Alvis Fourteen

It appears that the Nation’s Garages, Sheds and home Offices are getting sorted through and tidied up as a National Pastime. Apart from the overall pleasure of clean tidy spaces, useful material has been turning up.

One such example is that from an Allard Owner, ‘Nick’ who has manned the Allard stand next to the Alvis stand at the NEC. In sorting out his garage he came across the Driver’s Manual and Spares Catalogue for chassis 22772, registration no. JVU 839. With the neighbouring link at the NEC in mind he very kindly got in touch and offered to donate the items, hopefully to the current owner. Sadly we lost touch with that Mulliners Saloon many years ago and it is very unlikely she has survived. All is not lost as records show the engine went into chassis 22103 and we are now waiting to hear back to see if the engine still exists and the Manuals are of interest. Visit the Allard stand at the next NEC Classic Car Show and say hello to Nick for an introduction to our alphabetical neighbours. I did suggest he could buy a Mulliners Saloon to match the Manuals but Allard loyalty ran too deep.
Even better results came upon opening the Manuals with this copy page from British Motor Cars 1950/51? Was the owner contemplating buying a TB 14?

From Sweden come some superb historic photos resulting from a sort out before a move to new business premises.
These 2 photos are of Airflow, chassis 20804.

Another historic photo that has come to light is this charming one of chassis 22863. The child industrially cleaning the car recalls the day and is says she is watched by her brother and her best friend in her posh frock.

A further historic photo shows the first Mulliners, chassis 20553,  exported to Hubert Patthey, the Swiss Dealer. The car is being loaded onto the ship at Dover.

In the Covid 19 Spring Clean the rag bag contents may resonate with this poem from ‘Unbalanced Cranks’ (W H Charnock). The contents can cause nostalgic memories whilst polishing!

Once everything is smart, consideration can be given to adornment of the walls if appropriate. One excellent company that can be recommended is Whitewall.com in Germany. Primarily in the modern frame/frameless style on  acrylic, aluminium and quality paper.   They offer superb quality pictures in a range of modern styles and finishes with a very fast turnaround service. Have won the best photoprint lab. in the world award

For many years there was uncertainty as to how many of elegant Graber 2 door Coupe bodies were fitted to TA 14 chassis. 3 was the number agreed upon and no better confirmation could have been provided than from the great man himself in this letter from 29th April 1964. Recently some other European car researchers have tried to claim only 2 Graber bodied TA 14s so hopefully they will catch sight of this letter.

TA 14s continue to be available for sale on carandclassic.co.uk. 3 Saloons, 2 Dropheads and a rebodied car are on offer. In addition not on the TA 14 Section there are a Duncan Fixed Head Coupe and a nice looking Jones Woodie so scroll down and browse to whet your appetite.

The Mulliners TA 14 Saloon, chassis 22829 for sale at The Motorist.
This business based near Leeds is run by the grandson of Ron Spinks, owner of ‘Bluebell’ the delightful Tickford who has stayed in the family and now resides with his grandson. Bluebelll is definitely not for sale. Details of the Mulliners and the services offered at The Motorist can be found at themotorist.com.
Described as a Luxury Car Showroom selling Classic Cars, Workshop and Weekend Cafe this should be an interesting place to spend some time once the premises are able to reopen to members of the public.

eBay also has some of these cars for sale plus a useful quantity of individual spares including body panels and wood trims.

Spares still needed for the Mulliners in South Africa include;

A sunroof
2 Nave plates
Manifold
Horns
Air Filter for chassis number 20674.

A check back on the main alvisarchive.com site to the entry on the 17th May shows a very useful Article about throttle linkages and getting sidetracked, the latter ringing a particularly loud bell.

One colour photograph that came through was of a particularly interesting car bodied by APA Ltd and being the only one of its kind. This car, chassis 21908, has remained true to its original Coachbuilding and resides in Germany. The AOC German representative knows the car well.

Whilst APA Ltd is not a familiar Coachbuilder to TA 14 enthusiasts there is a link to more well known Alvis Coachbuilders as the AOC Technical Advisor has described below.

‘A.P.A. was ‘Austin & Perks Aircraft’. They were the last remaining pair who were originally Cross & Ellis and occupied the old X & E works on Stoke Row, Coventry.They got a goverment contract to make panels for Blenheim aircraft during WWII. Postwar they changed their name to A.P. Metalcraft making the Alvis TB bodies and the sports Fourteen we are talking about.

