Alvis TA 14

Alvis Fourteen
TA 14
Fourteen sports saloon 1949
Overview
ManufacturerAlvis Cars
Production1946–1950
3,311 produced[1]
Body and chassis
Body style
LayoutFR layout
Powertrain
EngineAlvis 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 propeller shaft to hypoid bevel final drive unit[2]
Dimensions
Wheelbase
  • 108 in (2,743 mm)
  • Track 54 in (1,372 mm)[2]
Length174.5 in (4,432 mm)[3]
Width66 in (1,676 mm)[2]
Height61 in (1,549 mm) saloon[2]
Kerb weightSaloon 28 cwt, 3,136 lb (1,422 kg)[2]
Chronology
PredecessorAlvis Twelve or 12/70[2]
SuccessorAlvis Three Litre or TA21
Alvis 14
Overview
ManufacturerAlvis
Layout
ConfigurationStraight 4-cylinders[2]
Displacement1,892 cc (115.5 cu in)[2]
Cylinder bore74 mm (2.91 in)[2]
Piston stroke110 mm (4.33 in)[2]
Cylinder block materialcast iron monobloc with cast aluminium crankcase. the 3-bearing crankshaft is both statically and dynamically balanced[2]
Valvetrainoverhead, tappets pushrods and rockers, single camshaft driven by triplex chain. inlet 35 mm slightly larger than exhaust valves 32 mm.[2]
Compression ratio6.9:1[2]
Combustion
Fuel systemsiamesed inlet ports, cast aluminium manifold, single horizontal 38 mm S.U. Electric pump by S.U. from petrol tank[2]
ManagementLucas 12-volt[2]
Fuel typelow octane Pool petrol[2]
Cooling systemwater, pump and fan
Output
Power output
  • 65 bhp (48 kW; 66 PS) @4,000 rpm
  • Tax horsepower 13.58[2]
Chronology
PredecessorAlvis 12/70
Successornone

The Alvis TA 14, also called the Alvis Fourteen, was the first car that the car maker and defence contractor 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.

First postwar Alvis

The Fourteen was available as a four-door sports saloon built for Alvis by Mulliners of Birmingham. Tickford and Carbodies drophead versions were also offered. When compared with the 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 bhp (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 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, 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 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]

  • Standard sports saloon
    Standard sports saloon
  • Standard sports saloon
    Standard sports saloon
  • Sports saloon by Raine of Durham
    Sports saloon
    by Raine of Durham
  • drophead coupé by Tickford
    drophead coupé
    by Tickford
  • drophead coupé by Carbodies
    drophead coupé
    by Carbodies
  • drophead coupé cabriolet by Mead
    drophead coupé cabriolet
    by Mead
  • fixed head coupé by Duncan Industries 1947
    fixed head coupé by Duncan Industries 1947

Road test

Autocar reported that 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

  1. ^ a b Robson, Graham (2006). A-Z British Cars 1945–1980. Beaworthy: Herridge & Sons. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s The Post-war Alvis Fourteen, The Motor magazine 13 November 1946, Temple Press, London
  3. ^ a b Culshaw, David; Horrobin, Peter (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2.
  4. ^ Taylor, Frederick (2015). Coventry: Thursday, 14 November 1940. London: Bloomsbury. ISBN 978-1408860267.
  5. ^ a b c d "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.
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