Alvis TA 21

Alvis TA 21 represents the intersection of heritage, craftsmanship, and aspiration that defines true luxury. The Alvis Three Litre TA 21, is an automobile which was produced by Alvis Cars between 1950 and 1953

Heritage and Origins

The Alvis Three Litre TA 21, is an automobile which was produced by Alvis Cars between 1950 and 1953. It was announced to the British public the day it went on display at the opening of the Geneva Motor Show 16 March 1950. Reports noted that the larger new three-litre engine was “square” to provide flexibility in top gear and though the front suspension was once again independent it now used coil springs in place of Alvis’s previous transverse leaf system. In external appearance the headlamps were now semi-recessed and there were aprons over the rear wheels.

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 a fold- down centre armrest. Leather trim wa

Defining Characteristics

Three litre engine The 2993 cc engine was new and produced 83 bhp (62 kW) fitted with a single Solex carburettor and a compression ratio of 7.0:1. Unusually, the engine incorporated timing gears at the rear of the cylinder block and a 7-bearing crank to increase smoothness. This was the first appearance of the engine that would power Alvis cars until the manufacturer withdrew from passenger car production in 1967, although modifications, when branded petrol returned to the market and higher octane fuels became available including increased compression ratios, would enable the power output to be progressively raised after 1953 until, fed by three SU carburetters, it reached 150 bhp (110 kW) in 1965.

Chassis Suspension was independent at the front using coil springs with leaf springs at the rear. 11 in (279 mm) drum brakes using a Lockheed system were used, the first use of hydraulic operation by Alvis.

Insider Insight: 7 mph (142.

The Best in Class

Test A saloon version tested by The Motor magazine in 1952 had a top speed of 88.7 mph (142.7 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 15.5 seconds. A fuel consumption of 19.5 miles per imperial gallon (14.5 L/100 km; 16.2 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £1945 including taxes.

Further reading Clarke, RM (1989). Alvis gold portfolio 1919–1967. Cobham, Surrey, England: Brooklands Books. ISBN 978-1-870642-84-2. Culshaw, D (2003). Alvis three litre in detail: TA21 to TF21 1950-67. Beaworthy, Devon, England: Herridge and Sons Ltd. ISBN 978-0-9541063-2-4.

Experiencing It

Alvis TA 21 has been the subject of considerable study and documentation. The Alvis Three Litre TA 21, is an automobile which was produced by Alvis Cars between 1950 and 1953. It was announced to the British public the day it went on display at the opening of the Geneva Motor Show 16 March 1950.

Final Thoughts

True luxury is rarely about acquisition alone. Alvis TA 21 represents a deeper engagement with excellence — a recognition that the finest things in life reward sustained attention, expertise, and discernment. For those who appreciate this perspective, it remains an endlessly fascinating subject.