It is so interesting that the participation in the Eastbourne Car Show in 1949 has resulted in photograph of the original owner, K T J Bone (Standing to the nearside of the car).

An interesting book about the Coachbuilder Carbodies may still be obtained and will be an interesting addition to the bookcase particularly for those who own or have an interest in Carbodies. Carbodies – The Complete Story by Bill Munro. 200 pages and published by the Crowood Press. At a price of £19.99 in 1998 it must be a good coffee table tome. 6 used copies currently available on Amazon.

A Company that specialised in SU Carburettors has over the years expanded considerably. Burlen Ltd., based in Salisbury are well worth a look on burlen.co.uk. This is a carburettor in a 12/70 just back in Germany from Burlens.

They are still producing new SU carburettors and cover the fuel system. How is this for a fine display?

A true British approach to the current pandemic appears on Burlen’s home page.

‘Chin up world we can do this.’

For the car or person who has everything came an idea for a carpet rug for their car. In 1997 the owner of chassis 22979 shared a picture and information about the rugs he had commissioned. With modern computerised production it should be possible to have something similar to go on the wall?

Our friends across La Manche have been busy.

The latest essential style accessory for the well dressed Alvis Owner has to be as shown below.

Will next month’s Post show the plastic visor with appropriate Alvis Logo?

Also to Rally with your Face Mask an interesting ‘AVAC’ French Rally Route was devised to comply with Lockdown. Full details for anyone interested in participation are shown below.

Finally we have the 74th Anniversary of the production of the first TA 14 chassis on Wednesday 26th June. Suffice to say that this truly momentous event was shortly eclipsed in July 1946 by the work of a French automotive engineer who invented the bikini. ( the name inspired by the Bikini Atoll nuclear test).

Keep Safe.

eileen4ta.tb14s@rocketmail.com

Well the last ‘Post’ was out on 1st April!

Those who viewed ‘Electric Blue’ a month ago may have to wait awhile before the real thing takes to the road. The Christmas November Post shows the actual car and a salutary lesson against the old adage, the camera never lies. Thought 0-60 mph in 8 seconds might have been the giveaway.

That being said almost immediately after penning the last blog ‘Wheeler Dealers’ featured a 1990’s Maserati (with a written-off engine) being converted to electric. A bit of a trend as mentioned before in the US.

This all follows in the spirit of the 1st April TA 14 Racing Car as promoted a few years ago. That was picked up at the time by the sharp eyed AOC TA/TB 14 Technical Advisor. It was amazing what could be done with a Tesco Toffee tin and Photoshop!

Not an April Fool is the promotion of the new Pirelli ‘Stella Bianca’ Cross Ply tyre currently being promoted by Longstone Tyres. The 600 16 tyre fits perfectly as a physical replacement tyre for TA and TB 14s. Somewhat at odds with the performance of our cars the tyres are V rated and have a performance rating up to 149 miles per hour.
‘As well as looking right, the focus is to make it handle the way it should without having the vague wandering at high cruising speeds you can get from other cross ply tyres’.
Many owners find the long-standing Avon Tourist Cross ply an excellent tyre but the ‘Stella’ may persuade some owners to revert back from radials.
The Avon Tourist is EXEMPT from the EU tyre labeling regulation EC1222/2009 because, the tyre is designed to be fitted only to vehicles registered for the first time before 1 October 1990.

Two Mulliners Saloon owners have been put in touch with a fellow Alvis Owner who can make a set of car carpets for that Model. Should anyone else be in need of a set of Mulliners Carpets I can put you in touch to get a quote even if you do not have the old carpets.

There are several Fourteens for sale on carandclassic. The Dutch Special and restoration Dhc. are still for sale in The Netherlands. 2 Mulliners Saloons plus 1 original Saloon, NSK 779 that has an unknown Coachbuilder and a very pleasing appearance. A restored Woodie that appears to be very elegant plus one of the rare Duncan’s so quite a selection. A very nice Tickford Drophead Chassis 23718 is for sale on the AOC website.

