# Alvis TA 14

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The **Alvis TA 14**, also called the **Alvis Fourteen**, was the first car that the car maker and defence contractor [Alvis](/source/Alvis_Cars) produced after World War II. The entire car factory had been destroyed on the night of Thursday 14 November 1940.[4] Announced in November 1946, it was made until 1950, when its postwar austerity 1900 cc engine was replaced by the 2993 cc 26.25 HP (tax rating) [Alvis Three Litre or TA 21](/source/Alvis_TA_21).

## First postwar Alvis

The Fourteen was available as a four-door sports saloon built for Alvis by [Mulliners of Birmingham](/source/Mulliners_(Birmingham)). [Tickford](/source/Tickford) and [Carbodies](/source/Carbodies) drophead versions were also offered. When compared with the [12/70](/source/Alvis_12/70) car it replaced, the interior is 4 inches wider, and the distance between rear-seat armrests is increased by almost 5 inches.[5]

### Engine

The 1892 cc engine is a slightly larger-bore version of the one used in the 12/70, and produces 65 hp (48 kW).[3] It has a single SU type H 4-inch side-draught carburettor. The inlet valves are larger than those on the 12/70, and the triplex chain drive has the addition of an automatic tensioner. The exhaust system was extensively revised, and the direction of flow of cooling water around the engine was substantially changed.[5]

### Brakes suspension steering

The body is mounted on an updated pre-war [Alvis 12/70](/source/Alvis_12/70) chassis that is wider and longer, but retains rigid-axle leaf spring suspension. Employing *Silentbloc* bushes (except at the front of the front springs to maintain steering precision), it is controlled by double acting Armstrong hydraulic dampers. Hypoid bevel final drive was fitted for the first time, greatly reducing the height of the transmission tunnel. Steering is by [Marles](/source/Marles_steering_gear), with a spring spoked steering wheel. Mechanically operated brakes are two-leading-shoe type by [Girling](/source/Girling_brakes). Disc wheels replaced the 12/70's wire wheels, and have larger tyres.[5]

The top speed is around 74 mph (119 km/h), and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 22.2 seconds.[1]

## Road test

*[Autocar](/source/Autocar_(magazine))* reported that the new car had the typical Alvis refined, sure-footed, and lively performance. Its synchromesh "worked like a charm".[5] *[The Motor](/source/The_Motor)* said the car was much roomier than the compact close-coupled exterior suggested. Rear seat knee-room was between 8 and 13 inches. A most impressive car with a flexible 4-cylinder engine. Wind noise was noticeable at high speed.[2]

## References

1. Robson, Graham (2006). [*A-Z British Cars 1945–1980*](https://archive.org/details/azbritishcars1940000robs). Beaworthy: Herridge & Sons. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3.

1. The Post-war Alvis Fourteen, *The Motor* magazine 13 November 1946, Temple Press, London

1. Culshaw, David & Horrobin, Peter (1974). *Complete Catalogue of British Cars*. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2.

1. Taylor, Frederick (2015). *Coventry: Thursday, 14 November 1940*. London: Bloomsbury. ISBN 978-1408860267.

1. "An Admirable Alvis", *Autocar*, 15 November 1946, London

## Further reading

- Clarke, RM (1989). *Alvis gold portfolio 1919–1967*. Cobham: Brooklands Books. ISBN 978-1-870642-84-2.
- Culshaw, D (2003). *Alvis three litre in detail: TA21 to TF21 1950-67*. Beaworthy: Herridge and Sons Ltd. ISBN 978-0-9541063-2-4.

## External links

- [Alvis TA14 Duncan Sports Saloon](http://classiccars.brightwells.com/viewdetails.php?id=1462)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Alvis TA 14](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvis_TA_14) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvis_TA_14?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.