.

Edit to add: excellent parts availability and there are plenty of independent specialists if you don't want to pay RT prices for repairs. I know several people who take these to southern France every year with minimal bother.

Edited by FarmerJim on Saturday 4th October 15:46


Edited by FarmerJim on Saturday 4th October 15:48

Benny Saltstein

739 posts

231 months

Sunday 5th October
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FarmerJim said:
I know several people who take these to southern France every year with minimal bother.
Indeed they do! My father’s car in the middle here, although not quite the south of France in this picture. I’ve driven it a few times - wonderful thing.


finlo

3,982 posts

221 months

Sunday 5th October
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Benny Saltstein said:
FarmerJim said:
I know several people who take these to southern France every year with minimal bother.
Indeed they do! My father s car in the middle here, although not quite the south of France in this picture. I ve driven it a few times - wonderful thing.

What's going on at the front and left of the green car?

Mr Tidy

27,760 posts

145 months

Sunday 5th October
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All I remember about them is that my Dad always fancied one, although he never got to own one but as a result I have a bit of a soft spot for them.

Although in all honesty I'd rather have an XJ Coupe!

Benny Saltstein

739 posts

231 months

Sunday 5th October
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finlo said:
What's going on at the front and left of the green car?
No idea - not my photo. A glitch in the matrix?

hidetheelephants

31,459 posts

211 months

Sunday 5th October
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Looks like someone's erased something using an AI tool and it's gone a bit wrong and swallowed the nearside headlight.

Philip0

334 posts

131 months

Monday 6th October
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Great cars, fantastic engines and beautiful design, in a proper 4-seater. IMO the TD21 Series 2 is the best looking and cars from 1963 onwards have aluminium doors (much lighter), all-round disc brakes, and either a 5-speed ZF manual or an excellent 3-speed automatic gearbox. They are great value at the moment, you can get a good saloon for £20K-ish or a drophead coupé for £50K-ish. If you get serious about potentially buying one, join the owner club and also the Facebook groups (“Alvis Cars” as well the the owner club group). Buy the David Culshaw book. “3-litre in detail” which lists all the cars, so you can check how original any car is that you’re interested in.

Philip0

334 posts

131 months

Monday 6th October
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This one looks good

https://www.mandmautomotive.co.uk/used-vehicle-det...

Edited by Philip0 on Monday 6th October 17:12

coppice

9,341 posts

162 months

Tuesday 7th October
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Always look fabulous in silver and a very classy machine indeed . The preferred transport of the late Prince Philip I recall.

Lotobear

8,205 posts

146 months

Tuesday 7th October
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these (in drophead form) had a cameo role in the Kingdom TV series if I recall correctly

Philip0

334 posts

131 months

Tuesday 7th October
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coppice said:
Always look fabulous in silver and a very classy machine indeed . The preferred transport of the late Prince Philip I recall.
...and Tony Curtis, Mick Fleetwood, Douglas Bader, amongst others

aeropilot

38,772 posts

245 months

Tuesday 7th October
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There was a nice one, from long term ownership that failed to sell at Mathewsons a few months back. OK needed a bit of work, or will need a bit of work in the future, but was probably still a good buy at £20k.



sideways man

1,564 posts

155 months

Tuesday 7th October
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What fantastic looking things, and that interior is amazing! Just been down a rabbit hole of videos on them, I could easily see me owning one.

iguana

7,233 posts

278 months

Tuesday 7th October
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https://www.earleyengineering.co.uk/

Would be my choice for an Alvis specialist garage.

Knowledgeable & nice bunch of folks.

sixor8

7,189 posts

286 months

Wednesday 8th October
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No guide, says Derek? It said £20k on the screen as it was bid on.