Somewhat quietly on the 25th May 2019 the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force. The EU regulation was aimed at improving privacy and giving greater control over personal information and how it is used. It runs alongside the Data Protection Act 2018. Some vehicle dealers have taken the view that provenance contains names and addresses and that has been destroyed or not passed on. Under the 6 lawful bases that personal data maybe kept it is believed that the provenance of a classic car vehicle should enable such material to be passed on in full. Should you be seeking to sell or buy a classic car with a dealer it is worth checking their position on the matter.

As always, spares on carandclassic classic and eBay. Red Triangle offer quite a lot of stock on eBay, much of it new old stock. One day the rear ashtray may be as scarce as hens teeth but now there it is, new old stock.

An interesting photo of an Airflow bodies TA 14, chassis 20529 has come from a 1947 Motoring magazine and is a compliment to an existing photo with the same background. The benefit of the first photo is that you can see the numberplate. It appears that the photos were publicity shots for the Airflow bodied Fourteens.

We have been now been able to add the details of a ‘found’ TA 14 Mulliners Saloon, chassis 20866 to our records. Lost since she was exported to New Zealand in 1947. The sad part of the story is that although complete she is viewed as being beyond repair.

Back in 1995, our then Chairman, John Wheeley made a memorable observation about classic car enthusiasts that rather summed up the view at the time.

‘The old car owner, at peace with the aroma of St. Bruno, good ales, Castrol R and an old dog on which to wipe his hands …’; however, before
we are carried away by the rosy glow of an apparent gentler past.

This Carbodies, chassis 23425 was purchased in this state, in the same year.

The new owner said ‘having got the ‘atrocity’ home (to Gwent) he started cleaning out the debris of untold years of neglect and opened the offside rear ashtray where he found an empty condom packet. Upon opening the nearside ashtray I was rather less than delighted to find the remains of the condom itself!’

Some interesting TA 14 material again this month on the main Alvis Archive Trust site so well worth a browse.

It is good to see that the Alvis Pippin Blog is back after an absence of 2 years. Interspersed with views on life and boat maintenance is plenty of interesting material following the restoration and life of Carbodies 22814 living near Cambridge. This Fourteen certainly leads an active life as the following extract shows!

‘Well, of course , I did the Dick Dastardly thing of seeking a short cut.

Reverse back down the Fen Road for 30 yards, then hang a left down the old, unmade, poorly maintained, tractor rutted and deeply unsuitable for elderly classics track for 3/4’s of a mile to the next road which leads to a manually operated rail crossing nearer the village.

The “Treble Zero” did all that was asked of it, slithering and wobbling on it’s tired springs and superannuated shock absorbers, all the way to the lowered gates of the manually operated crossing.

Only to see another sodding train, heading from Kings Cross, parked firmly in the way and blocking the crossing completely.

Nothing for it, then, but to turn around and slither, wobble, bump and grind one’s way back to the other crossing where it all started.

We got there…………. (And with a full complement of hubcaps too!)’ I can feel many cherished Fourteens wincing at that driving description.

For more on this story go to wbpippin.blogspot.com

For any new readers to that Blog follow back in time for a lot of fettling tips and experience.
Finally 22814 is providing an essential service to our NHS as she ferries her owner (a key worker) back and forth to work at Addenbrooks.

Think of them at the weekly clap for the NHS and perhaps give them a toot!

Keep Safe.

eileen4ta.tb14s@rocketmail.com

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

These photos come from Peter Seaward of the H-S Collection,  who owned the cars:

In June 1974 we inspected another black rather tidy TA14 with a gentleman owner in Earls Colne, Essex but never expected to acquire this car in January 2010 from Nottingham – still in black this car is HWD 311. This car is now repainted in Green and remains a member of the collection attending events during the summer and resides in our York premises

ECX 363 was acquired from an elderly lady in Bradford in January 1973. It was tidied up and rallied in 1974 and 5, in December 1993 it was moved from our garage in Leeds 9 to the Hanson’ s home garage in Leeds 8 with a view to a more thorough restoration which was started but not completed and the car was reduced to spares

For some press cuttings on the Tickford “Bluebell”, click on Bluebell

Well it’s now here, the 70th Anniversary of the increasingly iconic TB 14.

