Alvis: TA 21
ALVIS 3-LITRE SALOON
In the pursuit of post-war car markets some forms of unorthodox styling were adopted by British manufacturers, mainly to give overseas purchasers that to which they were accustomed, but those designers who were content to modernise their cars on essentially British lines have been well rewarded.
One such case is that of the Alvis 3-Litre Saloon. It is a direct descendant of the famous pre-war '12/70' models, whose salient characteristics were reproduced in the first post-war Alvis car, the Fourteen. Although the seating plan and coachwork form of the latter can he traced in the new Saloon, the streamlined wings, with built-in headlamps, and the sweeping rear end give it a most attractive air of refined modernity.
There can he little doubt that this car will be sought by those who like to combine exceptional performance and good handling with a high standard of motor engineering and coach-building.
ENGINE. Type: 3-litre. Cylinders: 6. Bore X Stroke: 84 mm. X 90 mm. Compression ratio: 6.9 to 1. Maximum b.h.p.: 86 at 3,800 r.p.m. Rating: 26.25 h.p.
PERFORMANCE. Maximum speed: 85 m.p.h. Petrol consumption: 25 m.p.g. at 45 m.p.h.
DIMENSIONS. Length: 15 ft. 4.5 ins. Height: 5 ft. 3 ins. Width: 5 ft. 6 ins. Wheelbase: 9 ft. 3.5 ins. Track: 4 ft. 6.625 ins. (front); 4 ft. 6.125 ins (rear). Weight (dry): 3,190 lbs. Fuel capacity: 14.3 gallons. Tyre size: 6.00 X 15.
BRAKES. Lockheed Hydraulic.
sports saloon, drophead coupé
1,316 were made from 1950-1953
The Alvis TA 21, sometimes called the 3-Litre, was a sporting car produced by Alvis cars between 1950 and 1953. It was the first all new Alvis to be produced after World War II.
The car was available in four door Saloon and Tickford drophead versions. 302 dropheads were made. The centre section of the body was carried over from the earlier 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. Separate seats were fitted at the front and in the rear was a bench seat with fold down centre armrest. Leather trim was used. The saloon bodies were made for Alvis by Mulliners in Birmingham.
The 2,993 cc engine was new and produced 83 bhp fitted with a single Solex carburettor. Suspension was independent at the front using coil springs with leaf springs at the rear. 11 in drum brakes using a Lockheed system were used, the first use of hydraulic operation by Alvis.
A saloon version tested by The Motor magazine in 1952 had a top speed of 88.7 mph and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 15.5 seconds. A fuel consumption of 19.5 miles per imperial gallon was recorded. The test car cost £1,945 including taxes.
- Engine(s) Alvis 3.0 L Straight-6
- Wheelbase 111.5 ins.
- Length 182 ins.
- Width 66 ins.
- Height 62.5 ins.
See Also
Sources of Information
- [1] Wikipedia
- British Motor Cars 1950/51