MOTOR CARS | 251Racing driver Sydney Allard’s post-war cars combined the same virtues
of light weight, independent front suspension and an abundance of
American V8 power, which had been features of his first trials special
of the mid-1930s. These favourable characteristics enabled Allard cars
to establish a formidable competition record in the immediate post-war
years; Allard himself finishing 3rd at Le Mans in a J2 two-seater and
winning the Monte Carlo Rally outright in a P2 saloon.
Introduced in 1947, the M-type (retrospectively M1) was a more civilised
version of the contemporary L model and employed Allard’s trademark
independently suspended ‘split’ front axle and transverse-leaf rear end
in a chassis 6” longer than that of the K-type, the extra length being
used to accommodate two rear passenger seats. Like the vast majority
of production Allards, the M used Ford components, which were readily
obtainable from Ford in the UK, its engine being the Blue Oval’s famous
3,622cc ‘flat head’ V8. Approximately 500 examples were produced
between 1947 and 1950.
Being top quality, hand-built, British cars with American mechanicals,
Allards were very usable and relatively inexpensive to run and maintain.
With their powerful and torquey V8 engine, three-speed manual gearbox
and high overall gearing, they were fast and exciting cars to drive. Details
of factory and retailer records (copies on file) supplied by Gavin Allard,
historian and archivist of the Allard Owners Club, show that chassis
number ‘705’ fitted with engine number ‘7200726’ was delivered new to
Bristol Street Motors in October 1948 and registered ‘JOF 189’. Its first
owner was one J E Keightley of the White Lion, Bideford-on-Avon, while
the original colour scheme was maroon with matching hood and brown
interior. We are advised that the Allard went to the USA in 1990.
A most impressive example, this car was the subject of a total ‘last
nut and bolt’ body-off restoration in the USA some nine years ago that
cost the equivalent of almost £100,000. Purportedly, it was a Pebble
Beach concours winner in 2003/2004 and undoubtedly would be a
strong contender for top concours honours now. Equipped with triple
carburettors, the engine has been totally rebuilt to run on Super Unleaded
fuel and incorporates tuning parts made by the legendary Offenhauser
company in the form of the latter’s aluminium cylinder heads. Fewer
than 1,000 miles have been covered since the car’s total rebuild circa
2000/2001 and we are able to report that it sounds wonderful and is
said to drive superbly. The chassis is as clean underneath as the body
is on top. It should be noted that after a further 500 miles the cylinder
head bolts will need to be re-tightened to the correct torque setting
(recommended figures enclosed with accompanying paperwork).Chassis number ‘705’ is finished in Flame Red with beige mohair hood,
while the re-trimmed interior features beige leather upholstery, contrasting
biscuit carpets bound in beige leather, and striking walnut woodwork.
Chromed wire wheels have been fitted in preference to the standard steel
disc wheels. Sold to a new owner in Germany in 2005, the Allard was
purchased by the current vendor at Bonhams’ December Sale at New
Bond Street in 2013 (Lot 015), since when he has obtained an age-
related registration from the same series as the original. The car is only
offered for sale because it no longer fits into the vendor’s future plans.
Currently taxed, ‘JOF 560’ comes with a laminated sheet of starting
instructions, American title documents and V5C registration document. A
fabulous car that has to be seen to be properly appreciated, this beautiful
Allard soft-top must be one of the very finest of its kind currently available.
£45,000 - 55,000
€56,000 - 69,000