Long long past the ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Ugly Duckling’ days the Model is increasingly sought after world wide and can command seriously high prices. The nature of the TA 14 chassis meant the design of the long boot gave such style. The radiator was the epitome of early 1950s racy Post War styling. Sadly traditionalists won the style argument and the successor TB 21 reverted back to a traditional Alvis radiator, possibly a little more dull than the flamboyant TB 14 styling.

The TA 14 Motor Show prototype (in fact technically a TA 14) showed the infamous Cocktail Cabinet and Vanity Bar of perfume, lipstick and powder compact. Many ‘Cocktail Cabinets’ have been retro fitted into restored TB 14s but no one to date has taken on board the beauty bar. Is any owner up to the challenge? The powder compact can be closely replicated by one by Guerlain, ‘Les Meteorites’.

For anyone who enjoys the Hercule Poirot TV series you will see frequent use of Cocktail shakers. Look closely at the Motor Show Prototype. In the door is a lightweight Cocktail Shaker and not glass decanters that are for spirits. Thus one really should be carrying the metal Shaker! After all Martinis should be shaken not stirred!

For more about TB 14s go to the TB 14 Gallery to see the extensive numbers of TB 14s in there different colour schemes and some with the very fetching white wall tyres.
For anyone who was interested in EDB 677, chassis 23582, she has been snapped up now and will be restored and domiciled in Austria. Coincidentally in this photo from 2016 at International Alvis weekend the red TB 14 also lives in Austria, will they meet again?

With the TB 14s and a very few TA 14s being factory fitted with twin carburettors some current owners are seeking to fit twin carburettors. Should anyone have a spare twin carburettor for sale I can put you in touch with owners seeking to purchase the item.
Look back at a few earlier Posts and the spares needed are still required so in this mild weather does something lurk at the back of the garage that might be put to good use by another owner?

Still a very good choice of TA 14s on carandclassic, 7 Saloons including the Duncan on the main site plus 5 Dropheads. No TB 14s shown but I might know of one.

A new book, to add to your Alvis Bookcase Section should be coming out in July, ‘Alvis Society-A Century of Drivers’. by eminent Motoring Historian Dave Culshaw. The book details famous owners and drivers plus other notable Alvis items of interest. Yes there are of course Fourteens covered in the book that has the added benefit that it has been produced with the full cooperation of the Alvis Car Company, sister Company to Red Triangle.

For those who enjoy a good read, the Motoring Magazines of the mid to late 1940s can be most entertaining and the world looks rather different.

Interesting to note that as well as building the Leonides aero engine at the same time as the Fourteen, printing machines were manufactured. Does anyone still have one?

One tip of the day encompasses the ever present problem of how to run a Fourteen with the heater, lights and windscreen wipers operating or may be just the latter two as the heater was an optional extra. Heaters were still very much an optional extra. In the late 1950s the owner of Tickford chassis 21830 had the perfectly serviceable heater removed on the grounds that it would make the family go soft. (My Dad!!!!!)

Many of the early Fourteen chassis were bodied by small coach builders and this was actively encouraged with the pricing of the running chassis.

Another clip from ‘Autocar’  highlights the price with the standard Mulliners Saloon body shows the value of £10 when a pound was a pound.

So what now for the next decade and indeed the next Century? The latest on the horizon in the US is  changing the petrol engine to electric power. Cannabalised parts from crashed Teslas are in demand! Emission standards and reliability are the key drivers. Possibly not in the true spirit of our cars but rather tempting with the increase in so called Smart Motorways that are quite unnerving.

So now it just remains to wish everyone and their Fourteens a Very Happy New Year.

eileen4ta.tb14s@rocketmail.com

Following Victory in Europe achieved in the Spring of 1945, thoughts turned to the nature of the Alvis one might purchase as things gradually started getting back to normal.
All the car companies had tried to keep their names in front of the potential car buying public. These 2 adverts were to whet the appetite and the May advert would certainly have done that with the ‘accurate’ portrayal of the projected next Model. At least the ‘discerning’ public were given a rather more accurate portrayal in August!

Much was made in the 1940s and 1950s as to the intelligent discerning nature of the potential Alvis purchaser as shown in these interesting advertisements of the time.
Even the quality of the pistons was viewed as deserving to stroke the ego of a discriminating Alvis purchaser.

