The Alvis Fourteen also known as TA 14 was the first car to be produced by major defence contractor Alvis cars 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.

Alvis Fourteen TA 14
Fourteen sports saloon 1949
Overview
Manufacturer	Alvis Cars
Production	1946–1950 3311 produced[1]
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door 4-light sports saloon by Mulliners drophead coupé by Tickford or Carbodies
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	Alvis 1892 cc Straight-4[2]
Transmission	gearbox 4-speed manual with synchromesh dry single plate clutch Borg & Beck type 9 A6-G open Hardy Spicer propellor shaft to hypoid bevel final drive unit[2]
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108 in (2,743 mm) Track 54 in (1,372 mm)[2]
Length	174.5 in (4,432 mm)[3]
Width	66 in (1,676 mm)[2]
Height	61 in (1,549 mm) saloon[2]
Kerb weight	Saloon 28 cwt, 3,136 lb (1,422 kg)[2]
Chronology
Predecessor	Alvis Twelve or 12/70[2]
Successor	Alvis Three Litre or TA21

First postwar Alvis

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

Engine

The 1892 cc engine is a slightly larger-bore version of the one used in the 12/70 and produced 65 bhp (48 kW).[3] It is fitted with a single SU type H4 -inch side-draught carburettor. Inlet valves have been enlarged. The triplex chain drive has been given an automatic tensioner. The engine's exhaust system has been extensively revised and the direction of flow of cooling water around the engine has been substantially changed.[5]

Brakes suspension steering

The bodies were mounted on an updated pre-war Alvis 12/70 chassis that was widened and lengthened but retained the 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 and greatly reduced the height of the transmission tunnel. Steering is by Marles with a spring spoked steering wheel. Mechanically operated brakes are two-leading-shoe type by Girling. Disc wheels replaced the 12/70's wire wheels and are fitted with 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]

• 
  Standard sports saloon
• 
  Standard sports saloon
• 
  Sports saloon
  by Raine of Durham

• 
  drophead coupé
  by Tickford
• 
  drophead coupé
  by Carbodies
• 
  drophead coupé cabriolet
  by Mead

• 
  fixed head coupé by Duncan Industries 1947
• 

Road test

Autocar reported the new car had the typical Alvis refined sure-footed and lively performance. Its synchromesh "worked like a charm".[5] 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

Further reading

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

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Alvis TA 14.

• Fourteen with body by Duncan Industries

На других языках

[de] Alvis T-Series 14

[fr] Alvis TA 14

[it] Alvis TA 14

[ru] Alvis TA14