Alvis TE21/TF21/TF21 vs Bentley S1/S2

[Olivero]

My next car will be either a Alvis TE21/TF21/TF21 or a Bentley S1/S2.
Ignoring purchase cost, what would you chose?
Driving comfort and (relative) ease of maintance are my main considerations.

[SS427 Camaro]

Alvis will be more practical, easier to work on & drive, park, store etc, BUT, for me it would just have to be an S.3 Bentley….

[niva441]

Seem like a terrible conundrum you've got yourself into. I have been thinking about an Alvis as a Jaguar alternative, not as dynamic, but with good parts supply from Red Triangle. I think they are quite different in the way they do things, so for me I'd be forcing myself to sit in and try them. Then decide which best suits your preference for driving characteristics and driving position.

[bish_345]

I have both a TD21 DHC and a S2.
I find both comfortable to drive.
One key difference in the driving experience will be the gearbox. Almost all Bentley S1/S2 are automatic, whereas the majority of the Alvises will be manual. I find I drive the Alvis in a more spirited manner than the Bentley because it is manual, but all things are relative - they are both 60 -70 years old so are rather sedate by modern standards.
There are more Bentley specialists than Alvis specialists when it comes to looking after the car so that may be an issue depending on where in the country you are located. Both are fairly expensive to maintain, especially if you have any bodywork issues.
If you want a convertible, the Alvis is going to be much much cheaper than a Bentley.
The Bentley will be at least 2 feet longer so, as mentioned, when it comes to parking/garaging etc, that may be an issue.
Other than that, test drive both and see which you prefer. You may find you end up like me - unable to decide!

[Philip0]

An Alvis TD/E/F21 will probably be better value for money and is very similar quality to a Bentley, if not better (engine and gearbox are arguably superior in the Alvis). The 3-litre engine is solid and very reliable. I d also argue that the Alvis is more usable: still a full 4-seater but much smaller overall than a Bentley. I was advised to buy the best quality you can afford and try to keep it in that condition , which again would lead me to an Alvis. There are many ropey examples of both marques out there at lower prices.

Edited by Philip0 on Tuesday 8th September 13:23

[Olivero]

Thank you for the replies, they have helped to make a decision.

I love that Alvis is still somewhat active and there is a passion to keep the cars going, including the recreations at Red Triangle.
While I love the pared back styling, shorted length, and relative lack of brand of a Alvis, a Bentley makes more sense for long term ownership.
There are simply more cars to chose from, including donor cars. And Flying Spares has a very healthy catalog if needed.

Now time to find the right car!

[williamp]

Dont fancy a Lagonda Rapide then??

[larrylamb11]

If you've settled on the Bentley, it would be worth seeking out one with power steering. The non PAS version is delightful underway, but a bit of a wrestle at parking speeds. Power steering better complements the civility of the rest of the driving experience.
Timelessly handsome cars and spectacularly comfortable in the rear (though slightly less so in the front). The suspension is relatively archaic and you can feel the live axle, but it's all fairly effortless - no small achievement for a car of that vintage. Carefully check all the heating and HVAC is working as intended (it's vacuum operated) and check the brakes, which are a combination of hydraulic and mechanical. Mechanical (i.e. rod operated to rear only) at low speed, servo operated (off the gearbox) hydraulic when underway. In operational order, the brakes are excellent but because the hydraulics only work when the car is actually driven they often have issues.