Last updated on November 1, 2023
Today’s car is a 1952 Alvis TB 21 Sports Tourer that is owned by Sandy Bettleman. The car is done in striking Sheen Grey metallic with a Red leather interior. It is powered by a 95 hp Alvis 3.0 L, in line 6 cylinder over head valve engine, with a single SU carburetor, mated to a 4 – speed manual transmission and delivering that power to the rear wheels through beam axle with 3.70 t0 1 gear ratio. The independent suspension is at the front end using coil springs with semi elliptical leaf springs at the rear. To slow this baby down are 11 inch drum brakes. The body was made by coach builder AP Metalcraft Ltd. in Coventry. The doors are rear hinged (suicide doors), were cut away at the top.
Alvis, Ltd. records indicate that 31 TB21 Sports Tourers were produced. Chassis numbers 25120 – 25150 were built between 1950 – 1953. This rare car’s chassis number is 25133. It is the only one that is left hand drive, the only 4 seater and was built as a Prototype for the American market. The MSRP was $4500.00 US. It had a published top speed of 87 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 15.6 seconds.
This is a beautiful example of a very rare restored Alvis. What a great car to take to British car shows, Cars & Coffee events, or just taking a nice leisurely cruise up the coast. Thank you for riding along. Frank
Revised originally published April 26, 2021