Alvis TE 21
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2018}}
{{Infobox automobile
|name =Alvis Three Litre Series III
TE 21
|image =1963 Alvis TE21 7965621618.jpg
|caption = Three Litre series III 1963
|manufacturer =Alvis Cars
|production =1963–1966
352 produced{{cite book |last=Sedgwick |first=M. |title=A-Z of Cars of the 1930s|year=1989 |publisher=Bay View Books |location=Devon, UK |isbn=1-870979-38-9}}
|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){{cite book |last=Manwaring |first=L. |title=Observer book of automobiles|year=1965 |publisher=Frederick Warne |location=London, UK }}
|wheelbase = 111.5 inches (2832 mm)
|weight = {{convert|3250|lb|kg}} (approx)
|body_style =2 door saloon
2 door drophead
|engine = Alvis 3.0 L Straight-6
|layout=FR layout
}}
File:1964 Alvis TE21 in Morges 2013 - Rear right.jpg
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 {{convert|130|bhp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 4000 rpm giving the car a top speed of {{convert|107|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}.{{cite book |last=Robson |first=G. |title=A-Z of British Cars 1945-1980 |year=2006 |publisher=Herridge |location=Devon, UK |isbn=0-9541063-9-3 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/azbritishcars1940000robs }} 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.
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.
Specifications (1966 Model 3-litre Series III Saloon)
Engine
Engine: six-cylinder, 2993 cc, 8.5 compression ratio, rated at {{convert|130|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}. Maximum speed: over {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}
Chassis/body
Overall 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: {{Convert|14.3|impgal|L USgal|0|abbr=on}}
Empty weight: 2,900 pounds (1315 kg) approximatelyL. A. Manwaring, The Observer's Book of Automobiles (12th ed. 1966), Library of Congress catalog card 62-9807, p. 37
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Graber Switzerland
File:1964 Alvis TE21 Graber Super in Morges 2013 - Right front.jpg
File:1964 Alvis TE21 Graber Super in Morges 2013 - Rear.jpg
Carrosserie Hermann Graber continued to build their own bodies on the Alvis chassis.
References
{{reflist}}
Further reading
- {{cite book|last=Clarke|first=RM|title=Alvis gold portfolio 1919–1967|publisher=Brooklands Books|location=Cobham, Surrey, England|year=1989|isbn=978-1-870642-84-2}}
- {{cite book|last=Culshaw|first=D|title=Alvis three litre in detail: TA21 to TF21 1950-67|publisher=Herridge and Sons Ltd.|location=Beaworthy, Devon, England|year=2003|isbn=978-0-9541063-2-4}}
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External links
{{Commons category|Alvis TE21|Alvis TE 21}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Alvis Te 21}}