The Alvis Three Litre TA 21 is a luxury car that Alvis produced between 1950 and 1953. It was announced at the opening of the Geneva Motor Show on 16 March 1950. Its new 2,993 cc engine was the first appearance of the unit that would power Alvis cars until the maker withdrew from passenger car production in 1967.
Alvis TA 21 at a glance
| Production | 1950–1953; announced 16 March 1950 |
|---|---|
| Bodies | four-door Mulliners saloon and Tickford drophead coupé (302 dropheads made) |
| Engine | 2,993 cc six-cylinder, 83 bhp (62 kW), single Solex carburettor, compression 7.0:1 |
| Front suspension | independent, coil springs |
| Brakes | Lockheed hydraulic 11 in drums, a first for Alvis |
| Top speed (The Motor, 1952) | 88.7 mph (142.7 km/h) |
| 0–60 mph | 15.5 seconds |
| Fuel consumption | 19.5 mpg (imperial) |
| Test car price | £1,945 including taxes |
This page is based on English Wikipedia only, so the figures could not be cross-checked against a second source.
History of the Alvis TA 21
The new three-litre engine had equal bore and stroke for flexibility in top gear, and independent front suspension with coil springs replaced transverse leaf springs. The free-standing headlamps became semi-recessed and the rear wheels gained aprons.
The centre section of the body was carried over from the TA 14 with minor changes, but the engine and luggage compartments were new and accounted for the extra length. The front doors remained rear hinged and the wooden dashboard carried over; seats and trim were leather. The engine unusually had timing gears at the rear of the block and a seven-bearing crankshaft for smoothness.
When branded petrol returned in 1953 and higher-octane fuel became available, the compression ratio could be raised, and output was progressively increased to 150 bhp with triple SU carburettors in 1965.
Design and features
- Engine: new 3-litre six that stayed in production until 1967.
- Brakes: the first Lockheed hydraulic system on an Alvis.
- Interior: leather seats, separate front seats and a rear bench with a fold-down armrest.
Alvis TA 21 versions
- Saloon by Mulliners.
- Drophead coupé by Tickford: 302 made.
More Alvis cars are in our Alvis collection, for example the TA 14 before it and the TC 21 after it.
Alvis TA 21 questions and answers
What engine did the TA 21 have?
A new 2,993 cc six with 83 bhp.
How fast was it?
A 1952 test by The Motor gave 88.7 mph and 0–60 mph in 15.5 seconds.
How many dropheads were built?
302.
Sources
- Alvis TA 21, English Wikipedia: history and specifications