In the 1940s there could be quite a similarity between car makes particularly when Coachbuilders were involved. This example of an MG demonstrates quite a resemblance to a Mulliners Saloon.

For Americans mindful of buying a British Sports-car in 1950, they had the opportunity to see a bright red TB 14, chassis 23500, body no. 1001 as she toured the USA. This car was the very first TB 14 of the production line. Upon return to England the car went to the Sales Department, never to be heard of again unless a reader knows otherwise?

The trip was to research the comparisons between the ordinary people in the United States and those in Britain and Europe after the War. Edward Ward (7th Viscount Bangor) was the author and he was accompanied by photographer Marjorie Banks who later became his 4th wife. The outcome of the tour was a book ‘U.S. and US.’

The conclusions of the book were that Americans had a higher standard of living than Europeans at the time and a lot more cars and consumer items. For those requiring more than the above potted summary, a copy of the book is held by the Alvis Archive Trust. The car was loaned by Alvis and there had been hopes that the loaned Alvis might have been a larger vehicle to cope with all the camera equipment etc.. Nevertheless less the ‘little’ red car was well received even if sales did not materialise.
For Doctor Who fans, their daughter starred in an early Dr Who series and married Tom Baker, the then Time Lord.
Some very good photos of the car appear in the book showing life on the road in 1950.

A very pretty Mulliners Saloon, Chassis 22092, has been up for Auction in Belgium recently. The closing price was 7000 euros. The car appears very original and is right hand drive. She has lived in The Netherlands since 1975 with a Dutch family well known in Alvis circles.
Will she be returning home or perhaps more likely put up for sale again at a higher price.

Another recent Auction in Scotland showed TB 14, chassis 23513 with an achievement of £44520. Another car in very nice condition.

As always these days carandclassic.co.uk shows several Saloons and Dropheads for sale.

Not for sale as far as we are aware but obviously a very cherished and polished vehicle, does anyone have any more details? Perhaps a true TA 14 muscle car?

Whilst eBay has a good regular quantity of Fourteen spares we are still trying to locate the following spares for overseas owners. Market prices and p&P will be paid by the purchasers.

TB 14 Boot Handle or at least the part number, there was no Spares List for TB 14s. USA.

A Nave Plate (Hub Cap) in good condition. USA.

Sunroof
2 Nave Plates
2 Trafficators
2 Horns
Fuel Tank
1 Boot Handle
1 Aircleaner. For South Africa.

TB 14 twin carburettor unit. France.

Finally on Spares does anyone have a rev Counter for a TB 14 in England.

We are in the Celebration year of the first car manufactured by T.G.John Limited the name of the Company before the name Alvis was used for the cars. Note in this advertisement the name and address for the Dealer! Later 103 New Bond Street was the home to the London Dealer, Brooklands of Bond Street for TA 14s, particularly new Tickfords, as shown below.

Also it appears owners of cars were sent off with this key ring. Those who have the Brooklands provenance of their cars might wish to keep their eyes open on eBay for an original keyring.

Christmas presents should be on the list for your friend and here are a few suggestions for something to go under the tree.

Garage Heater
New fire extinguisher
Yellow Dusters

Many companies such as Tesco and Jessops do a good range of products that can have your picture printed on a product quite inexpensively.

Also a good photo of your car can be easily turned into various styles of portrait very inexpensively. A ‘Picasso’ or Impressionist perhaps.

A disc of all the old Alvis Bulletins and more from the Alvis Archive Trust see alvisarchive.com and then the Articles Index at the top of the page will give access to all manner of interesting technical Articles and advice.

No one can have too much in the way of body care products ready for the Spring.

Plenty of Alvis Books, see ‘Books and Publications’ above.

Finally if you were known as a person of deserving quality in 1948 you would receive the works Christmas Card.

Fast forward to 2019 and to all those discerning people who admire and cherish your TA 14s and now also the TB 14s, here is the Christmas Card, just a little late, blame the Postman.

Thanks to everyone who has dropped into this site over the past year and it just remains to say

Merry Christmas to one and all.

Eileen, Terry and ‘Aunty May’

See you in the New Year.

Talk about a ‘Stafford Model Pup’ and you might think first of delightful puppies. Not so for Alvis aficionados!
The ‘Pup’ was the original motorised vehicle designed by T.G .John.
There is one of these scooters held by the British Transport Museum at Gaydon, Warwickshire.
The original firm taken over by T.G.John was Holley Bros., fortunately the Alvis name was later adopted or we should all be driving Holleys.

