1959 Alvis TD21 Graber Special Fixed-Head Coupe
Presentation
This 1959 Alvis TD21 is a fixed-head coupe produced by Graber Carosserie in Wichtrach, Switzerland. One of 785 Series I models produced, the car is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six paired with a four-speed manual transmission and is finished with Metallic Beige paintwork and fawn leather upholstery. This example has had two long-term Swiss owners, with the most recent having purchased the car in 2007. Restoration and maintenance since that time exceeded 100k CHF. The car is equipped with wire-spoke knockoffs, a Blaupunkt radio, dual SU carburetors, and front disc brakes. This TD21 Series I coupe is now offered on dealer consignment in Switzerland with records and Swiss registration.
Some 785 Series I models were produced by Alvis with coachwork by Park Ward in either Saloon or Drophead Coupe configuration, with a limited number outsourced to Graber Carosserie in Wichtrach, Switzerland. There, special fixed-head coupe bodywork was constructed.
This example was stripped between 2010 and 2011 and refinished in its original shade of Metallic Beige (P509) per the seller. Metal repairs are detailed in the gallery.
Smiths instrumentation is set in a burl-wood panel, and the driver is provided a banjo steering wheel. The five-digit odometer shows 47k kilometers (~29k miles).
Smiths instrumentation is set in a burl-wood panel, and the driver is provided a banjo steering wheel. The five-digit odometer shows 47k kilometers (~29k miles).
European-specification lighting has been retained, and the condition of the chrome and paintwork is displayed in the gallery. Wire-spoke 15″ knockoff wheels are wrapped in Michelin tires. Very early cars retained the TC21/100 engine and rear drum brakes. The brake hoses were replaced in 2021.
The cabin features seats upholstered in Fawn leather upholstery that has visible wear. A Blaupunkt radio is installed in the body-color dashboard, and the color-coordinated carpeting was fitted in 2012.
The cabin features seats upholstered in Fawn leather upholstery that has visible wear. A Blaupunkt radio is installed in the body-color dashboard, and the color-coordinated carpeting was fitted in 2012.
The 3.0-liter inline-six features twin SU carburetors, which were adjusted in September 2025. The spark plugs were replaced at the same time. The engine and mechanicals were rebuilt as part of the 2011 restoration work, which included honing the cylinders, decking the head, and replacing the valves and guides. The rear carburetor was repaired, and the ignition components were replaced in 2025.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission that was also rebuilt in 2011.
Chassis number 26080 is shown above. The Swiss registration acts as proof of ownership.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission that was also rebuilt in 2011.
Chassis number 26080 is shown above. The Swiss registration acts as proof of ownership.
Bids & Comments
rglinnett
Jul 20, 2026 · 20:03
I told my brother-in-law, last name Graber, that he needed to own this car. I think it is one of the most beautiful era Coupe ever made, given my lust for a Facel Vega (similar front grills) It is a Pebble Beach auction piece that would bring nearly $500K
Stevewax
Jul 20, 2026 · 19:53
I definitely have heard of Alvis motor cars. I have a 1951 Alvis TA 21 bought in the UK from California. Having it inspected and then shipped here cost about half the price of the car. But I love it and I’m working on it and learning more and more about Alvis lore. Very proud that my car came off the line right after Marianne Faithful’s Alvis.
Vintageant
Jul 20, 2026 · 19:48
How many true car buffs in the USA have ever heard of Alvis?
billyblyth
Jul 20, 2026 · 19:46
@rglinnett
@Tom_R.
@Springbok12
@gh356
Gents, do check out the Alvis website I posted below. This hand made continuation model sells for just South of half a million dollars American. And a real one can't pop $40 grand? Silly.
@Tom_R.
@Springbok12
@gh356
Gents, do check out the Alvis website I posted below. This hand made continuation model sells for just South of half a million dollars American. And a real one can't pop $40 grand? Silly.
jofish50
Jul 20, 2026 · 19:41
You guys have no idea what you just missed! John (TF 21 owner and son of Alvis engineer from 1959 to 1962)
rglinnett
Jul 20, 2026 · 19:28
The big issue was the fees and import duties, transportation to the US. It's a 50% adder to the bid price. With all that and the logistics of getting independent eyes on the car and hoping nothing goes wrong between Switzerland and stateside... LOVE the car.
