Alvis TB 14

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Alvis TB 14
Alvis TB 14 Front.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer Alvis Cars
Production1950
100 produced [1]
AssemblyUnited Kingdom: Coventry, England
Body and chassis
Body style 2 door sports
Layout FR layout
Powertrain
Engine Alvis 1892  cc straight-4
Dimensions
Wheelbase 111.5 in (2,832 mm) [2]
Length177.5 in (4,508 mm) [2]
Width66 in (1,676 mm) [2]
Chronology
Successor Alvis 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 AlvisTB14Barnes1960.jpg
Alvis TB 14 in Barnes London in 1960
The paint flaked off the aluminium body, but it didn't rust! AlvisTB14Barnes1960Hood.jpg
The paint flaked off the aluminium body, but it didn't rust!

References

  1. 1 2 Robson, Graham (2006). A-Z British Cars 1945-1980 . Beaworthy: Herridge & Sons. ISBN   0-9541063-9-3.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Culshaw; Horrobin (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN   0-333-16689-2.

Further reading