Alvis TB 14

Alvis TB 14
Overview
ManufacturerAlvis Cars
Production1950
100 produced[1]
Body and chassis
Body style2 door sports
LayoutFR layout
Powertrain
EngineAlvis 1892  cc straight-4
Dimensions
Wheelbase111.5 in (2,832 mm)[2]
Length177.5 in (4,508 mm)[2]
Width66 in (1,676 mm)[2]
Chronology
SuccessorAlvis TB 21

The Alvis TB 14 is a British two-seater open car that was produced by Alvis cars, based on the running gear of the TA 14 saloon, and made only in 1950.

Alvis contracted AP Metalcraft, a Coventry coachbuilder, to produce the two-door open car body to fit on the TA 14 chassis. The doors are rear-hinged and have deeply cut-away tops. The car has very long, sweeping front wings and a fold-down windscreen. The radiator grille was controversial, being pear-shaped, with the bottom side bulges concealing the headlights which consequently were a long way from the sides of the car. The front sidelights were mounted in the bumpers. Both right and left hand drive versions were made.[citation needed]

The 1892 cc engine was slightly modified to produce 68 bhp (51 kW), 3 bhp (2.2 kW) more than the saloon engine[1] by fitting twin SU carburettors. The TA 14 suspension was retained, with its non-independent leaf springing all round. As the car is 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.[2]

The car could reach 80 mph (130 km/h),[2] but its high price of £1,276[2] on the home market limited sales.

Alvis TB 14 in Barnes London in 1960
The paint flaked off the aluminium body, but it didn't rust!

References

  1. ^ a b Robson, Graham (2006). A-Z British Cars 1945-1980. Beaworthy: Herridge & Sons. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Culshaw; Horrobin (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2.

Further reading

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Alvis TB14.
  • Clarke, RM (1989). Alvis gold portfolio 1919–1967. Cobham: Brooklands Books. ISBN 978-1-870642-84-2.
  • Culshaw, David (2003). Alvis three litre in detail: TA21 to TF21 1950-67. Beaworthy: Herridge and Sons Ltd. ISBN 978-0-9541063-2-4.