Alvis TB 14

Alvis TB 14
Overview
Manufacturer Alvis Cars
Production 1950
100 produced[1]
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]
Length 177.5 in (4,508 mm)[2]
Width 66 in (1,676 mm)[2]
Chronology
Successor Alvis TB 21

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 AP 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 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 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.[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.

References

  1. 1 2 Robson, Graham (2006). A-Z British Cars 1945-1980. Devon, UK: 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

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