The Alvis Motor Car Company has loaned their example to the Coventry Transport Museum as part of the ongoing Celebrations for 100 years of Alvis. The scooter was not highly rated at the time and must have been rather difficult to ride as the engine was mounted on one side. It was intended that the rider stood up but later in the production a seat was an optional extra.

When the first car came along the name Alvis was adopted and much speculation has occurred over the years as to the origin of the name. Whilst Geoffrey de Freville was instrumental in inspiring the first car project he denied being responsible for the name. This was slightly at odds with this snippet from the 1920 Motor Magazine.

Sadly things did not develop into a long term business relationship and he found another car manufacture in Wolsey to promote his designs as is shown in this advert of June 1923 for an early ‘Fourteen’.

The Alvis badge had a slightly shaky start with the first design upsetting the Avro Aviation Company. They felt it was too close in design to their badge design and could cause confusion. Their triangle originated from the Cape of Good Hope triangular stamp that had impressed their founder. Thus the redesign of the Alvis badge to the familiar style we know today. There is a 10/30 in the showroom of the Coventry Motor Museum still bearing the original design.

As part of the Centenary Celebrations a 4.3 has been put on display at the RAC Club In Pall Mall. Full details of this are on the home page of the Alvis Archive Trust on alvisarchive.com together with photos of the ‘Great and the Good’ in the world of Alvis historical knowledge and research.

Continuing the theme of research and provenance, Clive Taylor’s Book on Alvis Cars in Competition has now been published and is available from the Alvis Owner Club Site at shop@alvisoc.org and at the time of writing there are still copies available. The TA 14 racing car is of course featured in the book which has plenty of colour photographs.

A further photo of the car racing at Le Mans, No. 32 is shown below together with a quote from the proceedings. She was really showing her paces in the early stages of the 1949 race, perhaps reflecting upon the original logo with wings.

Some years ago an owner had his chassis returned from being sandblasted and noticed some rust holes around one front spring front mounting, He was concerned to see that both front spring rear mounting brackets were extensively cracked where they were welded to the chassis. The cracking was in the chassis itself, plainly visible from the inside. He felt you would not have been able to see the cracking with the car fully assembled.
Perhaps a case of what the eye does not see the heart does not grieve over until the car is stripped down for restoration or there is a failure.

An earlier Post on this site showed the cherished Tickford Dhc. of Ron Spinks and the performance of the Bray heater fitted to the car. Ron speculated in the Article about his expectations for the car and the heater in the 21st century. Pleased to confirm that ‘Bluebell’ is still with the family and being cared for by Ron’s grandson Simon. A check is now to be made to see if the heater is still going strong. Hot money says it is

An tip for anyone needing a new steering wheel or parts to repair one.
The Riley RMA steering wheel is believed to be a direct replacement.

There is a great selection of TA 14s and TB 14 for sale on carandclassic.co.uk for those seeking a new Fourteen before the weather closes in.
One of the rare TB 14s, chassis 23513 comes up for Auction at Morris Leslie Auctions Ltd at Perth, Scotland on the 23rd November. With a guide price of
£40-£50k and full restoration details she has also had the ubiquitous ‘Cocktail Cabinet’ fitted in the door.

There is also a good selection of 6 Mulliners Saloons, 4 Dropheads and 2 Specials, everything bar a Woodie.

Spares continue to come forward on eBay and Red Triangle have ‘new old spares’, new to the market so always worth checking. You have to sift through quite a lot of ‘spares’ that do not appear to relate to Fourteens.

With the news that John Wheeley retired from the Post of TA 14 Technical Advisor for the AOC earlier in the year, we lost the benefit of John’s great experience and knowledge of our cars. Many people have come back and reported how helpful John was able to be and what a pleasure it was to deal with him. All his vast quantity of TA 14 spares now have a new home and we wish him all the best for his new life in Northumberland. The vacancy for the TA/TB 14 Technical Advisor has been filled by Colin Newby who is also the International Director for the AOC. Those who have been in the Alvis world some while may remember Colin owned Walker’s Radiators. Colin’s knowledge of fettling Fourteens is probably unsurpassed and he has owned TAs and TBs in the past. His email address and contact details are in the AOC Bulletin.

