From local pub ‘noggins & natters’ to the Monte-Carlo Challenge or the Goodwood Revival, Allard owners enjoy using their Allards. This section features reports from just some of the varied activities of the Allard Owners Club and news items of Allard interest.
Festival of Britain J2 alive again !
Following an extensive 12 year restoration, the ex-Desmond Titterington / ‘Festival of Britain’ Allard J2 is now up and running. Owner Chris Pring was seen smiling his way up the Cultra Hill Climb at Northern Ireland’s Ulster Folk and Transport museum on 1 June in this famous flathead powered car, with a best time in Class 1 of 51.81 seconds.
‘OZ 4444′ appeared on the Allard Motor Company’s Stand at the 1951 Festival of Britain, and was delivered soon after to Belfast driver Des Titterington, who immediately put the J2 to good use, winning the 1952 Leinster Trophy, and scoring an outright win at the 1953 Knockagh Hill Climb. With the car then powered by a 3917cc Ardun converted engine on 8 Amal carburettors, it was Titterington’s success with the Allard against more ‘refined’ machinery that helped him secure his famous drives with Ecurie Ecosse and the works Jaguar and Mercedes Benz teams.
It is wonderful to see this historically important Allard back in action and the AOC congratulate owner Chris Pring and Paul Wheldon at the Leiter Motor Company for the comprehensive rebuild – an incredible feat considering that the car was rescued from a scrapyard and spent much of it’s later life in cardboard boxes. The now stunning J2 is beautifully finished, right down to the perfectly positioned grille badges, that look just like they did in Titterington’s days (pictured below).
Report by David Hooper, photo credits to www.classicandsportscar.com
11.06.2013
Sporting season in full swing
Sydney’s love for competition lives on with many Allard’s now out and about at speed and circuit events in the UK and Europe.
Although a seasoned historic racer, Till Bechtolsheimer is an Allard newcomer, having his first outing in his J2 at the Donington Historic Festival on 4-5 May (pictured above). Chassis #99J1960 is a recent import from the USA and has been subject to full race preparation by Tony Bianchi’s Racing Repertoire Company . The car is now fitted with Tony’s development of the original three speed Ford gearbox, using straight cut gears along with ‘dog clutches’ – gone are the helical gears and bulky synchromesh, allowing a substantial increase in performance to match the torque characteristic’s of the 331 ci Cadillac engine. At Donington, Till and the J2 ran in the Woodcote Trophy/Stirling Moss Trophy, setting the fastest race lap time in class 2 – an excellent achievement for a ‘shakedown’ event ! The next planned outing for the dark blue J2 is this years Le Mans Legends race that supports the famous 24 hour event in mid-June.
With quite possibly 50 years more J2 experience than Till, ex AOC Club Captain Jim Tiller took ‘the Old Fella’ to the Bentley Drivers Club Sprint meeting at MIRA on the 11 May, having an ‘interesting day’ getting used to a newly fitted T10 gearbox. Cold, windy and damp conditions were less than ideal for the Chevrolet powered car, reflecting in low 60 second times in practice which could not be matched in the damp timed runs. Amongst others having large capacity traction problems were current AOC Club Captain David Loveys with his faithful and rapid red K1 (77.70s), and Club member Ron Dowle with his V12 Bentley special (99.64s).
In slightly sunnier climes, Patrick and Pamela Watts thoroughly enjoyed their J2 in this year’s Mille Miglia retrospective on the 16-19 May (pictured left). Over 3 day’s the event follows the original route starting in Brescia, down the east side of Italy taking in Ferrara, Rome, Florence, Modena before returning back to Brescia. The J2 successfully completed the course in 280th position overall from a massive entry of 415 starters. On his return from Italy, Patrick and the J2 were back in ultra-competitive mode at the Brands Hatch Historic festival on May 26, finishing 3rd overall in the RAC Woodcote Trophy to Gary Pearson’s winning D type Jaguar, and Mick Wigley’s 2 seater Cooper Bristol.
With many Allard model’s now (quite rightly) highly valuable, those owners that choose to continue Sydney’s sporting legacy by using the cars as they were most definitely intended should be applauded – the Guv’nor would indeed be proud !
(Reports by David Hooper, photo credits to Robert Hewitt and Peter Singhoff respectively).
06.06.2013
More show success !
