The updated Three Litre TA21 with a guaranteed 100 mph — Alvis's last quantity car.
The Alvis Three Litre TC21 (1953–1955) was an updated TA21, sharing the 2,993 cc seven-main-bearing straight-six OHV engine but with twin SU carburettors, an improved cylinder head and more efficient manifolding raising output to 93 bhp at 4,000 rpm.
The high-performance TC21/100 "Grey Lady", announced 20 October 1953, raised compression from 7.1:1 to 8.0:1 with an improved exhaust and a higher 3.77:1 final drive (versus 4.09:1) to guarantee 100 mph: rated 100 bhp at 4,000 rpm, 163 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm; 0–60 mph 15.4 s; 100.1 mph top speed (The Motor, 1954); kerb weight approximately 1,435 kg. Independent front suspension by coil springs, leaf-sprung rear, 11-inch Lockheed drum brakes retained from the TA21. Saloon bodies by Mulliners of Birmingham; drophead coupés by Tickford. The Grey Lady name came from the sales manager on seeing the grey-on-grey 1953 Earls Court show car; road cars were identifiable by two bonnet air scoops.
TC21 total production 757 (1953–1955), of which 452 were Mulliner TC21/100 saloons. Development involved Alec Issigonis, then at Alvis. The line was effectively the last Alvis to sell in quantity; the abandonment of the Issigonis-designed V8 saloon in 1955 sealed the company's fate as a volume car maker. Test price £1,821 (1954).
A refined, genuinely 100-mph British saloon in small numbers, undervalued against Bentley and Jaguar contemporaries.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TC21 | 1953–1955 | Within 757 total | 2,993 cc twin-SU straight-six, 93 bhp; Mulliner saloon or Tickford drophead. |
| TC21/100 Grey Lady | 1953–1955 | 452 Mulliner saloons (within 757 total) | 8.0:1 compression, 100 bhp, 3.77:1 axle; guaranteed 100 mph; twin bonnet air scoops; Dunlop wire wheels. |
Authenticate stamped chassis and engine numbers against factory or club records. For the TC21 and TC21/100 specifically, verify TC21 versus TC21/100 specification (compression, axle ratio, twin bonnet air scoops, Dunlop wire wheels), confirm Mulliner saloon or Tickford drophead coachwork, and record matching-numbers status.
Confirm body originality, panel identity and restoration standard against a marque specialist.
Confirm continuous service history and any rebuild history for the engine, transmission and driveline against a marque specialist.
Restoration standard, originality of body and driveline, and any documented ownership record are the main value drivers.
Regional ranges authored independently — each reflects its local market, not an FX conversion
Each region quoted in its local currency — independent market readings, not FX conversions
Tickford dropheads command a premium over the Mulliner saloon; documented low-owner Grey Ladies lead. A thin market of fewer than 800 cars.
Authored against aggregate public-market data and named price guides as set out in What to Pay; regional readings are independent, not FX conversions.
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
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No recent public auction results currently meet our verification standard. We publish sale figures only from verified examples, and will update this guide as qualifying results become available.
A refined, genuinely 100-mph British saloon in small numbers, undervalued against Bentley and Jaguar contemporaries.
Our view, not advice. This section is Car Collector International's editorial judgement on where this model sits in the collector market, based on the production, specification and market data set out in this guide. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell and it is not investment advice. Values can fall as well as rise.
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The valuation figures in this guide are for research purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. See our full disclaimer.
