| Alvis Fourteen TA 14 | |
| Manufacturer: | Alvis Cars |
| Production: | 1946–1950 3,311 produced[1] |
| Predecessor: | Alvis Twelve or 12/70[2] |
| Successor: | Alvis Three Litre or TA21 |
| Length: | 174.50NaN0[3] |
| Width: | 660NaN0 |
| Height: | 610NaN0 saloon |
| Weight: | Saloon 28 cwt, 3136lb |
| Engine: | Alvis 1892 cc Straight-4 |
| Layout: | FR layout |
| Sp: | uk |
| Alvis 14 | |
| Manufacturer: | Alvis |
| Predecessor: | Alvis 12/70 |
| Successor: | none |
| Configuration: | Straight 4-cylinders |
| Displacement: | 18921NaN1 |
| Bore: | 742NaN2 |
| Stroke: | 1102NaN2 |
| Block: | cast iron monobloc with cast aluminium crankcase. the 3-bearing crankshaft is both statically and dynamically balanced |
| Valvetrain: | overhead, tappets pushrods and rockers, single camshaft driven by triplex chain. inlet 35 mm slightly larger than exhaust valves 32 mm. |
| Compression: | 6.9:1 |
| Fuelsystem: | siamesed inlet ports, cast aluminium manifold, single horizontal 38 mm S.U. Electric pump by S.U. from petrol tank |
| Management: | Lucas 12-volt |
| Fueltype: | low octane Pool petrol |
| Coolingsystem: | water, pump and fan |
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.
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]
The 1892 cc engine is a slightly larger-bore version of the one used in the 12/70, and produces 65bhp.[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]
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 74mph, and acceleration from 0 to 60mph in 22.2 seconds.[1]
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]