• One of only 349 TE21s built, of which only 95 were factory dropheads • Manual transmission • Restored in 2022 at a cost of some £32,000 • Good history file • In regular use and has covered 500 miles this summer.

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.

That all changed in 1955 when 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 at the 1958 Motor...