1st Oct, 2023 12:00
The Bolesworth Castle October 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction
1947 Alvis TA14 Special
Featuring lightweight roadster coachwork, with cycle wings
Registration - XSJ 153
Chassis - 21525
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 37,317
This fascinating two-seat special is based on a 1947 Alvis TA14. The vendor acquired it in 2014 and informs us that the boat-tailed conversion was carried out some years previously by a garage in Caernarfon. Evidently all the running gear is TA14, including the rod brakes, but the engine is not the original one. The unique car’s specification includes: a clip-on hood and side screens; semaphore arms; a working Smiths heater; a charming radiator mascot depicting a large-pawed hare; a pair of massive Lucas King of the Road headlights; and a period brass fire extinguisher. The vendor confirms the car is running, but says it would currently benefit from a service and some light recommissioning. He presently grades the four-cylinder engine, manual gearbox, two-seater bodywork, green paintwork and black vinyl upholstery as all being in ‘average’ condition. ‘XSJ 153’ is now available for purchase complete with a large quantity of spares (including another engine, two spare gear boxes, as well as spare guages), that can be collected from the vendor, plus an array of old tools and vintage fuel cans etc, but relatively little paperwork.
The TA 14 was Alvis’s first post-war offering and was sold from 1946 to 1950, at which point the model was superseded by the TA21. The TA14 was available in two configurations: a four-door saloon with body by Mulliners of Birmingham, or a two-door drophead with body by either Tickford or Carbodies. The model was based on a widened and lengthened pre-war Alvis 12/70 chassis and retained that car’s leaf spring suspension and mechanically operated brakes. However, whereas the 12/70 was equipped with wire wheels, the newcomer was fitted with steel discs rims.
The Alvis was powered by an enlarged 12/70 engine – a four-cylinder unit of 1892cc fed by a single SU carburettor and producing 65bhp. This was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. The model had a top speed of around 74mph and could reach 60mph in just over 22 seconds. Some 3,311 examples of the model are said to have been produced in the four years of production.
In summary:
- A unique two-seat special with Alvis TA14 running gear
- In running order but in need of a service and some recommissioning
- Lot includes a host of spares, including a second engine
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Sold for £3,656
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
Registration - XSJ 153
Chassis - 21525
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 37,317
This fascinating two-seat special is based on a 1947 Alvis TA14. The vendor acquired it in 2014 and informs us that the boat-tailed conversion was carried out some years previously by a garage in Caernarfon. Evidently all the running gear is TA14, including the rod brakes, but the engine is not the original one. The unique car’s specification includes: a clip-on hood and side screens; semaphore arms; a working Smiths heater; a charming radiator mascot depicting a large-pawed hare; a pair of massive Lucas King of the Road headlights; and a period brass fire extinguisher. The vendor confirms the car is running, but says it would currently benefit from a service and some light recommissioning. He presently grades the four-cylinder engine, manual gearbox, two-seater bodywork, green paintwork and black vinyl upholstery as all being in ‘average’ condition. ‘XSJ 153’ is now available for purchase complete with a large quantity of spares (including another engine, two spare gear boxes, as well as spare guages), that can be collected from the vendor, plus an array of old tools and vintage fuel cans etc, but relatively little paperwork.
The TA 14 was Alvis’s first post-war offering and was sold from 1946 to 1950, at which point the model was superseded by the TA21. The TA14 was available in two configurations: a four-door saloon with body by Mulliners of Birmingham, or a two-door drophead with body by either Tickford or Carbodies. The model was based on a widened and lengthened pre-war Alvis 12/70 chassis and retained that car’s leaf spring suspension and mechanically operated brakes. However, whereas the 12/70 was equipped with wire wheels, the newcomer was fitted with steel discs rims.
The Alvis was powered by an enlarged 12/70 engine – a four-cylinder unit of 1892cc fed by a single SU carburettor and producing 65bhp. This was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. The model had a top speed of around 74mph and could reach 60mph in just over 22 seconds. Some 3,311 examples of the model are said to have been produced in the four years of production.
In summary:
- A unique two-seat special with Alvis TA14 running gear
- In running order but in need of a service and some recommissioning
- Lot includes a host of spares, including a second engine
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: The Bolesworth Castle October 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction, 1st Oct, 2023
Our October auction of classic, modern classic and prestige cars and motorbikes.
Viewing Days:
Saturday 30th September, 1pm - 7pm
Sunday 1st October, 9am - 12 noon
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling one of the Hampson Auctions team on 01606 828124
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
