The Alvis Owner Club Stand this year supports the Show’s theme “Heroes” by featuring two of the cars of Douglas Bader. The show runs from November 11 – 13 (Friday-Sunday) http://www.necclassicmotorshow.com
Bader lost his legs in 1931 then rejoined the air force in October 1939 and was declared fit to fly in February 1940 after war had broken out.
In August 1941 he was shot down in France and was a prisoner of war in Germany where he escaped and recaptured and then transferred to Colditz. This story was documented by military historian Mark Felton in a book called “Zero Night”
Douglas Bader started owning Alvis Cars with a 1954 TC21/100 Drop Head Coupe (DHC), the “Grey Lady” with Manumatic transmission.
Next were two TD21 dropheads before moving on to his final TE21 DHC which is also on show.
Douglas Bader was not shy of adventure, so the fact that he stuck with Alvis cars until well after the end of their production, is testimony to their quality and performance.
He was also a member of the AOC and appeared at the 1972 National Alvis Day at Crystal Palace where he led the cavalcade with J.J. Parkes, who was Chairman and Managing Director of Alvis Limited from 1946 to 1973.
For more Bader photos click on Bader
Also on show – a 1958 Graber TC108G first owned by Madame Ceppi of Leon Frésard S.A. of Bossecourt in Switzerland who made presentation boxes for watches. She part-exchanged it for a Graber TF21 in 1966.
The display includes two Speed 20s, a Charlesworth drophead and a Vanden Plas 2-door saloon.
NEC photos by Paddy Steel
Alvis Archive 
That stand looks very professional these days. Well-done chaps!
Great to see the Tc 21/100 on the Alvis stand I owned that car for many years Sold it last year
Is it possible to post the photo,s of the Bader Alvis to me as I was the owner of the TC21/100 until last year I restored this car for my daughter ,s wedding It means a lot to see it on show at this time Many thanks Tommy mc Kenna.
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