Description
Which other British car manufacturer in the 1950s could boast a Monte Carlo rally win and a top three at Le Mans?
Allard was another small volume maker who traded from 1945 to 1958 and only produced 1,900 units in total, producing a series of sporting cars designed by the owner, Sydney Allard, who raced them when he wasn’t building them.
This was one of the first Anglo-American cars, using the best English body and chassis design mated to an American V8, a theme carried on for years with cars such as the AC Cobra (designed by Carroll Shelby, an Allard racing driver), the Sunbeam Tiger, Bristol V8s and numerous others.This beautiful example was delivered to its first Bournemouth customer in March 1948 and was one of only 500 built, of which under a hundred are known to survive.
After a complete body, interior and mechanical restoration in the early 1990s, the car has been considerably improved by the current owner. The car has had a full gearbox overhaul, new brake cylinder and a 3.25 ratio differential fitted to aid economy and relaxed cruising. With upgraded radiator and cooling, the car runs to original temperature specifications and can handle heavy traffic with no issue.
Indeed, the expenditure over the past two years, in order to present the car in the exceptional condition seen today, is in the region of £25,000. This must surely make this the best available car on the market. All the mechanical works have been carried out by Allard Owners Club’s recommended suppliers.
Interestingly, even the fuel tank was specially manufactured last year by Lloyd Allard, grandson of Sydney Allard himself.
The car presents well in a very recent period Tudor Grey metallic paintwork, re-plated brightwork with Burgundy leather interior and is remarkably fun to drive, with a copious amount of engine torque making gear changes rare.
A fabulous car supplied with a large history file, it has to be seen to be properly appreciated; this beautiful Allard drophead must be one of the very finest of its kind.
For further information or to arrange a viewing, please contact our sales department.
