There’s nothing inherently scary about the Alvis TA21, launched in 1950 as the manufacturer's primary post-war model. In fact, for a car with such obvious prewar origins, there is nothing to fear at all when it comes to taking the wheel.
It is a veritable cruiser, happy enough when in its stride to threaten 100mph courtesy of its tourquey 3-litre engine. The driver gets most of that torque at barely more than tickover, so wide is the six-pot’s curve, and with a straight enough road and trailing wind will tick just over 90mph.
Quick off the line it is not, though, and nor is it a nimble cornering machine, but Alvis was an early adopter of independent front suspension. The rear remained leaf sprung, in contrast to the intricate front.
The innovation did not stop there. Where a car such as this can be scary is the gearchange, but Alvis can be considered the father of the synchromesh. That means there’s no crunching and crashing through gears to the dismay of onlookers. There’s no requirement to double de-clutch or tentatively feel for the time to be right to engage gear.
The Coventry car maker landed upon synchromesh in the early 1930s, so the TA21 is a futuristic joy with nearly two decades of experience under its belt. Take your time, especially when it’s a bit too warm, feel for the gate with the nicely short gearlever and it’s to all intents and purposes no different to the manuals of today. That torque means even if you pick fourth instead of second, progress is barely delayed.
But, we’ll still have it on display at Scary Cars on Sunday because it carries the number of the beast. Ironically, its first owner was a vicar, too – perhaps one with a wicked sense of humour.
Part of the StarterMotor fleet, which puts young people behind all sorts of old cars, the Alvis is part of the history of fellow Bicester Heritage resident The Motor Shed, too. Mark Elder's father once sold KUY 666, long before the company moved from 'The Chicken Shed' in Enstone to Bicester Heritage.
Anything goes on Sunday for the Scary Cars Assembly, whether your car has a reputation as a widowmaker or you’re simply in fancy dress. Register now for free.