Alvis: TB 14
Note: This is a sub-section of Alvis
ALVIS FOURTEEN SPORTS TOURER
During the inter-war years Alvis sports cars were prominent in international competitions, setting up records and winning many track events. It was therefore desirable that this tradition should be carried on into the post-war years and this has been achieved with the Alvis Fourteen Sports Tourer.
This design embodies strikingly faired wings and a rear end obviously influenced by aerodynamic considerations. The built-in headlamps and prominent radiator screen are in the modern sporting style.
While the Fourteen Sports Tourer is not intended for racing, or serious competition work, its performance is such that it will attract the Sportsman who is in search of a combination of effortless speed and graceful lines.
ENGINE. Type: 2-litre. Cylinders: 4. Bore X Stroke: 74 mm. X 110 mm. Compression ratio: 6.725 to 1. Maximum b.h.p.: 68 at 4,000 r.p.m. Rating: 13.58 h.p.
PERFORMANCE. Maximum speed: 80-85 m.p.h. Petrol consumption: 24 to 26 m.p.g.
DIMENSIONS. Length: 14 ft. 6 ins. Height: 4 ft. 6 ins. Width: 5 ft. 6ins. Wheelbase: 9 ft. Track: 4 ft. 6 ins. Weight: 2,744 lbs. Fuel capacity: 11.25 gallons. Tyre size: 6.00 X 16.
BRAKES. Girling.
PRICE. £998 plus £277.19.6 Purchase Tax. Total: £1,275.19.6.
2-seater sports
100 made from 1948-1950
The Alvis TB 14 was a British two seater open car produced by Alvis cars based on the running gear of the TA 14 saloon and made only in 1950.
Alvis contracted A. P. Metalcraft, a Coventry coachbuilder, to produce the two door open car body to fit on the TA 14 chassis. The car had heavily cut away door tops on the rear hinged doors and very long sweeping front wings and a fold down windscreen. The radiator grille was a controversial item being pear shaped with the bottom side bulges concealing the headlights which consequentially were a long way from the side of the car. The front sidelights were mounted in the bumpers. Both right and left hand drive versions were made.
The 1,892 cc engine was slightly modified to produce 68 bhp, 3 bhp more than the saloon engine by fitting twin SU carburettors. The TA 14 suspension was retained with its non-independent leaf springing all round. As the car was lighter than the TA 14 the final drive ratio was changed from 4.875:1 to 4.3:1 helping to increase the top speed and improving economy
The car could reach 80 mph but its high price of £1,276 on the home market limited sales sales.
- Engine(s) Alvis 1,892 cc Straight-4
- Wheelbase 111.5 ins.
- Length 177.5 ins.
- Width 66 ins.
See Also
Sources of Information
- [1] Wikipedia
- British Motor Cars 1950/51