Alvis TD 21

Alvis TD 21
Manufacturer Alvis Cars
Production 1958–1963
1070 produced[1]
Predecessor Alvis TC 108G
Successor Alvis TE 21
Body style 2 door saloon, Drophead coupé
Layout FR layout
Engine Alvis 3.0 L Straight-6
Transmission 4 speed manual, automatic
Wheelbase 111.5 in (2,832 mm)[2]
Length 188.5 in (4,788 mm)[2]
Width 66 in (1,676 mm)[2]
Height 57 in (1,448 mm)[3]

The Alvis TD21 was a British sporting car made by Alvis cars between 1958 and 1963. It was an updated version of the TC 108G with body construction by Park Ward who were better able to supply them to the quantity, quality and price required. They were slightly taller and a drophead coupé was added to the range.

The 2993 cc engine was again uprated, now producing 115 bhp (86 kW)[1] mainly by an improved cylinder head and increasing the compression ration from 8.0:1 to 8.5:1. A new four speed gearbox from the Austin-Healey appeared and Borg Warner three speed automatic transmission was offered. Overdrive was available on the manual transmission from late 1960 to 1962. Suspension was similar to the TC 21, independent at the front using coil springs with leaf springs at the rear but the track was increased by 1 in (25 mm) to 55.5 in (1,410 mm)[2] and a front anti roll bar added. Wire spoked wheels became an option. From 1959 the all drum brake set up was changed to discs at the front retaining drums at the rear.

A car with manual transmission was tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1960 and had a top speed of 103 mph (166 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 13.5 seconds. A fuel consumption of 20.2 miles per imperial gallon (14.0 L/100 km; 16.8 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car cost £2827 including taxes. [3]

Series II

In January 1962 the car was upgraded to the TD 21 Series II with four wheel disc brakes and in October that year a five speed manual ZF gearbox. The previously stand alone fog lamps were built into the front of the car.

References

  1. ^ a b Robson, Graham (2006). A-Z British Cars 1945-1980. Devon, UK: Herridge & Sons. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3. 
  2. ^ a b c d Culshaw; Horrobin (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2. 
  3. ^ a b "The Alvis 3-litre Saloon". The Motor. February 3 1960. 

Further reading