Finally we shall all be hearing much about the founding father of Alvis, Thomas George John over the next few months but not much comes over usually about the man himself. On the main Alvis Archive Site are Links to the Antipodean Alvis Clubs. An Article contained in a magazine for the Alvis Car Club of Australia written by T.G.John’s nephew gives a deeper understanding of the personal and family side of his life. The Article is reproduced here with grateful thanks to the Club. When you have a spare hour or two it is well worth exploring the links to all the other Clubs shown on the list.

Now all that remains is to hope all Fourteens are tucked up safely in their garages tonight through to the 2nd November and perhaps spare a thought for all those Fourteens who have not made it down through the years and with apologies to Loreena McKennitt for a slight change to her words.

‘I can see lights in the distance
Trembling in the dark cloak of night
Candles and lanterns are dancing, dancing
A spectral Fourteen on All Souls night.’

eileen4ta.tb14s@rocketmail

We are now entering the year of Celebrations marking the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Alvis by T.G. John.

Globally there will be events to mark this auspicious occasion and Uruguay has entered into the Anniversary with great enthusiasm.

The Museum at Rio Branco, Cerro Largo, Northern Uruguay has this TA 14, chassis 21697 that will proudly fly the flag for the marque.

Our own Fourteen involvement began with these 3 cars ready to leave the Factory with their Dealers in 1946. For more details go the main Alvis Archive Site, alvisarchive.com and scroll down the index to War and Peace.

We do know that a Director of The Dorchester drove a TA 14, (what else) so the market was there for these great vehicles.

There are a very good selection of Fourteens currently for sale on carandclassic this month with a selection of Saloons and Dropheads some of which are passing out from long term cherished ownership.

A very interesting letter appeared in the latest Bulletin 578, Page 97 of the Alvis Owner Club. Referring to a Company called Scott Am of Stoke on Trent, it demonstrated how useful 3D printing can be for the owners of Classic Cars. In this instance rear light lenses for pre-war Alvis cars. The case in point now is an owner who is currently missing one of the chromed levers on the steering wheel. So far we have not been able to find a replacement but this could be an excellent case for taking one off and having it 3D printed. Details for Scott Am are on Suppliers and Services.

Whilst still in August there is just time for another ‘Silly Season’ story so here goes with another dog and this time an aerosol can.

No knowledge as to whether the car has survived!

A very tenuous link to Fourteens next but information provided by an American owner about a weird Pre War Burney R 100 car built on an Alvis chassis led to viewing a clip of 2 of cars actually motoring around London. Passing this information on to the Archive Motoring Historian produced details of a Tata 603 film clip of about 12 minutes long. Quite an ‘interesting’ film clip on YouTube from 1962 and rather in the style of ‘Norman Wisdom’.

Should you have a spare 15 minutes as the evenings lengthen the films can be strongly recommended. Google the Burney car and also the ‘Tatra 603 Happy Journey’ and bear with the first minute or so.

Don’t try and recreate the rolling over clip!

The old car movement in Scandinavia always appears buoyant, helped to a large degree by good relatively empty roads. A recent City Race, the Sports Cars day at Vastervik showed the participation of a TB 14 that shares her garage with 2 more. On https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsPINGs_RHk  the TB 14 can be seen after 31 minutes and joined by 3 other Alvis cars, including a 14 drophead after 1hr 17 minutes so you can scroll for the Alvis cars or enjoy the whole event.

Whilst we have quite a considerable list of Celebrity Fourteen owners one of the most colourful must have ‘been David Bunty’ Scott-Montcrieff.

Known always as Bunty, to describe him as a car dealer does not sound quite right, he was a car placer perhaps, the right car with the right people. They certainly don’t make em like this anymore!

Over time there have been stories and photos of unusual things people manage to do with Fourteens. One of the strangest must be the story of the 1949 Carbodies, chassis 23205, in America. The car was based in San Francisco and was used on a regular basis. Nothing new there except for the fact that the car had been fitted with American truck springs. Subsequently to keep the car level it was necessary to put 500lbs of steel in the boot. Seeing is believing!

