Details of Cars

Alvis TA 14: the first postwar Alvis, 1946–1950

ALVIS

Alvis TA 14 sports saloon of 1948
Alvis TA 14 (1948). Photo by Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

The Alvis TA 14, also called the Alvis Fourteen, was the first car that Alvis produced after World War II. The entire car factory had been destroyed on the night of 14 November 1940. Announced in November 1946, it was made until 1950, when its austerity 1,900 cc engine was replaced by the 2,993 cc Alvis Three Litre, the TA 21.

Alvis TA 14 at a glance

Alvis TA 14 key specifications
Production announced November 1946, made until 1950
Body four-door sports saloon by Mulliners of Birmingham; Tickford and Carbodies drophead versions
Engine 1,892 cc four-cylinder, 65 bhp (48 kW), single SU H 4-inch side-draught carburettor
Chassis updated pre-war 12/70 chassis, rigid axles with leaf springs
Brakes mechanical, Girling two-leading-shoe
Top speed about 74 mph (119 km/h)
0–60 mph 22.2 seconds
Successor Alvis TA 21 (Three Litre)

This page is based on English Wikipedia only, so the figures could not be cross-checked against a second source.

History of the Alvis TA 14

The Fourteen was available as a four-door sports saloon built for Alvis by Mulliners of Birmingham, while Tickford and Carbodies drophead versions were also offered. Compared with the 12/70 it replaced, the interior was 4 inches wider, and the distance between rear-seat armrests was increased by almost 5 inches.

Alvis TA 14 drophead coupé by Carbodies, 1948
1948 Alvis TA 14 drophead coupé by Carbodies. Photo by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Autocar reported the typical Alvis refined, sure-footed and lively performance and said the synchromesh “worked like a charm”. The Motor found the car much roomier than its compact shape suggested and called the flexible four-cylinder engine most impressive, although wind noise was noticeable at high speed.

Design and features

  • Engine: a slightly larger-bore version of the 12/70 unit, with larger inlet valves and a triplex chain drive with an automatic tensioner.
  • Transmission: hypoid bevel final drive was fitted for the first time, greatly reducing the height of the transmission tunnel.
  • Steering and wheels: Marles steering; disc wheels replaced the 12/70’s wire wheels.
  • Suspension: Silentbloc bushes and double-acting Armstrong hydraulic dampers.

Alvis TA 14 versions

  • Saloon by Mulliners.
  • Drophead coupés by Tickford and Carbodies.
  • TB 14: the two-seater open car on the same running gear, see the TB 14.

More Alvis cars are in our Alvis collection, for example the TA 21 that replaced it and the TB 14.

Alvis TA 14 questions and answers

What was the Alvis TA 14?

The first Alvis built after World War II, a 1.9-litre sports saloon made from 1946 to 1950.

How fast was it?

About 74 mph, and 0–60 mph took 22.2 seconds.

What replaced it?

The 3-litre Alvis TA 21 in 1950.

Sources

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