Beschreibung
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
14th June, 2023 13:00
1948 Alvis TA14 Drophead Coupe
Estimate
£14, 000 - £16, 000
Registration No: LWA 372
Chassis No: 22465
MOT: Exempt
Subject of a comprehensive restoration around 2004
A good quantity of invoices dating back to the 1980s
Has formed a part of a private collection since 2011
Subject to an engine overhaul by Primrose Classic Cars in 2009
Finished in Red / Grey with a Grey interior LWA 372 carries coachwork by Carbodies and was the subject of a comprehensive restoration around 2004. A good quantity of invoices dating back to the 1980s, correspondence and photographs for works carried out are present in the accompanying history file. Purchased by the vendor from marque specialists Red Triangle in 2011, a sales invoice totalling some £27, 000 and confirming recent mechanical works having been completed is also included. In 2009 the engine was thoroughly overhauled by Primrose Classic Cars of Accrington following piston seizure at a cost of almost £6, 000. Whilst the car is said to have “good” bodywork, paintwork and engine, we are advised the front seats have been retrimmed but the rears have some wear and patina. An original instruction manual, Alvis TA14 50th Anniversary Collection of technical articles and a catalogue of spare parts (Issue No. 3) are also included.
Entering production in 1946, the new Alvis TA14 was a successful update of the pre-WW2 12/ 70 (designed by George Lanchester). With a two-inch longer wheelbase and four-inch wider track as well as some additional chassis bracing, it offered an improved ride and sharper handling. Credited with 65bhp, its 1892cc OHV four-cylinder engine was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox (with synchromesh on the top three gears) which drove the rear wheels via a hypoid back axle. Reputedly capable of over 75mph and accelerating from 0-60mph in 22 seconds, the model employed Girling twin leading shoe drum brakes all round. While the majority were supplied as Mulliner-bodied four-door saloons, the TA14 could also be had with two-door drophead coupe coachwork by Carbodies or Tickford. Some 3, 311 examples are said to have been produced during the four years of production.
