The Alvis Three Litre, TC 21 was a British sports saloon and drophead coupé made by Alvis Cars between 1953 and 1955. It was an updated version of the 3ltr TA21.

The TC.21/100 or Grey Lady announced 20 October 1953 came with a guarantee of a speed of 100 mph resulting from an improved exhaust system and an engine compression ratio raised from 7:1 to 8:1 to take advantage of the availability of better petrol. The final drive ratio was raised from 4.09:1 to 3.77:1. A paired front fog lamp and matching driving lamp became a standard fitting. The bonnet gained air scoops and wire wheels were fitted to try to enliven the car's image. A heater was fitted as standard but a radio remained an expensive option.

A saloon version tested by The Motor magazine in 1954 had a top speed of 100.1 mph (161.1 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 15.4 seconds. A fuel consumption of 20.6 miles per imperial gallon was recorded.

Just 18 months later the Times' Motoring Correspondent tested and reported on the Grey Lady under the headline "Few Concessions to Fashion Trends". His opening gambit was that this Alvis was now one of the few British cars that did not look American and, he said, there was little concession to the cult of streamlining beyond the two air scoops in the bonnet. He wrote that spacious internal headroom and wire wheels completed that picture. It was noted the instruments were not in front of the driver but in the centre of the dashboard (instrument panel) and so the speedometer was apt to be masked by the driver's left hand. However the front seats were comfortable and rear seat passengers received padding on the wheel arches surmounted by armrests. Leather upholstery, pile carpets and walnut facings for the dashboard and lower parts of the window frames completed the traditional picture. He did however say that "the driver who is sensitive to the "feel" of his car will enjoy every moment of his motoring irrespective of the traffic" and reported the car's behaviour on corners was extremely stable though potholes like those caused by recessed manhole covers proved very heavy going for the springing.

ABOUT THIS CAR

• First Owner 12 years – traveled 34560miles – this owner had a tow bar fitted and used this car to take produce from his market garden to Auckland on a weekly basis. Apparently, after about ten years, this owner purchased a Land Rover and “retired.

• Second Owner 45 years – traveled 19380miles – according to this owner, he knew the car from new. This owner was a mechanic who worked in several different garages as well as a dairy Factory Engineer before retiring to Hamilton. During his ownership, car was well maintained and kept up to WOF standard. We understand that he carried out considerable work on the car.

• Third owner 3 years – traveled 1160miles – This is when the Alvis went into complete restoration. Body was in very sound condition before restoration started. Only rust was in the door sills, which had been renewed.

  MECHANICAL WORK

• Remove cooling system, floor boards, exhaust etc and partially dismantle motor
• Remove engine / transmission assembly from chassis
• Dismantle motor, clean and inspect parts, deliver crank and camshafts for machining and block for flushing and cylinder honing.
• Deliver clutch assembly and water pump for overhauling
• Replace valve and seats, lap in valves, test springs, and reassemble cylinder head.
• Overhaul Carburettors, fuel pump and distributor, inspect and assemble oil pump.
• Dismantle gearbox, clean and inspect all parts.
• Renew mainshaft and input shaft ball bearings and rear oil seal
• Assemble gearbox and set gearshift tension
• Remove fuel tank and deliver for cleaning and pressure testing
• Deliver gauge sender unit and reserve solenoid for repair.repair mounting straps, collect, assemble and refit tank
• Renew filler and breather hoses.
• Collect parts and reassemble short block, renewing parts listed and paint block and head.
• Refit clutch assembly and transmission to block and refit assembly in chassis.
• Fit overhauled starter motor and generatorre
• Face and fit cam followers and fit cylinder head and rocker gear.
• Refit manifolds, exhaust sytem, driveshaft, floorboards, water pump etc
• Flush and fit radiator renewing all cooling and heater hoses.
• Fit filter supplied to fuel line and pressure test carburettors
• Add fluids and run motor, set ignition timing and idle mixtures.

Receipts available for the above work. Please also note the following:

• Sunroof is currently sealed.
• Heater not operating – we do not class this as necessary, as cabin is always hot from engine heat – all Alvis's are
• Trafficators in B post - wiring / pumps all there but not wired up.
• A Flat chrome radiator cap is also available.
• Owners handbook and original ownership records available with car.
• Every year, the ALVIS Club of New Zealand holds an annual general meeting. In 2012 this AGM was held in Southland and this car won CONCOURS.

A MOST BEAUTIFUL, ELEGANT & CLASSY EXAMPLE of this model in ABSOLUTE SHOW CONDITION.

The drive is SUPERB. The motor runs LIKE NEW.

A DREAM CLASSIC CAR TO OWN.

VERY RARE especially in this condition. WOULD SUIT THE MOST DISCERNING OF BUYERS.

Car will be sold with a 6 months WOF and 12 months registration if sold in New Zealand.

WORLDWIDE SHIPPING / LOCAL TRANSPORT CAN BE ORGANISED ON THIS VEHICLE ON BUYER'S BEHALF AT BUYERS COST.

Viewing is STRICTLY BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT only.

DISCLAIMER

Our key interest is to ensure the preservation of classic & vintage vehicles.

We describe our vehicles based on our observations and knowledge and go the extra mile to have the best examples we can find in our collection.

Mileage and other information indicated on this listing is only as accurate as the information available at NZTA. It is always recommended that you get a comprehensive CarJam Vehicle History Report before purchasing.

Buying from us also means that you (the Buyer) are protected under the New Zealand Fair Trading Act, The Consumer's Guarantees Act and The Privacy Act.

HOWEVER, it remains YOUR responsibility as a Buyer to inspect a vehicle before purchasing. If you are not in a position to personally inspect a vehicle before purchasing, you have the option to get it independently appraised by a specialist. If you choose not to obtain such assessment, then the purchase is on your own judgment, and NOT in reliance on any representation made by us.

Please note that ALL our vehicles, irrespective of age, are being sold without any warranty from us, as to the vehicle's condition or its fitness for any purpose.

For more information about this vehicle, please contact us Monday to Friday between 9:00am till 6:00pm (New Zealand Standard Time). Alternatively, you may email us anytime.