Alvis TA21
ENGINE 2993cc/6-cyl/OHV POWER 93bhp@4000rpm TORQUE 147lb ft@2000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 83mph 0-60MPH 17sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 14-20mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 21,153 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
It starts easily and drives well, with a good, supple ride thanks to recently replaced rear springs. It’s swifter than you might expect, but Alvises are sporting cars and this is lighter than its bulky looks would suggest, at less than 1500kg. The steering is slop-free and the brakes are smooth; the all-drum system pulls up straight despite fairly long pedal travel and the handbrake holds well. Oil pressure is 50psi on the move, with temperature at 75 degrees; both readings may be considered normal.
BODYWORK CHECK
Having the air of a very original car that’s been gently refurbished over its life rather than undergoing a large and comprehensive restoration all in one go, it was last re-painted in its original colour during a body restoration by VRV Automobiles in Bognor Regis in 1999. It’s holding up well, with good door fit, the only flaws being a small rust star on the left rear wheel spat and a little road rash around the front of the same arch – the right side is much better. There’s one small chip in the right side of the boot opening. The chrome was re-done at the same time and is still good, apart from a couple of ripples and dings in the front bumper. The tyres are Vredesteins with plenty of tread.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
All still good. The rear seat leather looks almost unused, the driver’s side front being the most heavily worn – it’s shiny, creased and baggy. The carpets, with leather edging to match the seats, don’t look very old but the driver’s heel pad is already splitting. The door trims are very good, the timber not quite so much – the door cappings are slightly delaminating on both sides and the glovebox lid has a couple of cracks, but the dash itself is in good condition. The vinyl hood is good and may be the original; it’s straightforward to stow, using the hood bag.
UNDER THE BONNET
The motor is a bit less than concours, but it’s functional, with a fairly recent (modern-looking) battery and a newish fabricated exhaust from the cast manifold down. The current vendor offering it also sold the car in 2002 and it was also serviced with them from 2009-11 when its last owner bought it. Red Triangle started looking after it again in June 2019, when about £8000 was spent on work including fitment of new rear springs. It received a replacement unleaded-compatible cylinder head in 2010, then a new camshaft and another replacement ‘head in 2015.
THE CCW VIEW
This Tickford-bodied drophead, one of 302 convertibles out of 1316s TA21s built in total, was highly optioned when new and retains a lot of those nice original details such as the seat belts and HMV push-button radio. It will have new fluids and a service before being sold on again. Although priced slightly above other comparable cars on the market, it is well specified and you are effectively buying from the factory, after all.