Alvis was founded by Thomas George John and G.P. de Freville. The first cars built under the Alvis name were manufactured in 1920, and the last Alvis (sports) cars came out of the factory in Coventry 47 years later. The ending of the brand name Alvis was sealed when it was incorporated into the British Leyland concern, where it became part of Rover.

The Alvis cars were of great quality and workmanship and were very fast as well. As for their cars, many parts were designed and manufactured by Alvis’ own staff, and production was small-scaled and exclusive.

In the 1920s, Alvis was the first British car model to experiment with four-wheel drive. In fact, in 1925, they even manufactured sports and racing cars equipped with front-wheel drive, which had also been fitted with an overhead camshaft.

The Alvis TA 21 and TC 21 were built between 1950 and 1955. The Drop Head Coupe versions of these models are very rare, 302 TA 21 DHC's have been built and only 224 TC 21 DHC's, all with Tickford bodywork. 
The Alvis TA 21 and TC 21 models succeeded the Alvis TA 14 which was powered by a four cylinder engine. The TA 21 and TC 21 were fitted with a six cylinder engine which featured a crankshaft with seven main bearings (very durable!) and a cylinder capacity of 2993 cc. The suspension was also improved, the cars had an independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes.

Technical data

Six cylinder in-line engine
Carburettors: 2 x S.U.
Cylinder capacity: 2993 cc.
Capacity: 100 bhp. at 4000 rpm.
Top-speed: 100 mph. - 160 km/h.
Gearbox: 4 speed, manual
Brakes: hydraulic drum brakes all round 
Weight: 1400 kg.

Sales information

Alvis TA 21 Tickford DHC, year 1953. Colour dark red with a dark red leather interior. Black hood and hood cover.
This right hand drive (RHD) TA 21 features the more powerful TC 21/100 (100 bhp.) six cylinder in-line engine.

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