Alvis TE 21 explained

Alvis Three Litre Series III
TE 21
Manufacturer:Alvis Cars
Production:1963 - 1966
352 produced[1]
Predecessor:Three Litre series II
Successor:Three Litre series IV
Related:Chassis continued to be sold to Graber Switzerland for Graber's own bodies
Length:189 inches (4800 mm)[2]
Wheelbase:111.5 inches (2832 mm)
Width:66 inches (1676 mm)
Weight:3250lb (approx)
Body Style:2 door saloon
2 door drophead
Engine:Alvis 3.0 L Straight-6
Layout:FR layout

The Alvis Three Litre Series III sports saloon or drophead coupé, also known as TE 21, is an automobile produced by English manufacturer Alvis between 1963 and 1966 with a body built by Mulliner Park Ward. It was an updated version of the 1958 TD21.

Description

The body was a modified version of the TC 108G styled by Graber of Switzerland but built by Mulliner Park Ward and distinguished by having twin headlights mounted one above the other. Saloon and drophead versions were available. The design was noted for its lack of bright side trim or creases moulded into the body parts. The windshield was one-piece, curved, and not too highly sloped.

The 2993 cc engine, first used in the 1950 TA 21, received a modified cylinder head and manifold which increased power to 1300NaN0 at 4000 rpm giving the car a top speed of 1070NaN0.[3] A choice of automatic or five speed gearbox made by ZF was available. Suspension was independent at the front using coil springs, with leaf springs at the rear. Disc brakes were fitted to all wheels.

Recirculating-ball-type steering gear was fitted to reduce effort and power steering became optional in late 1964.[3]

Although the car was replaced by the TF 21 in 1966, the TE 21 was still in stock and "available to special order" until 1967.[3]

Specifications (1966 Model 3-litre Series III Saloon)

EngineEngine: six-cylinder, 2993 cc, 8.5 compression ratio, rated at 1300NaN0. Maximum speed: over 100mph

Chassis/bodyOverall length: 15.708 ft (4.788 m)
Overall width: 5.500 ft (1.676 m)
Height: 5.000 ft (1.524 m)
Turning circle: 39.000 ft (11.88 m)
Wheelbase: 9.292 ft (2.832 m)
Front track: 4.635 ft (1.413 m)
Rear track: 4.510 ft (1.375 m)
Fuel tank capacity: 14.30NaN0
Empty weight: 2,900 pounds (1315 kg) approximately[4]

Graber Switzerland

Carrosserie Hermann Graber continued to build their own bodies on the Alvis chassis.

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Book: Sedgwick, M. . A-Z of Cars of the 1930s. 1989 . Bay View Books . Devon, UK . 1-870979-38-9.
  2. Book: Manwaring, L. . Observer book of automobiles. 1965 . Frederick Warne . London, UK .
  3. Book: Robson, G. . A-Z of British Cars 1945-1980 . 2006 . Herridge . Devon, UK . 0-9541063-9-3 . registration .
  4. L. A. Manwaring, The Observer's Book of Automobiles (12th ed. 1966), Library of Congress catalog card 62-9807, p. 37