Another Essen ‘Techno Classica’ show has passed with great success. The top photo shows the Allard Continental Group stand populated by an Allard P1 based J2 replica and Darell Allard’s blue P1 – those in loving embrace between the two cars are (from left to right) Allard Docter, Hans Albert Oppenborn and Darell Allard. The J2 replica belongs Allard Docter, who would you believe is also a Doctor…
The below photo shows J2 and J2X owner Jean-Francois Bardinon (left) and Hans Albert Oppenborn, who again did a mighty job in putting the whole show together. (Eagle eyes will note that the discussion seems to be taking place around 2 bottles of empty wine – The Frenchman is most certainly expressing his views on the Riesling…)
Throughout the three day show, it is reported that there was a lot of interest in the cars on the stand – perhaps generated by a Palm Beach for sale on a dealers stand at 170,000.00 Euros ! For 2014, plans are already afoot for the stand to feature a JR, a J2X Le Mans and a J2.
(Report and photos by Darell Allard).
25.04.13
Member movements at Montlhéry.
In further proof of the gregarious nature of AOC Members, Allard J2 owner Scott Bevis chose the mythical banked corners of Montlhéry in place of VSCC Silverstone as the season opener for his 1928 Amilcar-Riley vintage racer. The Montlhéry autodrome, just south of Paris, was the home of the French Grand Prix in the 20′s and 30′s, and saw the likes of Grand Prix Mercedes and Auto Union teams dominating the later pre-war events held there. In later years, the circuit held the 1000KM of Paris, an endurance event for ‘big banger’ sports cars including Lola T70′s and Porsche 917′s – racing such cars around such a circuit, beggars belief ! Although ‘official’ racing can no longer take place at Montlhéry, the bi-annual Vintage Revival gives owners of pre-war cars and pre-1950 motorcycles the opportunity to exercise their machines to the full on this famously fast and open circuit. The current track configuration includes only a quarter of the ‘speed bowl’, the rest of the circuit using part of the equally fast 15KM ‘road’ circuit section. The event is typically French and laid back, and always includes a wonderful range of racing Bugatti’s, Amilcars, but also some very rapid British driven 3-wheeler JAP powered Morgans.
Every year in March ‘The Coupe des Printemps’, (a similar event, but for post war cars) is held at Montlhéry and would be the perfect opportunity to stretch the legs of an Allard. Scott thoroughly recommends the experience of driving on one of the few remaining ‘big boys’ circuits !
Some excellent film footage of circuit laps at the event can be seen here. Scott appears at 2.14 ! vintage revival montlhéry on-board Lombard.
25.04.2013
Member movements at Silverstone.
Four AOC Members were pedaling hard at the traditional VSCC Silverstone Spring Start event on the weekend of 21/22 April. Blessed by much welcomed sunshine, a successful time was had by all.
Club President Josh Sadler celebrated his birthday by finishing in 3rd place overall in Sunday’s Aston Martin Centenary race in a monoposto Aston with a fastest lap 1:21.23. Josh was out again in the Allcomers scratch race for pre-war cars finishing in 14th place overall with a fastest lap of 1:24.49.
Kerry Horan, of recent Steyr Allard fame, was competing in the Commander Yorke Trophy for 500cc racing cars aboard his Trenberth, finishing in 16th place, from a massive field of 42 cars, with a fastest lap of 1:29.56.
Mark Brett and his much campaigned Ballamy-Ford competed in 3 races : On Saturday, in the Fox & Nicholl Trophy, and also in the Handicap race for pre-war cars where he finished in 6th place overall with a fastest lap of 1:24.6 . On Sunday, a hotly contested race for Standard & Modified pre-war sports car race saw the Marc and the Ballamy finishing 8th with a fastest lap of 1:22.97.
Tony Bianchi and the faithful Farrallac (pictured) finished in 3rd place overall from a field of 34 cars in Sunday 1950′s Sports Racing Car race, beaten narrowly by a Lotus 15 and the Sadler Mk3. Tony’s fastest lap was an impressive 1:07.96.
(Report by David Hooper, photo credit courtesy of Paul Holton photography).
25.04.2013
Happy birthday Mr President.
The AOC sends its warmest congratulations to our Club President, Josh Sadler, who celebrates his 70th birthday this weekend. Josh will be hitting his 70th year in true style by racing a pre-war Aston Martin at the Vintage Sports Car Club’s ‘Spring Start’ event at Silverstone on Saturday and Sunday – Although well known for racing hot Porsches prepared by his successful ‘Autofarm Porsche’ business and more recently heroic efforts in Allard J2X ORL 320 (pictured below), it was in a pre-war cars that Josh started his racing in 1969. The Club wish Mr President yet another successful and safe racing weekend !
Photo credit to www.ultimatecarpage.com
18.04.2013
‘Wilkommen in Essen’ !
