All Fourteens and their friends can now look forward to celebrating the Seventieth Anniversary of the commencement of their production in 1946 and yes as a true Fourteen this does include the TB 14s as well. They will be reaching their three score years and ten between 2016 and 2020, what an achievement!
The International Alvis Weekend Committee have been hard at work analyzing suitable venues of sufficient standard and quality to house the Fourteen party on the Saturday before featuring us again on the Sunday at International Alvis Day.
Many hotels have been assessed and rejected. The Ritz and The Savoy were ruled out for limited parking and no area for Driving Tests. Gleneagles could do that but was rather too far north for European travellers. So where shall we go? The decision has been made, Hotel reserved and it is to be Wroxall Abbey Hotel and Spa with 73 bedrooms, 72 now as the author has already reserved a room. Google Wroxall Abbey Hotel and Spa to see all the information plus there is an added benefit that it is close to Kenilworth and Red Triangle. Both the Saturday and Sunday events will be held on site in the beautiful grounds of the hotel. Bookings are now being taken by the Hotel for a £40 deposit and can be cancelled up to 72 hours before the first night’s booking. Telephone 01926 486729 or 01926 484470. The room rate is not yet finalized but there will be a Special Alvis rate so do quote Alvis. Briefly the Fourteen Seventieth Day will be held on Saturday 21st May 2016. Dinner Saturday evening and International Alvis Day on Sunday 22nd May 2016. Non Fourteen owners will be permitted to attend the Saturday event upon confirmation of good behaviour! Rumour has it we shall be able to display 3 or 4 cars in a Marquee by the main building.
There will need to be an overflow hotel for the weekend and a bus service will be laid on between the hotels so the message is get booking now if you wish to be in the main hotel.
We are now going to work on the format of the Day itself with the International Alvis Weekend Committee. Some ideas are already in place but please feel free to come forward with any ideas you have and anything you can volunteer for on the Day. As things fall into place there will be regular updates.
So get fettling and make sure the girls and boys are ready for next May. Our last big event was the Fiftieth Anniversary in 1996 and the next big Fourteen party may be some way off! No excuses, if they are not ready, hire a trailer?
To other matters now, following several weeks of glorious weather touring California not a single prewar or prewar styled car was seen on their roads so no Alvis sightings to report. Like more and more of our cars they are spending increasing time tucked up in garages dozing. Anyone heading for Las Vegas should seek out the Motor Museum/Car Sales in The Linq Hotel, just off The Strip, for a wonderful time gazing at some great cars. Senior Discount on production of I.D. proving age. No Alvis spotted this time but an amazing selection of cars.
Just when we think no more ‘discoveries’ will be made two more pop out. A lady has been in contact with the AOC and confirmed that she has a much cherished Carbodies tucked up in the garage since 1975 and most definitely not for sale. Photos will be coming through in due course. This adds to the Reeve and Kenning Woodie Barn find that is now soon to the the subject of restoration.
Going back to the early days of the AOC, interesting to note that line drawings of TB 14, NAF 1 featured on two of the early Alvistas Bulletins so these will be extracted and put on The Gallery. NAF 1 is still going strong in the south of England.
Also in an early Alvistas is a delightful advert for Tetleys Beer at The Railway Hotel, Wombwell featuring a side view of a red TB 14. Does anyone know who she was. The advert will appear shortly on under a new heading of Advertisments.
Amongst all the Fourteen matters one very sad event to report. We have lost Margaret Fairburn on the 12th April. She was a much loved lady and wonderful support to Arthur who is a past Alvis Owner Club Chairman. Our sympathies go out to Arthur at this sad time. Further details can be found on the main Alvis Archive site.
Finally, can your car be the star? Brooklands are holding a Forties event on Saturday 16th May and are looking for two Alvis to participate in a line up of cars to feature those who appeared in the 1948 Motor Show. The cars do not have to be concours standard as long as they polish up well. The line up will be outside but behind a rope.
Spring has sprung now, cold damp garages are a distant memory, time for fettling, spring cleaning and driving.
eileen@ta.tb14s@rocketmail.com