Alvis TA14 (1946 – 1950) Review

Item: Alvis TA14 (1946 – 1950) Review 2024
Author: Administrator

Alvis TA14 Sports Saloon

£14,000

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Alvis TA14 (1946 – 1950) At A Glance

Pre-war roots mean rod-operated brakes and cart springs

High quality construction, a choice of coachbuilt dropheads

The Alvis TA14 was one of the first British cars to go into production after WW2, although in reality it was a mildly modified version of the pre-war 1938 12/70 and not a new car at all. Despite this, it was Alvis’s post-war best-seller – a fact more relevant when one considers how much Alvis moved upmarket after the TA14.

The pre-war specification means cart springs and mechanically operated brakes, although the track was slightly wider and the wheelbase was lengthened. The engine was bored out by an extra 50cc to 2.0-litres, but extra weight over the 12/70 means the TA was not really any quicker, topping out at 75mph.

The TA14 was also available as a convertible. The Cabriolet version was introduced alongside the saloon, and two drophead bodies were offered from the start – one by Tickford and the other by Carbodies. All versions featured the same front-end treatment, and the interior had high-quality leather seats.

Ask Honest John

Should I sell my classic Alvis TA14 complete with its special numberplate?

"We have a 1948 Alvis TA14 with the registration ‘TA 14’. It has had two owners from new, full history and has lots of extras like Hooper Brothers paintwork. Fully restored a few years ago, it's now time to sell. Should we sell the plate separately or on the car? And can you recommend a good dealer or auction?"

The registration 'TA 14' will be of huge interest to Alvis aficionados, especially still attached to its original Alvis TA14. I recommend www.historics.co.uk at Brooklands, because it's local to me, I like the people, and it got one reader £10,000 more than he expected for a part-restored Austin Healey (almost double the money). But you may find H&H at Buxton more convenient. I copied this to our classics expert, Keith Adams and he agreed, then, in order of preference – Bonhams Harrogate sale, Silverstone Auctions and Barons. He affirmed that it is vital to keep the car and the registration together.

Answered by Honest John

We found a pair of pliers inside the chassis rail of my 1938 Alvis Speed.

"NB's report of the inscription inside the Porsche body shell reminded me of a strange discovery found during the restoration of my 1938 Alvis Speed 25 some twenty years ago. When the ash body frame was lifted off the chassis rails, a packer was discovered spacing the body rail from the top of the metal chassis. The restorer scratched his head, then found that, on the other side of the car, there was a pair of pliers sandwiched between the timber frame and the chassis rail. The car was built by Vanden Plas Coachbuilders for its stand at the motor show. Clearly the pliers were accidentally left on the chassis, and the other side was spaced to create symmetry. Being hand-made, all other panels were then fabricated to fit. "

Many thanks. That's a lovely story. By far the best so far.

Answered by Honest John