ARB 14, chassis 22548 was owned by Ron Buck and was was a very successful Concours and Driving Test Car. Not only was the car always in mint Concours condition but also driven hard when necessary. Note the lean that can be achieved on the race track. Not quite the performance of the Tatra but impressive.

Keeping with the theme ofHHHHH Speed, in the 1980s another Drophead, Chassis 22298 was entering Sprint competitions and doing quite well.

Finally you may occasionally have some confusion about more than one TA/TB 14 made by Alvis.

In the 1920s a TA 14.75 was made looking nothing like our model so this is the .75 to avoid confusion. Later a TB 1475 was built.

Happy Motoring!

eileen4ta.tb14s@rocketmail.com

What else does an English car wear on its head in the Australian heat?

Some years ago we were touring up the West Coast of Australia and stayed at a small Bed and Breakfast north of Geraldtown. Over Breakfast we were chatting to a German Professor of Physics and being served by a friend of the B & B owner as a favour due to the fact that the owner was away for the weekend. Somehow the conversation turned to cars in Australia and then onto Alvis. The lady interjected and said ‘my husband’s got an Alvis, would you like to come and see it?’
Later that morning we went to the premises, lo and behold, amongst quite a few classic cars was the above TA 14. The owner was intent on moving up to Darwin as the weather was hotter up there and he was hoping to open a small Car Museum, wonder if he ever did?
Talking of Darwin and the Northern Territories go to mvec.org.au and see a film tour of the wonderful premises they have for the Members of their Car Enthusiasts Club.

As an antidote to the heat perhaps the following extract from a letter to the AOC Bulletin in 1987 will bring down the temperature? The car is a TA 14 Special rebodied from a Utility in 1970 and was doing about 6000 to 9000 miles per annum.

‘I have no weather protection whatsoever, no windscreen-only aeroscreens, and on more than one occasion have been prised from the car at the end of a longish run with my eyebrows and moustache frozen solid by sub-zero English winter weather- not to mention the 70 mph chill factor. Come to think of it I must be some kind of idiot!’
Many of the Fourteens fall into the Major Coachbuilder categories, Mulliners, Carbodies, Tickford. Over on the main Alvis Archive Trust Site, alvisarchive.com there are some very interesting Articles written about these Coachbuilders. Scroll down the index list to find your Coachbuilder.

One Coachbuilder who definitely does not fit into the category of major Coachbuilder for TA 14s is the Benson Motor Body Company Ltd.. To our knowledge only one chassis , 21889, was bodied by them. The body was aluminium with detachable rear wheel spats. Original features were arm rests fitted to the front seats, rollers to prevent the windows from rattling and the biggest difference being the rear numberplate is built into the body with the spare wheel behind. Must make for a lighter boot lid!
The photo shows the difference to the rear of the car. Fortunately this unique car is being restored prior to export to Ireland.

In 1987, famous Motor Racing driver Rivers Fletcher was made an Honorary Member of The AOC. Rivers also used to present film shows and give Alvis related talks on cars/racing. Obviously very popular as he reported crossings of the Atlantic on the QE2 as a guest of Cunard. Should any Cunard Director be reading this. I am available to give lectures on Fourteens as their guest on any of the transatlantic Queens, just to keep up the tradition of course!

Finally as we are in ‘The Dog Days of Summer’ the following seemed appropriate.

Whilst researching some material from an old Alvis Bulletin this true story was a classic example of how things can go a little wrong at times but all ended well. Hopefully a biscuit was donated to calm furry nerves.

‘A car driver stopped at a level crossing as warning lights flashed and the barrier pole descended. The driver of a van behind ran into the rear of the stationary car. The drivers both got out and began to exchange particulars. A man walking his dog on a lead stopped to offer himself as a witness. The offer was gratefully accepted by the car and van drivers. The man tied his dog’s lead to the barrier pole and joined the conference. A train passed over the level crossing after which the barrier pole rose into the air taking the dangling, strangling dog with it. To save the poor creature the first driver moved his car forward with the idea that he could stand on it and reach up to release the dog. Meanwhile the railway signalman in his box had seen the dangling dog and promptly lowered the barrier pole which came down smartly across the bonnet of the car crushing it. Happily the dog was saved and the day continued to pass fairly uneventfully.’

eileen4ta.tb14s@rocketmail.com