For most Fourteens the years of the 1940s, 50s and 60s were the days of their prime activity. This Article found in an American Tourist Guide reflects upon the world that was the norm for them and their owners both then and now. It’s another world, as they say the past is a foreign country

The Classic car market has slowed somewhat but as with all markets this may change and should not deter the purchase of a quality Alvis. Quite a few very tasty cars can currently be seen on carandclassic.com. In addition to those on show on that website some others are available elsewhere or are in the pipeline.

The cherished red Mulliners Saloon, chassis 22464 is still available for sale and well worth a look. Not a car that has been hawked around, she has been with the same family since 1971, rare to get a car with such provenance and you never need to save up for a new hood! Details are to be found on the AOC website alvisoc.org or I can put you in touch with the owner.

Another long term family saloon car may soon be available but this time it is not a Mulliners but by Coachbuilder H.Raine and Sons. A very cherished car that retains the original colour black she is believed to be the only remaining Raine built car in existence. Chassis 21865 remained with the family and this is a one off opportunity to acquire such a rare car. Genuine interested parties can let me know and I’ll put you in touch with the owner.

In addition to the above a lady will shortly put up for sale a black Mulliners Saloon in a cheaper price bracket but still a good looking active car, let me know if that might be of interest. Chassis 22964 is sadly for due to bereavement but again she has been with the same family for over 50 years and cherished.

For those wanting the wind in their hair there is a TB 14 likely to become available soon and looks to be a good option for those seeking one of these iconic cars. Chassis 23574 is well worth considering and one of the most fun models bearing the Alvis badge. TB 14s should come with a warning however as they are totally unsuitable for those who like to keep below the radar and have discreet motoring. It is impossible to park up without engaging in conversation with anyone around. ‘What is it?’ being the favourite introduction.

The only time the TB 14 might be outshone could have been if it was parked next to a Paramount with a TA 14 engine. The marketing literature for the book about Paramount cars is somewhat unflattering to the Fourteen as is shown below. Despite being known as The Pig, to some eyes it has a rather charming 1950s blowsiness to the styling and certainly shows what can be done with post war styling.

eBay is increasingly being used to sell classic cars. As well as cars, eBay often has useful spares including sell offs of spares from Red Triangle. At present there is a spare wheel cover and separately a nave plate available although you may have to scroll through some totally unrelated car dross to pick them out. You never know when spares like this may be needed. Also scarce items such as original sales brochures and driver’s manuals are still to be found at present.

Whilst on the subject of car sales, vendors need to be aware of the increasing number of time wasters drawn to cars up for sale on the internet on sites such as carandclassic.com and eBay. Warning signs can be an agreement to purchase without seeing the car or reading the advertisement closely. After loads of questions and time wasting sometimes for weeks they just fade away, it seems like a new hobby. Classic car Auctions do have the benefit of avoiding these people, speaking from experience!

Woodies are a charming example of Fourteens and very much reflect the age they were built. This J & M Classics montage shows 5 of them and how different they look with their different colour combinations.

Rarer than Woodies are the few Commercial Vans that were made.

This Model by J & M Classics brings to life the style that could be achieved in working van. Sadly the actual car, chassis 23236 has not survived.

Tickfords were an option for those with deeper pockets in the 1940s.

This marketing brochure of the time shows that only 4-6 weeks would secure delivery and of course from Mayfair, where else?

Finally at a foreign Motorshow what an elegant Display of Alvis Cars with even a usually staid dark coloured Mulliners Saloon sporting white wall tyres looking slightly racy?

So officially for some it is the first day of summer today. How time flies!

eileen4ta,tb14s@rocketmail.com