1963 Alvis TD21 Series II

The Alvis automobile retained a classic design for perhaps a little too long, preferring to retain many of the pre-war design cues that had earned them loyal customers throughout the years. Eventually, the Alvis marque reluctantly modernized its designs with the introduction of the TD21 in 1956, and its arrival in dealer's showrooms quickly changed established views of the Alvis. Change did not end on the design floor, as the company's long association with coachbuilders Mulliner and Tickford came to a close as both became tied to other companies. Alvis turned to the Swiss coachbuilder, Graber whose tradition of producing modern and elegant saloons and dropheads married well with Alvis's needs. Graber presented a new style to the Alvis board in late 1957, and impressed with the design, commissioned the body to be built on the new TD chassis. To ease logistical problems, Park Ward of London, built the Graber-designed bodies in the UK.

Production of the Three Liter TD21 Series I began at the end of 1958 and continued through 1962. Power was sourced from the TC's 2,993cc engine modified with an improved cylinder head design and increased compression ratio to boost output by 15 bhp to 115. The engine was mated to a new four-speed gearbox from the Austin-Healey 100, while the suspension remained similar to its predecessor's design. At the front was an independent setup via coils springs while the rear used leaf springs. Modifications included a slight increase in the track and the addition of anti-roll bars at the front. The wheelbase measured 111.5-inches, had a length of 188.5-inches, stood 57 inches tall, and was 66 inches wide. Four-wheel drum brakes provided the stopping power through 1959 when the front drums were replaced with disc brakes. In April 1962, the car was upgraded with four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes in place of the disc/drum combination. Additional changes included a five-speed ZF gearbox, recessed spotlights flanking the grille, and lightweight aluminum doors. The result of these changes brought about a new designation of the TD21 Series II. Alvis produced approximately 784 examples of the Series I through 1961 and 285 of the Series II through 1963.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2022