Details of Cars

Alvis TE 21 (Three Litre Series III), 1963–1966

ALVIS

Alvis TE 21 Graber Super Coupé of 1964
Alvis TE 21 Graber Super Coupé (1964). Photo by Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

The Alvis Three Litre Series III, also known as the TE 21, is a luxury saloon or drophead coupé produced by Alvis between 1963 and 1966, with a body built by Mulliner Park Ward. It was an updated version of the 1958 TD 21.

Alvis TE 21 at a glance

Alvis TE 21 key specifications
Production 1963–1966; special order until 1967
Body Mulliner Park Ward saloon and drophead coupé
Engine 2,993 cc six-cylinder, 130 bhp (97 kW) at 4,000 rpm, compression 8.5:1
Gearbox ZF five-speed or automatic
Brakes discs on all wheels
Top speed 107 mph (172 km/h)
Length / width / height 4.788 m / 1.676 m / 1.524 m
Wheelbase 2.832 m
Weight about 1,315 kg

This page is based on English Wikipedia only, so the figures could not be cross-checked against a second source.

History of the Alvis TE 21

The body was a modified version of the TC 108G designed by Graber of Switzerland but built by Mulliner Park Ward, and was distinguished by twin headlights mounted one above the other. It was noted for its lack of bright side trim and of creases moulded into the body parts, and it had a one-piece curved windscreen that was not too highly sloped.

Alvis TE 21 fixed head coupé of 1964
Alvis TE 21 fixed head coupé (1964). Photo by Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

The engine, first used in the 1950 TA 21, received a modified cylinder head and manifold that raised power to 130 bhp. Recirculating-ball steering was fitted to reduce effort, and power steering became optional in late 1964. The TF 21 replaced the car in 1966, but the TE 21 remained in stock and available to special order until 1967.

Design and features

  • Headlights: twin lamps mounted one above the other.
  • Brakes: discs on all four wheels.
  • Steering: recirculating ball, with optional power assistance from late 1964.

Alvis TE 21 versions

  • Saloon and drophead coupé by Mulliner Park Ward.

More Alvis cars are in our Alvis collection, for example the TD 21 before it and the TF 21 after it.

Alvis TE 21 questions and answers

What is the TE 21?

The Series III of the Alvis Three Litre, built from 1963 to 1966.

How much power does it have?

130 bhp, for a top speed of 107 mph.

What replaced it?

The TF 21 in 1966.

Sources

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