• Lovely early post-war classic

 • Charming patina

 • Original build records

 • Solid and original

The Alvis Fourteen - or TA 14 - was one of the first cars to enter production after the end of World War II. 

It was introduced in 1946 after the Alvis car factory had finally been rebuilt after it was bombed in 1940.

The Fourteen was available as a four-door sports saloon built for Alvis by Mulliners of Birmingham but there were also Tickford and Carbodies drophead versions. It was essentially a rebodied version of the pre-war 12/70, and used a new 1,892cc engine that was based on the 12/70 unit but with larger bores. 

The 65hp unit was fitted with a single SU type H4 -inch side-draught carburettor and a triplex timing chain.

The Mulliner bodies were mounted on an updated pre-war Alvis 12/70 chassis that was widened and lengthened but retained the older car’s rigid-axle leaf spring suspension. At the front, it got Armstrong hydraulic dampers, with Girling brake shoes all-round.

That was enough for an admirable top speed of 74 mph, a 0-60mph in 22.2 seconds, making it a fast touring saloon for its day. 

This example comes from long-term ownership and is an older restoration with a truly charming patina.

NSK 779 was registered in 1949 and was a standard construction Mulliner saloon, finished in black. It was in regular use until around 1960 and was discovered by a previous owner in the early 1980s and sympathetically restored. 

It has had further work since, but with a view on keeping it as close to original as possible. As such, the cabin has never been restored and exudes a wonderful patina.

Supplied with the Alvis is a selection of bills and paperwork, much of which is from Red Triangle, widely regarded as the UK’s leading Alvis specialist. 

Of particular note is a copy of the original build record from the Alvis factory, documenting the various stages of the car’s construction. 

There is also an original owner’s manual and a commemorative book from 1996 celebrating the TA 14’s 50th anniversary, along with a photograph of the car at its previous owner’s house.

Finished in black and set off by a stylish red pinstripe, the Alvis is a charming old thing and while it’s not perfect, it’s in very nice condition overall with no major faults. 

There are areas where the paint is thin from polishing and a few very small blemishes, while the chromework is also a little tired in places, such as on the hubcaps. But in many ways, these add to its appeal. It’s a lovely old car that has clearly been well-loved throughout its life and it is beautifully presented. 

The vendor reports that the chassis is in good order and that there are no reasons for any concern.

Open the ‘suicide’ doors and its evident that the rich red leather seats have obviously been recovered at some point, as have the matching door cards, and they’re in lovely condition. 

They’re complimented by a solid wood dashboard and beautifully intricate art-deco dials that look like they’re from a 1930s car. It’s a charming ambience and extremely comfortable. 

The dash is dominated by a giant three-spoke Bakelite steering wheel, which is a glorious thing to behold. The controls are all fairly basic, but everything appears to work apart from the clock.

The 1,892cc engine has its origins in pre-war days but despite this and the fact it was engineered for post-war tax purposes to be below 1,900cc, it’s a lively and peppy unit. The larger-engined TA 21 may be more sought-after, but the TA 14 is still a very advanced car to drive given its pre-war origins. 

The engine fires up on the first pull of the starter with very little choke and runs and idles smoothly. A short test drive in the vendor’s paddock was enough to determine that the steering and brakes feel fine and the vendor reports that the car is great overall mechanical health, with no known running issues. 

This is a lovely old car from a bygone era and it has a wonderfully stately presence on the road. It’s also in terrific overall condition, with only a handful of minor cosmetic blemishes. The interior is gorgeous, and there are also many fascinating facets to its history such as the original build record.

If you’re in the market for a high-quality post-war vehicle with vintage appeal, then this is a car with a tremendous amount to offer.