The show season is well now well underway, and for those making the trip to Germany for the quite simply vast Techno Classica event on the 10-14 April, you are invited by Hans-Albert Opperborn of the Allard Continental Group to rest your feet at the Allard Stand (stand number 105, hall 3).
Allard’s on display will include a J2 Special based on a P1, and the ‘trans-Europe express’ blue P1 of Essen regular Darell Allard as shown above. To mark the occasion of the 60 year anniversary of the Allard JR there will be a photographic display – it was hoped that the ex Zora Arkus-Duntov / Ray Merrick Le Mans JR (#3403), that has recently been sold to Germany would also be present, but the car is unfortunately still in transit from the US. A full range of Allard regalia will be on display and available for sale to fill your backpack. There will also be a meeting of members of the Allard Continental Group on Saturday April 13 starting at 12:15h, followed by ‘an Allard lunch’ at 12:45h at the Bistro Schloss Hugenpoet in hall 3. If you would like to attend the lunch, please make a reservation directly with Hans-Albert by email h.a.oppenborn@onlinehome.de or telephone +49 (0)1774441015
More from Le Mans
Following the ban of ‘cycle winged’ cars by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, (the organisers of the Le Mans 24 hours race), the Allard Motor Company fielded two Chrysler Firepower engined J2X ‘Le Mans’ models for the 1952 event. Here, more period photography shows the pre race team line up, and Jack Fairman (who shared the car with Sydney) leaving the famous Le Mans start, and later gunning the car through the Tetre Rouge esses. The team again wore numbers 4 & 5, but unfortunately this time success evaded the Allard’s – car number 4 retiring while running sixth with engine failure after 13 hours, and the number 5 Frank Curtis/Zora Arkos-Duntov car, suffering from total brake loss at the end of the Mulsanne straight caused by a broken shock absorber mounting severing the hydraulic brake hose. Photo credits are unknown, but again serve as evocative reminders of ’la belle époque’.
31.03.2013
Allard art
Easter internet wandering revealed this beautiful Louis Klemantaski photograph of Tom Cole at the wheel of the number 4 works Allard J2 at Le Mans in 1950, possibly rounding Indianopolis corner on the short run down to Arnage. It was the Allard Motor Company’s first attempt at the race, with Sydney Allard sharing the car, the team finished in 3rd place overall – a remarkable achievement considering the car stuck in top gear for the majority of the race. Klemantaski is regarded as ‘the greatest motor racing photographer’, even choosing to bravely ride shotgun alongside Peter Collins in the Mille Miglia on a number of occasions to record a unique ‘drivers eye’ view of the event. To view more of his work, and other motor-racing photographers from the 50′s to the 80′s, visit www.klemcoll.com
31.03.2013
Meanwhile at Monaco…
Further proof that an Allard can get you into all the best parties, here is more YouTube delight from Patrick Watts and his Allard J2 at the 2012 Monaco Historic meeting. Just as we would expect from a driver of Patrick’s experience, it’s a hairy 2 laps amid seriously rapid and agile Frazer Nash Le Mans Replica’s and a nibbling Jaguar C Type. Inspiring stuff !
27.03.2013
Noisy boys at Goodwood
Not always, but sometimes, ‘You Tube’ throws up some interesting amateur film clips. The latest Allard find shows three AOC members in action at the 2011 Brighton & Hove Motor Club Goodwood Sprint, doing their absolute best to have the circuit closed down by quite rightly forgetting to silence their V8′s.
Nearest to the camera, is AOC Vice President and Tailwagger Editor Mike Knapman with his M type based, Chevrolet engined Allard Special. Next to leave the line is P1 Monte Carlo hero and AOC Club Captain Dave Loveys with possibly the worlds fastest ‘standard’ Allard K1. Completing the row is AOC member Joe Clegg’s K2. Trained ears will note that this K2 sounds distinctly different to a normal Allard rumble – At the time of the event, the car was fitted with a straight-six Jaguar engine – since then, and as reported in the February 2013 issue Tailwagger, Joe has replaced the Jaguar unit with a V8 Cadillac.
It’s always great to see Club Members using their cars – and thanks to the wonders of the internet such feats of Allard bravery can be viewed for evermore !
27.03.2013
Allard’s hot-rod works truck !
