Engineer T G John founded the Alvis company in 1919 when he acquired the rights to an automobile engine, and with it the brand name of its aluminium pistons - Alvis.

Manufactured by T G John Ltd, the first Alvis - the 10/30hp - appeared in 1920 and the subsequent 12/50 succeeded in establishing the firm's reputation as builder of fine sporting cars.

More luxurious models were developed during the 1930s, though always of a sporting inclination, but in the immediately post-war years the range might best be described as worthy but unexciting.

In 1955 the first production Alvis styled by Swiss carrossier Graber appeared, bringing a much-needed injection of Continental style and modernity to the Coventry manufacturer's range.

Introduced for 1959, the Park Ward-built TD21 replaced that first Graber-styled coupé, the TC108G.

The latter's torquey, 3-litre, overhead-valve six was retained in up-rated form, and now came with 120bhp courtesy of a redesigned cylinder head.

Inside there were ...