1948 Alvis TA14 Duncan Coupé

Coachwork by Duncan Industries Ltd

Footnotes

Surely 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 Industries 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 12/70 - first introduced in 1938 - 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 2½cwt 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 1948 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 XK120, launched the following year!

The 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 flashing 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.