Alvis Fourteen
TA 14
Fourteen sports saloon 1949
Overview
ManufacturerAlvis Cars
Production1946–1950
3311 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 propellor 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 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]

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

  1. 1 2 Robson, Graham (2006). A-Z British Cars 1945–1980. Devon, UK: Herridge & Sons. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 The Post-war Alvis Fourteen, The Motor magazine 13 November 1946, Temple Press, London
  3. 1 2 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
  5. 1 2 3 4 An Admirable Alvis, Autocar Magazine 15 November 1946, London

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.
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