1950 Alvis TA 21

The cabin was carried over from the TA14, but rounded wings with rear wheel covers and faired-in headlamps added a hint of modernity. Brakes are now hydraulic and there’s independent coil-sprung front suspension, but the big change is under the bonnet. Alvis’s all-new 3.0-litre engine – with twin carbs on all but the first few – is tough and torquey as well as smooth and quiet. By the time the TA evolved into the TC21/100 ’Grey Lady’ in 1953, with wire wheels and hidden hinges, higher compression meant 100bhp… and just about 100mph.

Information from Octane Magazine.