Alvis - Alvis TC21
The Alvis TC21 "Grey Lady" of 1953 was the next model in the Alvis evolution following their TA21 model. All of these TC21 were bodied by coachbuilder Mulliner in Bordesley Green, not to be confused with coachbuilder HJ Mulliner, and all fitted with a sunshine roof as standard. The engine of the TC21 also found another 5hp with some extra tuning and the twin carburettors, and was now guaranteed to achieve 100mph. But the car did look a little traditional and old fashioned compared to more avant garde designs that were appearing. A one off 2 door Graber bodied TC21 was exhibited in late 1955 and called the TC 108G (G for Graber) which was a far more up to date with its modern European styling, with all this happening at a most fortunate time because Alvis were having problems outsourcing their existing coachwork. This was because the Tickford coachworks had been purchased by David Brown, while the other favoured Alvis coachbuilder of Mulliner in Bordesley Green had been purchased by Standard Triumph. So these two coachbuilders that had manufactured the bulk of the bodies for Alvis suddenly had more pressing priorities! This situation led Alvis to purchase all bodywork tooling and jigs from Graber which were brought to the UK. After quality issues from various companies Alvis finally settled with Park Ward manufacturing these Graber designed bodies.
Alvis TC21 tyres were originally 6.40x15 size which is the radial ply equivalent to the 185R15 tyre size, and Blockley make a superb 185VR15 tyre to suit. Most of the Swiss built Graber bodied cars ( TC 108G ) were fitted with the millimetric wheels and radial ply 165R400 tyre size, a size which Blockley also produces an exceptional example of. Blockley produces all the tyre sizes suitable for the Alvis TC21with high speed rating, high quality products - see full details of these two Alvis TC21 tyre sizes below:
