Grace's Guide To British Industrial History

Registered UK Charity (No. 1154342)

Grace's Guide is the leading source of historical information on industry and manufacturing in Britain. This web publication contains 167,669 pages of information and 247,074 images on early companies, their products and the people who designed and built them.

Grace's Guide is the leading source of historical information on industry and manufacturing in Britain. This web publication contains 147,919 pages of information and 233,587 images on early companies, their products and the people who designed and built them.

Alvis: TB 21

From Graces Guide
Alvis TB 21

Note: This is a sub-section of Alvis

Alvis: TB 21 2-seater sports

The Alvis TB 21 produced by Alvis cars was a two seater open car based on the running gear of the TA 21 saloon.

Alvis had previously contracted A. P. Metalcraft, a Coventry coachbuilder, to produce the TB 14 two door open car body to fit on the TA 14 chassis. With the replacement of the TA 14 by the larger TA 21 in 1950, AP were asked to modify their design for the new running gear. The TB 21 dropped the controversial grille used on the TB 14 in favour of the traditional Alvis one. The doors, rear hinged, were heavily cut away at the top and the windscreen could be folded flat.

The 2993 cc engine was slightly modified to produce 90 bhp with a single SU carburettor replacing the Solex one used on the saloon. The TA 21 suspension was retained, independent at the front using coil springs with leaf springs at the rear. As the car was lighter than the TA 21 the final drive ratio was changed from 4.09:1 to 3.77:1 helping to increase the top speed and improving economy.

The car could reach 95 mph but was very expensive at £1,598 on the home market resulting in limited sales. 31 were made from 1950-1953

  • Engine(s) Alvis 2,993 cc Straight-6
  • Wheelbase 111.5 ins.
  • Length 177.5 ins.
  • Width 66 ins.

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Sources of Information