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From its launch in 1950, to its demise in 1967, the Alvis Three Litre enjoyed a deserved reputation for effortless performance, exceptional surefootedness and stability, and irreproachable quality of construction. It was considered a rather exclusive car, coming as it did form a maker whose products always had a certain individuality. In addition, there remained through successive models something reassuringly traditional about its styling in both saloon and drophead forms; while never outdated, it displayed a timeless, discreet dignity. This book opens with an exposition of the background to the company's introduction of the Three Litre in 1950. Then comes a detailed technical analysis of the TA21, covering all aspects of the chassis, running gear, engine and transmission. This sets the scene for the chapters which follow, on the short-lived TB21 sports tourer, the TC21 and the uprated TC21/100, the Graber-inspired TC108/G, the outstandingly handsome TD21 Series I and II, the TE21 and the TF21. Each of these receives comprehensive treatment, including differences from previous models, production changes and full chassis number listings, along with notes on famous owners and screen appearances. The author provides extensive information on the coachbuilders who supplied Three Litre bodies, including Mulliners, Tickford, Graber, Willowbrook and Park Ward, and there are chapters devoted to the Alvis-powered Healey G Series sports car, the aborted Issigonis-designed Alvis TA350, and the ownership and use of Alvis Three Litre models today.

Five outstanding examples of the cars have been specially photographed for this book and are featured in some 75 colour shots. There are also more than 140 black-and-white illustrations drawn from the official Alvis archives.

The Alvis Speed models of the 1930s were and still are among the most desirable high-performance cars of their decade. Less expensive than the Bentley or Lagonda, classier than the SS Jaguar, and more advanced than any of them, the Alvis earned a special cachet as the sporting gentleman motorist's favoured choice, exerting a magnetic appeal to connoisseurs of good engineering and fast driving. With their long, low build they also inspired some of the most stylish coachwork of the era.

As the author of this book observes, it is remarkable that such a relatively small concern as the Alvis company was able to design, engineer, produce and maintain the continuous development if this sophisticated series of cars. In addition, it was Alvis, in the Speed Twenty, which pioneered such major industry innovations as independent front suspension and an all-synchromesh gearbox.

The book opens with an introduction highlighting the pleasures of Speed model motoring, followed by an exposition of the background that led to the introduction of the Speed Twenty in 1932. Then comes a highly detailed technical analysis of the Speed Twenty itself, covering every aspect of the chassis, running gear, engine and transmission. This sets the scene for the chapters which follow, on the SA/SB/SC/SD Speed Twenty models, the 3 1/2-litre, the Speed Twenty Five and the ultimate expression of the marque, the 4.3. Each of these receives comprehensive treatment, including information on differences from previous models, revisions and production changes, the range of bodies available from coachbuilders, performance and behaviour, and appearances in competitive events. Five outstanding examples of the cars have been specially photographed for the book and are featured in some 70 colour shots. There are also more than 140 black-and-white photographs drawn from the official Alvis archives.