1964 Alvis TE21 Series III

The British automobile manufacturer Alvis became synonymous with craftsmanship and performance, and its final models were no exception. As production of the three-liter cars ended in 1954, the company's future was in question until Swiss coachbuilder, Graber, saved the day. In the post-World War II era, Graber had been successfully clothing Alvis chassis with their own elegant and modern designs.

The Alvis Motor Company was founded in 1919 and specialized in sports saloon creation. Its traditionally styled and well-built Grey Lady model was capable of over 100 mph. Using the Grey Lady chassis, Graber created an attractive two-door, pillarless coupé body style with comfortable seating for up to four people Their designs were reproduced by English coachbuilders, Park Ward, who produced both drophead and fixedhead versions. With Rolls-Royce's quality and craftsmanship, the new Alvis quickly gained an up-market following.

Loughborough coachbuilder, Willowbrook, built the first Graber-licensed model, the TC108G. Due to its expense, just 17 examples were sold during the next three years, with production ending in 1957. Alvis had purchased the Graber rights two years earlier, struck a deal with Park Ward to build the cars at a more reasonable cost. The model that followed was the new TD21, announced in October 1958 and featured a strengthened chassis, increased interior space, and elegant styling. A Series II version arrived in 1962 with four-wheel disc brakes and a five-speed ZF gearbox. The Series III version was introduced in 1964, otherwise known as the TE21.

The Alvis TE21 was powered by a 2,993cc engine producing 130 horsepower. This engine had first been used in the 1950 TA21; the version powering the TE21 had a modified cylinder head and manifold and was paired with a choice of automatic or five-speed gearbox made by ZF. The suspension was independent at the front with coil springs, while the rear used leaf springs. Disc brakes at all four corners were standard and the steering was by a recirculating-ball-type unit. Power steering became optional near the close of 1964.

The TE21 had a 111.5-inch wheelbase chassis with an overall length of 189 inches and a width of 66 inches. Alvis had used this chassis for many years, dating back to the Three Litre (TA21) of 1950.

Just 352 TE21 models were produced in total including 95 cabriolets.

The Alvis TE21 was replaced by the Three Litre Series IV TF21 in 1966. Its styling was identical to the TE21, with updates confined primarily to the suspension and the interior instrumentation cluster. Power had increased to 150 bhp from the 2993cc unit, first used in the 1950 TA21, thanks to triple SU carburetors. Again, an automatic or five-speed gearbox was available. Production of the TF21 lasted from 1966 to 1967 with 106 examples built.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2022