Registration – 810 XUV

Chassis No. – 21646

M.O.T. – Exempt

Odometer – 87,376

Despite Alvis completely losing its factory to German bombs in 1940, they were making cars again as soon as the war ended. Their first post-war model was the TA14 or “Fourteen.” Alvis produced the TA14 as rolling chassis with them going on to coachbuilders like Tickford and Mulliners to have bodies fitted. ‘810XUV’ is one of just 27 that made their way to Ian Duncan’s ex-canning factory in North Walsham, Norfolk. Here, Duncan would craft and fit a distinctive Sports Saloon body with the resulting cars costing more than double that of a standard TA14. ‘810XUV’ was first registered in January 1948 in Norfolk as JAH 263, with the car spending most of its early life in East Anglia. ‘810XUV’ would be taken to Ireland in the late 2000’s and was allocated its current registration number upon its return to the UK. ‘810XUV’ has been in current ownership since 2021 with little or no use since then. It is believed that just four examples of the TA14 Duncan remain in a roadworthy condition today. Comes to us from the large collection of an individual enthusiast.

The front end of ‘810XUV’ remains recognisably a TA14 model. From the windscreen back, however, the car features a distinctive coupe body formed from seasoned ash frames which were initially made by a firm of Norfolk boat builders. Each took three weeks to assemble with the skeleton then sent to Motor Panels of Coventry to be clad in high-tensile aluminium alloy panels. ‘810XUV’ is finished in black paintwork. The steel wheels are finished in black and finished with full sized, chrome hubcaps with Alvis embossed centres. The stylish cabin is finished in its original tan leather which is charmingly patinaed. There is also edge bound brown carpets and wooden veneered dashboard fascia. The paintwork, bodywork and interior are all rated as “average.”

‘810XUV’ is fitted with 1892cc inline four cylinder petrol engine with a single SU, type H, 4-inch side-draught carburettor. This setup originally produced around 65bhp which was surprisingly competitive for the day. The four speed, synchromesh manual gearbox was also quite advanced, too, as is the hypoid bevel final drive making for a more compact transmission tunnel. The Duncan bodied car was considerably lighter than other TA14 models, making it one of the sprightliest performers. All mechanical facets of ‘810XUV’ are rated as “average.” What a truly unique ownership opportunity with just four of these cars thought to remain usable today.

In summary:

• One of just a handful of TA14’s thought to be bodied by Duncan
• Presenting in a highly original condition and one of 4 cars thought to be useable
• Fully exempt from MOT and zero rated for road tax as an Historic Vehicle