Description:

A 1948 Alvis TA14 Drophead Coupé Chassis number 22154
Engine number 22154

T.G.John began manufacturing Alvis cars in Coventry, England in 1919 with coachwork supplied by Cross & Ellis and Carbodies. In 1921 the first Alvis vehicle, a 10/30 won a gold medal in the London to Holyhead Trial. The 11/40 and 12/40 models were introduced in 1922, and the following year, the first 12/50 model won the 200 mile race at Brooklands at an average speed of 93.29 mph, taking 39 class records in one day at the famous race track. On November 14th 1940 the Alvis factory was badly damaged by the German Luftwaffe during the blitz on Coventry. Work carried on for the war effort testing Merlin engines for Spitfire fighter planes in one of their 21 shadow factories. In 1946 Alvis returned to the production of motor cars with Mulliners and Tickford producing coachwork designs for the TA14. The TB14, a sports version of the TA14 was launched in 1948. Alvis was a true automobile engineering company designing and engineering everything from concept to the finished rolling chassis. This was complemented by stylish and sophisticated bodywork from the leading coach builders of the time. Very reliable, with impressive performance as evidenced from success on the track, Alvis produced good looking, quality hand built cars with an enviable reputation until the last model produced in 1966, the TF21 Series IV, and production ceased in 1967 after the manufacture of almost 22,000 very special motor cars.

This excellent example of a 1948 Alvis TA14 DHC with build date 11th June 1948 was delivered to Australia as a new car. Its first owner was Mrs Simpson of Burnside who purchased the car from the Alvis agent, Tony Ohlmer. Originally a grey-green colour with a pepper cloth hood, the standard front mounted horns were replaced by a pair of driving lights and the horns mounted on the firewall. These original changes have been maintained. Its second owner was Dudley Campbell- Smith of Stirling who named the car 'Elvira' after the grey-green clad ghost in the play 'Blithe Spirit' by Noel Coward, and by which the car is still known today. Due to faulty big end bearings Campbell-Smith took the car off the road in 1962. The car was eventually dismantled for a restoration by a family associate of Campbell-Smith and unfortunately some small parts were lost.

It was in this state that the vehicle was acquired by John Murray at 'Scottsburn', Harrogate and where in 1972 the car was seen by John Caldicott who purchased it for his wife, Elizabeth. Restoration then took place with engine repairs carried out by Bob Reed of Kurralta Park: bore cylinders to suit new pistons; crankshaft, grind conrod journals, clean up main journals and refit main bearings; re-metal and machine conrods; clutch relined and serviced and carbon thrust replaced. The body was stripped to bare metal and repainted with a 1964 Rootes Group colour of acrylic Paisley Gold and new hood, lined with black vinyl fitted by Eames of Adelaide. The green leather upholstery is all original as are the side and door trims. The wood door trims were apparently chewed by Campbell-Smith's Basset Hound and therefore replaced. New mats and carpets. A modern (MGB) paper element air cleaner was fitted in the original intake 'silencer' unit. All other details remain as per original delivery except for one or two lost parts replaced with acquired Alvis parts.

The car was rallied in the National Alvis Rally, Adelaide 1974, attended the National Alvis Rally, Sydney 1976 and various other sporting car club events through to 1985. In March of 1985 the car was sold to Peter and Anna Godfrey of Flagstaff Hill, Adelaide with a recorded mileage of 64,800. The car remained in the care of the Godfreys until March 2008 by when the car had travelled a total distance of 76,500 miles. No major work had been required in this time but an extensive list of work carried out over the 23 year period is available. Whilst not in use the car was always stored with the hood erected to avoid shrinkage and the car covered.

The Alvis's next owner was Victor Elliott and the current owner (just the seventh) acquired the vehicle from him. It has now still only travelled 78,500 miles from new. The driver's seat has now had to be re-upholstered whilst the other seats have been re-coloured. New carpets have also been fitted. This remarkable vehicle comes with a complete set of manuals and related document

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Shipping

All lots must be paid for and collected by 4pm AEST Monday 8 November. Unfortunately we cannot arrange shipping from this location, however we can arrange the goods to be removed to our rooms at the buyers expense.

25 October 2014 19:00 ACDT
Melbourne, Australia

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

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