Difficult to believe how much the world has changed since writing the January Post.
Many of us will be operating under lockdown conditions and finding more time available for indoor and garage pursuits. Not perhaps anything as energetic as the gentleman under this Pennock!

Now may be the time to sort out that corner of the garage and think about selling any surplus spares when the time is right. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure as they say.
As mentioned on the main Alvis Archive Trust site, also a good opportunity to look at your paperwork relating to Alvis Car(s) and perhaps send us through some information/electronic photos etc. Paper photos can be digitised and sent through. Already since this appeal one owner has come through with TA 14 information. Sometimes a browse through old family photo Albums may produce car photos that may be of interest to various Car Clubs.

With the 100th Anniversary of the completion of the first 10/30 being 31st March, thought it appropriate to show the early 10/30 marketing brochure. Not a Fourteen but where would we be without her.

In what now seems a world away, visited a TB 14 owner in Nashvillle, Tennessee. This car has been in the family for over 50 years and is now coming to the end of a painstaking restoration. The car was purchased by in the U.K. by an American Military Officer and shipped to the US after his service in the U.K. finished.
As with many cars the idea was to restore the car but time went by as happens.
Now having passed to the next generation she is nearing the end of her restoration and she still needs a proper TB 14 boot handle if anyone can help.
Repainted with a colour as close as possible to the original red she will be an absolute stunner when she emerges later this year.

‘Bangers and Cash’ on featured the sale of 3 Alvis Cars last year. The great interest was the sale of the former Welsh Barn find, a red TB 14, chassis 23588. You may still be able to pick this up on UKTV Play.

Does anyone recognise the ‘star’ in the photo in the January Post at the Motor Show?

One of the other headlines has been the emergence of a Duncan that has been in storage for 60 years and has approx 12000 miles on the clock that is believed to be genuine. ADJ 1, chassis 21786 emerged to be offered for sale by Bonhams in their late March Auction. For obvious reasons the Auction was cancelled and sealed bids invited. The car sold quickly for £25 987 including buyer’s premium. In the event that the number plate was sold with the car the buyer probably has a free car and the car may well be put up for sale again.

It is wonderful that ‘Barn’ finds are still coming to light and adding to the sum total of known Fourteens and there will be more to come.

Interesting to note that the chassis number falls between 2 notable chassis numbers. Chassis 21785 is for ‘Mavis’ the lovely Mulliners that was the featured car at the 70th Anniversary Celebrations at International Alvis Day 2016 and also features in ‘Life of a TA 14’ see Headings. With time on hands interesting to see the history of all the work and invoices through the years.

Chassis number, 21787 is for another Duncan that was stolen in 1966 and never seen again. She was painted in the Summer Cream buttercup colour. Does anyone know of her whereabouts, KTF 234?

The Alvis Owner Club site has what appears to be a very nice Tickford up for sale, chassis 21936, engine 23718, for offers. As this car has had a full restoration it should be a very tempting prospect for a non fettler.

A good selection of Fourteens remain for sale on the Car and Classic Website.

We are still looking to help overseas owners with a sunroof for a Mulliners and window winder for a Carbodies. I can put you in touch if you have such a thing.

Often space can be at a premium particularly for storing large spares such as engines. One solution has been put forward to ease the pressure on space and indeed a whole book has been written to assist. ‘How to Build your own Engine Coffee Table’ by Gergely Bajzath.

Ideally make sure the item in question is clean unless gunge patina is your thing. Then think of the money you will save on furniture purchases.
Possibly an idea to check with other members of the household before installation unless it is a surprise 2020 Christmas present! (Details on Veloce publishing.)

Some interesting photos came through to the site and here is a little update.

Useful information in the January/February Alvis Owner Club Bulletin about the Duckhams additive to protect fuel system components including from Ethanol effects. Maybe worth trying some with the recommended 2 gallons of new fuel if the car has been standing for a while. Noticed in US that you can buy petrol with 10% Ethanol should you so wish! Price£12. 95.

For those who remember the December Post and the reference to electric cars, well this turned out to be rather prophetic.
Amazingly from across the pond there is now an electric powered Alvis. A TA 14 no less!!!

Keeping its stylish TA 14 looks but using a Tesla unit obtained from a crashed vehicle, the vehicle has been totally  rebuilt to meet the demands of its new electric heart and drives. Test track figures show a capability of 0 – 60 mph in just 8 secs. Further investigations are to be made to get in touch with the owner for more details. Should make a good Article.

Similar electric drive train fitted to another  classic.

In case we think this is very advanced, this electric cart was used by the super rich and famous members of the exclusive Jekyll Island Club, Georgia in the early 1900s. TB14 red???

Finally for anyone who has not yet picked this up from the main AAT site, reason for a smile in these difficult times.

Keep Safe and Keep Smiling!!!

eileen4ta.tb14s@rocketmail.com