Alvis TA 14

Alvis 14
Alvis 14
Overview
Manufacturer	Alvis
Layout
Configuration	Straight 4-cylinders[2]
Displacement	1,892 cc (115.5 cu in)[2]
Cylinder bore	74 mm (2.91 in)[2]
Piston stroke	110 mm (4.33 in)[2]
Block material	cast iron monobloc with cast aluminium crankcase. the 3-bearing crankshaft is both statically and dynamically balanced[2]
Valvetrain	overhead, tappets pushrods and rockers, single camshaft driven by triplex chain. inlet 35 mm slightly larger than exhaust valves 32 mm.[2]
Compression ratio	6.9:1[2]
Combustion
Fuel system	siamesed inlet ports, cast aluminium manifold, single horizontal 38 mm S.U. Electric pump by S.U. from petrol tank[2]
Management	Lucas 12-volt[2]
Fuel type	low octane Pool petrol[2]
Cooling system	water, pump and fan
Output
Power output	65 bhp (48 kW; 66 PS) @4,000 rpm; Tax horsepower 13.58[2];
Chronology
Predecessor	Alvis 12/70
Successor	none

Alvis Fourteen
TA 14
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

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.

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

Robson, Graham (2006). A-Z British Cars 1945–1980. Devon, UK: Herridge & Sons. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3.
The Post-war Alvis Fourteen, The Motor magazine 13 November 1946, Temple Press, London
Culshaw; Horrobin (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2.
Frederick Taylor, Coventry: Thursday, 14 November 1940, Bloomsbury, 2015 ISBN 9781408860267
An Admirable Alvis, Autocar Magazine 15 November 1946, London

External links

Fourteen with body by Duncan Industries

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[A-Z45to80-1] Robson, Graham (2006). A-Z British Cars 1945–1980. Devon, UK: Herridge & Sons. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3.

[TM19461113-2] The Post-war Alvis Fourteen, The Motor magazine 13 November 1946, Temple Press, London

[BritishCars-3] Culshaw; Horrobin (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2.

[4] Frederick Taylor, Coventry: Thursday, 14 November 1940, Bloomsbury, 2015 ISBN 9781408860267

[Autocar19461113-5] An Admirable Alvis, Autocar Magazine 15 November 1946, London