Alvis TC 21 by Tickford '54

• Belgian car and MOT without any remarks
• Open community for aficionados due to the limited number of constructed cars
• Had maintenance in Canterbury and has recently been checked, almost mint condition
• Rare Tickford finish
• Known in Alvis registers

The Alvis TC 21 is a luxurious saloon or cabriolet that was produced in very limited numbers by the engineer-run British Alvis Cars, which later dissolved and merged with Rover. From 1953 to 1955, it was the successor to the similar Alvis TA 21, which had already gained an indisputably excellent reputation among its audience. Alvis, who can be called artists, wanted their customers to become repeaters: ‘once an Alvis, always an Alvis’. Customer loyalty and satisfaction were paramount, in addition to the engineering British craftsmanship.

Alvis did not make regular cars for everyone, they made cars for people looking for a distinguishing and unique car. Their style is reflected in both the power and the design of the so called ‘Grey Lady’. Power was the key component, therefore the car is powered by a 3.0 liter in-line six engine that produces approx. 100 hp, which was a lot, back then. The car was tested in Flanders on the post-war ‘highway’ from Ostend to Ghent. The TC 21 goes from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (0 to 60 mph) in only 15.4 seconds, stunningly fast - at the time. The TC 21 was a marvel of engineering.

The TC 21 came in two finishes. One was a four-door saloon, while the other was a two-door coupe that accommodated four passengers as well. The chassis for each version were designed in the UK by Mulliners and Tickford. The Tickford has a soft-top that can be fully or partially opened, and according to Alvis, offers the same heat insulation as the Mulliners saloon version. The interior is made meticulously. The seats are finished in fine leather and the dashboard is made of wood.

The majority of TC 21s were Mulliners saloon, with approximately eight times as many Mulliners produced as Tickford variants. Despite this, both versions are highly sought after, the production number ended at 757 in 1955. Each TC 21 has its own story and proud owner. On the internet, extensive information is exchanged, and a true community of enthusiasts has emerged.

Alvis TC 21/100

In the early 1950s, various car manufacturers competed to be the first to produce a car with a top speed of 100 mph. In this ‘arms race’ - if we may - between sports car manufacturers, Alvis modestly participated and succeeded. The TC 21/100 achieved a top speed of 100.1 mph in 1954, and its name was based on this achievement, as a trophy.

Approximately one hundred TC 21/100 Tickfords were produced from 1954 to 1955, the majority being right-hand drive. A handful of left-hand drive models were made on request. The car is popular on forums for owners who discuss their shared passion for this rare and storied vehicle.

Technical information:

Body work

• Length (cm): 462 (182 inch)
• Width (cm): 168 (66 inch)
• Height (cm): 159 (63 inch)
• Wheelbase (cm): 283 (111 inch)
• Weight (kg): 1435 (3164 lbs)

Mechanics

• Engine: 2993 in-line six-cylinder front-engine
• Valve gear: 12, OHV
• Fuel system: 2 SU carburettors
• Gear box: 4-speed manual
• Transmission: RWD
• Right-steered
• power: 100 hp (75 kW) at 4000 t/m
• torque: 221 Nm at 2000 t/m
• Top speed: 161 km/h (100.1 mph)