| Vauxhall 14-6 | |
| Manufacturer: | Vauxhall |
| Aka: | Vauxhall Fourteen-Six Vauxhall Model J |
| Production: | 1939 to 1948 |
| Assembly: | England Australia |
| Predecessor: | Vauxhall Light Six |
| Successor: | Vauxhall Velox |
| Body Style: | 4-door saloon 2-door coupé (Australia) 2-door roadster (Australia) 2-door coupé utility (Australia) 2-door roadster utility (Australia) |
| Layout: | FR layout |
| Wheelbase: | 105inches |
| Length: | 168inches |
| Width: | 63.5inches |
| Weight: | 22.5 cwt |
| Related: | Bedford JC |
The Vauxhall 14-6 is an automobile produced by Vauxhall in England from 1939 until 1948.
Announced in October 1938 for the 1938 British International Motor Show at Earls Court, the 14-6 was offered as a six-light, four door saloon and was powered by a four bearing, OHV, 1,781cc Straight-six engine.[1] [2] It had a top speed of 70 mph and could accelerate from 0-50 mph in 18.2 seconds.[3]
The previous engine was retained but with compression ratio raised from 6.25 to 6.75:1 and revised timing increasing the output to 48 bhp at 3000rpm.[3] Other features included independent front suspension using torsion bars in place of the previous Dubonnet system with semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear, Lockheed hydraulic brakes and a three-speed all-synchromesh gearbox in place of the four-speed "silent third" gearbox.[2]
The car now had a unitary hull which had a 4inches longer wheelbase and 1inches wider track than its predecessor which made it larger than the 12-4 model announced at the same time. Previously the 12 and 14 hp models had shared the same body. Interior features included individual leather front seats and a rear seat with fold-down arm rest, a rear window blind and a sliding sunroof.
Post World War II models can be distinguished by bonnet-louvre and grille changes.[4] A total of 45,499 were produced, including 30,511 in the post war period.[2] [4]
A Vauxhall 14 J was built by Holden in Australia without unitary construction[5] which was beyond the capacity of local presses but sharing much of the English car's styling.[6] [7] The separate chassis allowed the Australian firm to provide open and utility bodies. Commencing in 1939, the 14 was offered in sedan, coupé and roadster body-styles.[8] and as in England but in a Holden version, a light utility.[9]
A 14 sedan was the first civilian car to be produced by Holden in the post war period, leaving the Fishermans Bend assembly line on 21 May 1946.[8]