PNygaard
Jul 20, 2026 · 19:27
Personally I like this better than the drophead that sold for $70+k on here. Just don't have that kind of cash for this classic right now.
gh356
Jul 20, 2026 · 19:15
No surprise about the RNM. Sadly, the generation that most appreciates automotive masterpieces like this are fading away.
Springbok12
Jul 20, 2026 · 19:13
And the trunk latch.
gh356
Jul 20, 2026 · 19:12
Its really all about those fins!
gh356
Bid
Jul 20, 2026 · 19:12
Bid in the amount of $37,000
AdamGilchrist
Bid
Jul 20, 2026 · 19:11
Bid in the amount of $36,500
gh356
Bid
Jul 20, 2026 · 19:10
Bid in the amount of $36,000
AdamGilchrist
Bid
Jul 20, 2026 · 19:05
Bid in the amount of $35,250
billyblyth
Jul 20, 2026 · 19:04
At this price, it's probably not going anywhere. Better giddy up! GLWTA!
Kyalami42
Bid
Jul 20, 2026 · 19:03
Bid in the amount of $34,750
jofish50
Jul 20, 2026 · 18:56
450 K $
jofish50
Jul 20, 2026 · 18:56
A new Red Triangle Graber will cost $450 !!
swb911s
Jul 20, 2026 · 18:48
Alvis cars are mentioned more than once in LeCarrie spy novels as the epitome of British engineering... beautiful car , should do well here....GLWA
BrgBerns
Jul 20, 2026 · 17:22
Really pretty car. GLWTA
Type44
Jul 19, 2026 · 11:42
GlenK: the heart wants what it wants, but I will tell you that I was also a skeptic about the styling of late Alvises. I encountered a Graber bodied convertible, IIRC, and it changed my mind. They have an arresting presence in person. The details and proportions work fine IRL.
spencer
Jul 19, 2026 · 04:19
In German parts books for BMWs, back when at least, suspension was referred to as "Landing Gear".
billyblyth
Jul 18, 2026 · 23:41
I didn't realize when I just posted the link to the Alvis continuation car website that this very model can be had new with the series. Must be a new add. It is insanely expensive and the good news is you can have this one for quite a bit less and own an original! GLWTA!
PNygaard
Jul 18, 2026 · 23:20
Dream car. Okay I dream different...
billyblyth
Jul 18, 2026 · 23:09
These Alvis cars are very high quality hand made vehicles. Graber bodies among the very best. The Alvis tradition actually continues today. See the link to the continuation series Alvis cars below
https://thealviscarcompany.co.uk/
https://thealviscarcompany.co.uk/
AdamGilchrist
Bid
Jul 18, 2026 · 17:56
Bid in the amount of $34,500
finecarsgmbh (The Seller)
Jul 18, 2026 · 13:20
Good morning everybody, it’s seven o‘clock in Switzerland. Our company is not required to pay VAT. There are therefore neither surcharges nor deductions on the purchase price.
morgane-foster
Bid
Jul 18, 2026 · 08:13
Bid in the amount of $32,000
finecarsgmbh (The Seller)
Jul 18, 2026 · 06:53
Yes, the gearbox and overdrive are in fine order and the gears change precise
AdamGilchrist
Bid
Jul 18, 2026 · 04:35
Bid in the amount of $30,000
K29b
Jul 18, 2026 · 04:30
Can your dealership offer point of sale VAT exemption for a buyer who is a US resident ?
Samino
Bid
Jul 18, 2026 · 03:25
Bid in the amount of $17,750
JohnnyE
Jul 17, 2026 · 23:52
Does the gearbox shift correctly in all gears?
morgane-foster
Bid
Jul 17, 2026 · 23:23
Bid in the amount of $15,000
drazelt
Bid
Jul 17, 2026 · 16:46
Bid in the amount of $12,250
DaveD
Jul 17, 2026 · 11:04
Wonderful cars, these, Slotted above Jaguar and below Aston Martin, with an exclusivity that was part of their charm.
finecarsgmbh (The Seller)
Jul 17, 2026 · 04:07
In 2020, the Pantheon in Basel organised an exhibition featuring vehicles with bodywork by Hermann Graber. To mark this exhibition, a booklet was published listing all the Alvis Graber chassis numbers.
