Alvis TA 14

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. 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. 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.

Engine
The 1892 cc engine is a slightly larger-bore version of the one used in the 12/70, and produces 65 bhp. 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.

Brakes suspension steering
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.

The top speed is around 74 mph, and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 22.2 seconds.

Road test
Autocar reported that the new car had the typical Alvis refined, sure-footed, and lively performance. Its synchromesh "worked like a charm". 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.