One of the Legendary UK Classics, the Alvis 3-litre ‘Grey Lady‘, last of the imposing Mulliner-bodied saloons, which were designed with spacious internal headroom, but showing precious little regard to modern streamlining or any American influence…. British to the core!
This exceedingly well maintained example has accumulated a huge wad of invoices from leading Marque experts, Red Triangle which total an incredible £43,000. On top of which a further £3,000 has recently been expended on further improvements. Many new parts have been fitted including, sills, rear n/s wing, fuel tank, new headlining, s/s exhaust system, alternator, starter, brakes and steering (overhauled) and lots more besides. As you would expect it handles exceptionally well with good oil pressure, plus it’s great fun to drive with that comfortable armchair feel about it.
Very handsome two-tone bodywork in Dove Grey over Burgundy Red. The interior is like stepping back in time, the original leather seats showing evidence of decades of careful use resulting in a delicious patina which cannot be replicated except by the passage of decades. There is an abundance of polished wood all culminating in that ‘old car’ aroma so beloved of classic car aficionados.
Keenly priced with great investment potential. Check out prices of other genuine Grey Lady Saloons on the market. Around £30,000 is average and I bet they don’t drive a patch like this one.
Comes with V5, MOT to April, 2019 (but now exempt) Free road tax, History file, Handtools, Original Owner’s Handbook, Winged Eagle bonnet mascot. AOC cap. Plus all the aforementioned receipts from Red Triangle and other Garages totalling over £46,000!!
For more info on this iconic saloon, call or text John on 07909 231414.
Low-cost transport arranged £1 pr/mile (one way only charged)
Marque Info
The TC.21/100 or ‘Grey Lady’ announced 20 October 1953 came with a guarantee of a speed of 100 mph resulting from an improved exhaust system and an engine compression ratio raised from 7:1 to 8:1 to take advantage of the availability of better petrol. The final drive ratio was raised from 4.09:1 to 3.77:1. A paired front fog lamp and matching driving lamp became a standard fitting. The bonnet gained air scoops and wire wheels were fitted to try to enliven the car’s image, however these options could be omitted when ordering as some traditional Alvis buyers felt that they were a bit too boy-racerish and this seems to have been the case with the subject vehicle as it is minus these features. A heater was fitted as standard but a radio remained an expensive option.
Four door saloon and drophead coupé versions were also offered.
A saloon version tested by The Motor magazine in 1954 had a top speed of 100.1 mph (161.1 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 15.4 seconds. A fuel consumption of 20.6 miles per imperial gallon (13.7 L/100 km; 17.2 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £1,821 including taxes.
Nevertheless just 18 months later the Times’ Motoring Correspondent tested and reported on the Grey Lady under the headline “Few Concessions to Fashion Trends”. His opening gambit was that this Alvis was now one of the few British cars that did not look American and, he said, there was little concession to the cult of streamlining beyond the two air scoops in the bonnet. He wrote that spacious internal headroom and wire wheels completed that picture. It was noted the instruments were not in front of the driver but in the centre of the dashboard (instrument panel) and so the speedometer was apt to be masked by the driver’s left hand. However the front seats were comfortable and rear seat passengers received padding on the wheel arches surmounted by armrests. Leather upholstery, pile carpets and walnut facings for the dashboard and lower parts of the window frames completed the traditional picture. He did however say that “the driver who is sensitive to the “feel” of his car will enjoy every moment of his motoring irrespective of the traffic” and reported the car’s behaviour on corners was extremely stable though potholes like those caused by recessed manhole covers proved very heavy going for the springing.
The Grey Lady was produced between 1953 and 1955 with 757 models being built.