bernd.reichert
Jul 16, 2026 · 09:52
In David Culshaws book is a list of all chassis numbers and where they were registered. Cars without UK registration are most likely LHD. There is also a list of Graber cars by Alvis chassis numbers and Graber body numbers, aka „Kommissionsnummer“. 3 digits somewhere 6xx - 7xx.
bernd.reichert
Jul 16, 2026 · 09:41
David Culshaw, Alvis Three Litre In Detail: TA21 to TF21 1950-67 also covers the Graber Cars.
buellwinkle
Jul 15, 2026 · 18:56
Classic tasteful design, beautiful from any angle. Best wishes to the new owners they will have a wonderful car to enjoy ! ! !! Like No Other ! !!
Maverick99
Jul 15, 2026 · 12:36
Beautiful and Elegant! And as one of the spies in the movie Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy proclaimed, The Alvis is the best car ever made! Fabulous color!!
mr_smee
Jul 15, 2026 · 12:26
What a beauty. Elegant styling with endless details to delight the eye.
finecarsgmbh (The Seller)
Jul 15, 2026 · 10:43
Hello “Springbok12”
Many thanks for the background story on Alvis and the explanation of the influence that the Swiss coachbuilder Hermann Graber had on Alvis’s sports car range. Just a small addition to that: in 1959, Graber built 11 bodies on the TD21 chassis, which underlines the rarity of the car.
And to answer “ajackson”’s question, yes, the Alvis is registered as a "Veteran" in Switzerland.
Many thanks for the background story on Alvis and the explanation of the influence that the Swiss coachbuilder Hermann Graber had on Alvis’s sports car range. Just a small addition to that: in 1959, Graber built 11 bodies on the TD21 chassis, which underlines the rarity of the car.
And to answer “ajackson”’s question, yes, the Alvis is registered as a "Veteran" in Switzerland.
GlenK
Jul 15, 2026 · 09:31
I am sure this is a wonderful car to drive, but the styling is just not connecting with me. The front I can live with, the the higher roof and rear end styling. But as my grandmother use to repeat, "to each his own".
debouverie
Bid
Jul 15, 2026 · 03:49
Bid in the amount of $12,000
ajackson
Jul 15, 2026 · 03:42
Does the car have Veteran status on the reg. document please?
Tom_R.
Jul 14, 2026 · 21:43
These cars are immeasurably special and simply a joy to behold, touch, and drive. Everything you encounter speaks volumes of the care, skill, and attention to detail that went into making it.
When you drive one, nobody knows what it is, but they can all tell how special it is at a glance, and they all want to know more.
The winning bidder should undoubtedly fly in to Switzerland to pick this beautiful car up and drive it through the mountains to Lugano, then back across Switzerland and up to the Netherlands to drop for containerized shipping back to the US, or easier still, drive it home for European buyers.
@Architraz - true, but these Graber cars are indeed very very rare. I'll try to dig out my documentation and post numbers.
When you drive one, nobody knows what it is, but they can all tell how special it is at a glance, and they all want to know more.
The winning bidder should undoubtedly fly in to Switzerland to pick this beautiful car up and drive it through the mountains to Lugano, then back across Switzerland and up to the Netherlands to drop for containerized shipping back to the US, or easier still, drive it home for European buyers.
@Architraz - true, but these Graber cars are indeed very very rare. I'll try to dig out my documentation and post numbers.
architraz
Jul 14, 2026 · 20:18
Beautiful
However, aren’t all cars no longer in production one of a longed number produced???
However, aren’t all cars no longer in production one of a longed number produced???
ekmcmullen
Bid
Jul 14, 2026 · 20:14
Bid in the amount of $10,000
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The uncertainty and added cost of shipping from Europe has punished the cross-Atlantic classic car market.
The continuation models are incredible although very few have been built. They use a surprising number of original old stock parts -- modernized with fuel injection, safety features and electronics (thankfully not screens!). They are not federalized so cannot be imported to the States for another 25 years.
Two years ago there was a restored Willowbrook TC 108G for sale in the Netherlands for 90,000 euro -- about $100,000. It had the advantage of condition over this one, but this is still in very nice condition and is a true Hermann Graber built car.