The Alvis TB 14 is a British two-seater open car built by Alvis on the running gear of the TA 14 saloon. It was made only in 1950.
Alvis TB 14 at a glance
| Production | 1950 only |
|---|---|
| Body | two-door open two-seater by AP Metalcraft, Coventry |
| Engine | 1,892 cc four-cylinder, 68 bhp (51 kW), twin SU carburettors |
| Suspension | TA 14 leaf springs all round |
| Final drive | 4.3:1 (4.875:1 on the TA 14) |
| Top speed | 80 mph (130 km/h) |
| Price | £1,276 on the home market |
| Steering | left- and right-hand drive |
This page is based on English Wikipedia only, so the figures could not be cross-checked against a second source.
History of the Alvis TB 14
Alvis contracted AP Metalcraft, a Coventry coachbuilder, to produce the two-door open body to fit the TA 14 chassis. The doors are rear hinged with deeply cut-away tops, the front wings are very long and sweeping and the windscreen folds down. The pear-shaped radiator grille was controversial: its bottom bulges concealed the headlights, which were consequently a long way from the sides of the car, and the front sidelights sat in the bumpers.
Twin SU carburettors raised the engine from 65 to 68 bhp. Because the car is lighter than the saloon, the final drive ratio was changed from 4.875:1 to 4.3:1, helping top speed and economy. The car could reach 80 mph, but its high price limited sales.
Design and features
- Body: long sweeping wings, fold-down screen and cut-away doors.
- Grille: pear-shaped, with the headlights set inboard.
Alvis TB 14 versions
- Left- and right-hand drive versions were both made.
More Alvis cars are in our Alvis collection, for example the TA 14 it is based on and the TA 21.
Alvis TB 14 questions and answers
What is the Alvis TB 14?
A two-seater open car on the TA 14 chassis, made only in 1950.
Who built the body?
AP Metalcraft of Coventry.
Why did it sell poorly?
Its price of £1,276 limited sales.
Sources
- Alvis TB 14, English Wikipedia: history and specifications
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