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2014 Shannons Melbourne Late Summer Classic Auction
Lot
13

1951 Alvis TA21 Saloon

PASSED IN

Passed In

Specifications

Engine In-line six-cylinder, 2993cc
Gearbox 4-speed manual with overdrive
Body Work Saloon
Colour Burgundy & Silver
Interior Burgundy
Trim Velour/Leather
Wheels Steel disc
Brakes Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

Alvis, founded by TG John in Coventry in 1919, were highly regarded for their well-engineered automobiles that successfully married high performance and luxury until the demise of the car divison in 1967 - although production of military vehicles continues to the present day. The TA21 signalled the arrival of Alvis' new 3-litre six-cylinder engine and was announced at the Geneva Salon in March 1951. The car was sold in either saloon or drophead coupe form with coachwork by Mulliners and Tickford respectively. The TA21 was entirely new under the skin, with a box section chassis, independent front suspension by coil springs and wishbones, Girling hydraulic brakes and the smooth six-cylinder engine was capable of propelling the model to a top speed of 90 mph. In total 1,316 TA21s were built, nine of them featuring coachwork by the Swiss Carrosserie Graber, before being replaced by the TC21 late in 1952. In Alvis' own brochure for the Three Litre, The Motor for January 16, 1952 was quoted with the following endorsement ?? one of the most truly 'sports' saloons we have been privileged to drive in recent years?. The company's own slogan, ?Master of the King's Highway?, sums up how the Alvis was regarded in its heyday and they remain a coveted marque today with a strong presence in Australia.