MOTOR CARS | 145Surely one of the most striking Alvis silhouettes ever to grace the
highway, this stunning car is one of only some 12-or-so surviving
TA14s bodied by Duncan 0ndustries Ltd of North Walsham, Norfolk, a
company that also made similar bodies for Donald Healey. Alvis had
recommenced production after WW2 with a range little altered from that
of 1939, the 1270 - first introduced in 193 - reappearing as the TA14,
the most obvious difference being the adoption of steel disc wheels in
place of wires. An uncomplicated, separate-chassis design, the TA14
was powered by an overhead-valve four-cylinder engine of 1,892cc
and featured beam-axle front suspension and mechanical brakes. The
gearbox was a synchromesh four-speeder, and with 65bhp available the
TA14 was good for 75mph. Panelled in aluminium (the bonnet is steel)
and weighing some 2ñcwt less than the Mulliner-bodied TA14 saloon,
the Duncan version had superior performance and was guaranteed to
draw an appreciative crowd wherever it parked.
'This elegant sports saloon is at once outstanding, its handsome
contours creating the impression (later to be convincingly demonstrated)
of silent speed, superb acceleration and excellent road manners,'
wrote Autocar.
Chassis number 21707 was built on 4th March 194 and delivered on
the 15th of that month. The Duncan body and interior were fitted and the
car registered on 1st September '48.
The price then was a staggering £2,199, which was more than double
that of the standard TA14 and getting on for £1,000 more than that of the
Jaguar ?K120, launched the following yearThe Alvis Duncan's restoration was carried out between 2010 and 2012.
This was a full body-off undertaking, with the chassis, suspension,
engine, body and interior all being rebuilt. The engine now has an
unleaded-compatible cylinder head, while other upgrades include Åashing
indicators, electric wash/wipe, electric fuel pump, wing mirrors, and a
safety/security switch. The original colour was Silver and is now Silver
over Blue. All numbers match and are correct.'ESA 352' is in wonderful condition and is said to drive very well, its
1.9-litre engine pushing the car along at a fair speed considering its age
(nearly 70 years old). The car comes complete with two large history
files containing old invoices, expired MoTs, an original brochure, service
manuals, handbook, spares catalogue, and numerous photographs
of the restoration. There is also a large spares package available by
separate negotiation, which includes an engine block, crankshafts,
camshafts, manifolds, and numerous other Alvis parts. The car is exempt
from both road tax and the MoT test, but nevertheless has a current MoT
certificate with no advisories.
£28,000 - 30,000
€33,000 - 35,000142
1948 ALVIS TA14 DUNCAN COUPÉ
Coachwork by Duncan Industries Ltd
Registration no. ESA 352
Chassis no. 21707
- One of some 12 survivors of
circa 30 built - Restored between 2010 and 2012
- Extensive history files
- Large spares package available