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Alvis TA 21 Saloon

Alvis TA 21 SaloonAlvis TA 21 SaloonAlvis TA 21 SaloonAlvis TA 21 SaloonAlvis TA 21 Saloon
Lot number 112
Hammer value £7,400
Description Alvis TA 21 Saloon
Registration FAS 911
Year 1950
Colour Burgundy/White
Engine size 2,993 cc
Chassis No. TA2124457
Engine No. TD26547

Better known simply as the Three Litre, the Alvis TA21 was launched in 1950 as the successor to the TA14 and was the company’s first all new post-war car. 

More modern and streamlined than its predecessor, it was also wider and longer with a stiffer chassis and considerably more power from an all-new six-cylinder engine. Other improvements included Lockheed hydraulic brakes and independent front suspension with coil springs and adjustable Luvax hydraulic dampers.

Coachwork was normally of the traditional four-door sports saloon type by Mulliners, although some cars were fitted with attractive drophead coupe coachwork by Tickford. Beautifully trimmed inside in the finest Alvis tradition, the accent was on luxury and refinement rather than all-out performance. Great pains were taken to ensure that the engine was as smooth and flexible as possible, with a seven-bearing crankshaft and minutely calculated cam profiles that took weeks to perfect.

A typically thoughtful touch to enhance quiet running was the addition of a small spring on each pushrod to keep it in constant contact with the rocker and transmit any mechanical chatter from the valve gear to the bottom of the pushrod where it was deadened within the block. Initially rated at 86bhp with a single Solex carb, the power output soon rose to 93bhp with the adoption of twin SU carbs, raising the top speed to very nearly 100mph.

So successful was this engine that it was to power all subsequent Alvis models until they ceased production in 1967, reaching its most powerful form in the 150bhp TF21 in 1966. The TA21 was itself replaced by the TC21 in 1953 after some 1,313 examples had been sold.

This particular TA21 Saloon dates from 1950 and has been in the current ownerhip since 2001. At some point it has been fitted with a later, more powerful TD21 engine generating some 120bhp. For the last 10 years the car has been in regular use as wedding transport and is said to have proved totally reliable throughout that time, completing several long journeys and being serviced every six months.

Looking most attractive in two-tone dark burgundy and white, it has a nicely patinated tan leather interior with a very smart dash and instruments and a new West of England cloth headlining. New tyres have also recently been fitted all round.

Said to drive very well and due to be driven some 150 miles to the sale, it is taxed until January 2014 and is of course, MOT exempt.

 

 

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