1952 Alvis TA21 Drophead

This car is offered from outside of the European Union. It has been imported under temporary admission customs bond and is therefore subject to Dutch import tax (9%) on top of the winning bid price. Cars less than 30 years old will pay 10% Dutch import tax plus 21% VAT on the hammer.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, as their proof of purchase.

This vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and the documented history available is limited to that displayed in our photography section.

We have not tried to drive the car, and cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality.

It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

As CARS Europe BV is the guarantor of all customs duties and taxes for vehicles within Dutch customs bond, the car cannot be released to the buyer or transporter immediately after the sale. For all enquiries relating to Customs, please contact CARS Europe BV.

Purchases will only be released once cleared funds are received. All vehicles must be collected after the payment of funds.

All storage charges must be paid in full prior to the vehicle’s collection or onward transportation. Storage charges payment must be arranged with the storage company. Collection is strictly by appointment only.

Please send a booking email to the storage centre to ensure vehicle(s) are ready at time of collection. Photographic ID will be required at time of collection. If a third party is collecting for you, then written authorisation is required in advance from you and photographic ID of the third party is required at the time of collection.

Collection either by buyer or third party is only possible for vehicles within customs bond if applicable import taxes paid are paid to import into country of bonded storage location.

As soon as The Market by Bonhams receives your payment, the accounts department will send a release note to the manager of the storage facility where your car(s) is stored.

CARS Europe BV will contact you just after the sale to confirm onward transport requirements. Direct contact at CARS for enquiries is as follows; Joanna Herlihy, +31 (0) 252 682 526, +44 7483 433912, joanna@carseurope.net.

STORAGE CHARGES - €30 + local VAT per motor car per day commencing from the sixth day following the auction end.

CUSTOMS CHARGES - €500 per motor car (plus applicable permanent import taxes from bond).

Chassis No: 25043.

Five-digit odometer reading: 06081 kms.

In common with many vehicles from the vendor’s collection, this LHD Alvis TA21 Drophead Coupé comes with no history or service records.

With the proviso that we haven’t tried to start or drive this car and can therefore only comment on its cosmetic condition, we think this Alvis is an excellent example of a very fine, hand-built luxury vehicle from a manufacturer whose name was once synonymous with quality, exclusivity and prestige.

It is in exceptional overall condition and appears to be largely authentic and original.

We know that it was purchased in Belgium for the vendor’s collection in 2015, at which time its odometer reading was recorded as being 06071 kms.

It was first registered in 1953.

This beautiful TA21 presents very handsomely indeed from every angle.

The two-tone pale and dark green paintwork is generally in very good order, and the finish has plenty of shine, lustre and depth to it.

The Tickford bodywork is equally impressive, being devoid of any significant creases, ripples, dents, dinks and bumps that we can see.

The panels are straight and even, and the panel gaps and shut lines seem consistent and even.

The chrome and exterior trim seem to be in excellent condition, as do the lights, lenses, badging and all exterior fixtures and fittings, including the splendid eagle bonnet mascot.

The wheels are good. So, too, is the beige-coloured fabric hood, which appears to be in fine condition both aesthetically and functionally.

There is a scratch towards the bottom of the driver’s door and, on the same side, further scratches above the bonnet release handle, on top of the headlamp housing, and on the rear wheel spat.

There are also some chips to the paint on the ‘A’ pillar on the driver’s side.

The good news continues on the inside, where wood and leather combine to create the ambience of a London gentlemen’s club.

The green upholstery is mostly good but there are some nicks to the leather at the top of the driver’s seat backrest and, in the rear, a couple of holes in the seat cushion on the same side.

The door cards, a couple of scuffs aside, are very good.

The green carpets and mats look to be in decent order.

The wood on the dashboard and door cappings has held up very well and is rich and glossy.

The period radio and fire extinguisher help add to the sense that you’re experiencing a bygone era. They may or may not be original, but they look as if they could be.

We can’t vouch for the full functionality of instruments, dials, buttons, knobs, switches or levers because we haven’t driven the car.

Everything in the clean and dry engine bay seems to be in its right and proper place.

The undersides of the car appear to have a good deal of structural integrity.

This car doesn’t come with any history or service records.

It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this.

None of the paperwork shown in the gallery in any way constitutes any kind of licensing or registration certification.

From what we can see, this magnificent Alvis has been properly cared for and maintained throughout its long life and must, we think, be one of the very best examples you could hope to find of what is now an exceptionally rare model.

Provided, of course, that the engine, electrics and mechanicals are as good as the rest of the car.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of €30,000 - €40,000.