The Vauxhall 14-6 is an automobile produced by Vauxhall in England from 1939 until 1948.
Announced in October 1938 for the 1938 British International Motor Show at Earls Court, the 14-6 was offered as a six-light, four door saloon and was powered by a four bearing, OHV, 1,781 cc straight-six engine.Cars Of 1939, Vauxhall 14 changes The Times 6 October 1938 page 17 It had a top speed of 70 mph and could accelerate from 0-50 mph in 18.2 seconds.
Engine, transmission and suspension The previous engine was retained but with compression ratio raised from 6.25 to 6.75:1 and revised timing increasing the output to 48 bhp at 3000rpm. Other features included independent front suspension using torsion bars in place of the previous Dubonnet system with semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear, Lockheed hydraulic brakes and a three-speed all-synchromesh gearbox in place of the four-speed "silent third" gearbox.
Unitary chassis-body The car now had a unitary hull which had a longer wheelbase and wider track than its predecessor which made it larger than the 12-4 model announced at the same time. Previously the 12 and 14 hp models had shared the same body. Interior features included individual leather front seats and a rear seat with fold-down arm rest, a rear window blind and a sliding sunroof.
Post World War II models can be distinguished by bonnet-louvre and grille changes. A total of 45,499 were produced, including 30,511 in the post war period.
Australian production A Vauxhall 14 J was built by Holden in Australia without unitary constructionImproved bodies for Vauxhall 14 Truth 4 June 1939 page 12 which was beyond the capacity of local presses but sharing much of the English car's styling.Vauxhall 14 Sydney Morning Herald '2 May 1939 page 6 The separate chassis allowed the Australian firm to provide open and utility bodies. Commencing in 1939, the 14 was offered in sedan, coupé and roadster body-styles. and as in England but in a Holden version, a light utility.Striking gains in latest Vauxhall product The Sun 2 May 1939 page 14
A 14 sedan was the first civilian car to be produced by Holden in the post war period, leaving the Fishermans Bend assembly line on 21 May 1946.
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