Another nugget of Allard trivia from David Hooper is this outline drawing of the Allard Motor Company’s truck from c.1948/9. Unfortunately no photographic records of this unique Allard are known to exist, but we do know that the attractive design was built from the remains of an accident damaged Allard P1 or M type. The truck was never taxed, spending it’s days on trade registration plates. Famed for being at the time perhaps the fastest truck in South London, due to it’s relative light-weight, and V8 engine, it was subsequently very capable of surprising many unsuspecting car drivers away from the traffic lights ! David reports that this was perhaps the reason as to why the truck met its doom – It is rumoured that there was an a heated battle away the lights against a Jaguar – a short distance after the take-off the works truck got a little too close while the Jaguar braked and contact was made ! The names of Paddy Murphy and Allan Tilley have been associated to the event as those who were intent on holding up Allard competition honour !
To those who may have a photo or further details of the truck please make contact.
27.03.2013
Hooper files – 3
A further find from David Hooper is a rare Sales sheet produced for the launch of the MK 1 Palm Beach Allard. The sheet was printed in 1952 for the UK market only. (Click on each image for an enlarged view).
10.03.13
Hooper files – 2
More rare Allard ephemera from David Hooper – This time, artists ink drawings of the Allard range that appeared in the ‘IAMM Bulletin’ (a once well known American modeling magazine) in July/August 1956. David has further drawings and will at some stage ‘dig them out’. (Click on each image for an enlarged view).
10.03.13
Hooper files – 1
Ex Allard Motor Company Chief Draughtsman & Engineer David Hooper has lately been tidying his Allard draws and has kindly supplied another example of Allard Christmas cheer to follow the recent Christmas card posts in this section. David seems to think the photograph was taken at Eelmore Plain in Kent in the early Sixties, however Jim Tiller seems to think the location was Shelsley Walsh. The Allard line up (L-R) includes – Jim & Sheila Tiller standing behind their J2 (complete with stuffed tiger in the driving seat), the Hinton Special, the Farrallac (possibly at this time still owned by Don Farrall), and a J2X (with headlights lowered) perhaps owned by Fred Dammoderan. The distinguished gentleman standing behind the Hinton Special, sporting a beret and AOC crested blazer, is Ray May, the early Club Secretary.
10.03.13
Team Bianchi brave the Pom !
The 60th Anniversary VSCC Pomeroy Trophy took place at Silverstone on Saturday 25 February amid sleet, snow and sub-zero temperatures. This unique Vintage Sports Car Club event was derived in the 1950′s by motoring journalist Laurence Pomeroy as a test to find the ‘ultimate’ road car. ‘The Pom’ is a points based event and comprises handling, acceleration and braking disciplines with an hour long circuit time trial as the final event. Regulations state that all cars should carry ‘two standard VSCC sized suitcases’, be fitted with hard tops or soft tops, and should be driven to the circuit – points are lost for any cars not adhering. The Trophy is open to all road registered cars, and always provides a wonderfully varied entry list – perhaps the most gallant of 2013 was a stretched Ford Scorpio funeral limousine.
AOC honour was upheld by Tony & Pia Bianchi – Tony running the Farrallac (shown quite rightly leading the way to an Aston Martin V8 Vantage on the circuit test) and wife Pia winning the Ladies class in her MGB, (shown being dwarfed by the Edwardian 1914 Vauxhall of Gillian Carr). The event was won by Dudley Sterry in his HRG Sports, at last putting one over the ‘Chain Gang’ Frazer Nash drivers, who have, for so long, made ‘The Pom’ their own. (For a video clip of a typical Pom prepared Frazer Nash, click on ‘piglet’ – as you will see, the fitting of a makeshift hood somewhat affects the handling… piglet ).
Report by David Hooper and photo credits to www.classicandsportscar.com
09.03.13
Rétromobile update
Further to the previous Rétromobile post it seems that the Patrick Cousseau Allard J2 spotted on the Galerie des Damiers Stand has indeed been sold. No further details are known other than the car was snapped up immediately before even appearing on the Galerie des Damiers website. Hopefully the new owner will reveal all by joining our Club.
22.02.13
Rétromobile 2013
The only Allard spotted at Rétromobile 2013 was the racing J2 of AOC French member Patrick Cousseau, a regular competitor with the patriotic French blue car at the Le Mans Classic and other European historic events. The car was displayed on Christophe Pund’s ‘Galerie des Damiers’ stand – Pund is renowned for finding some very rare exotica in European barns as well as his swanky picnic in the grounds of his ‘petit chateau’ at Cassel in Northern France. It is not sure whether the J2 was for sale or being used simply to sex-up the stand.
The Paris show was another huge success with visitor numbers up on last year. The exhibits, club stands, traders, auctions, restaurants and bars were in almost all cases of excellent quality. Whether it’s a Type 35 Bug’ or off-the-wall automotive art, Rétromobile has become one of Europe’s leading shows and when combined with a weekend in this magnificent city, it’s well worth a Eurostar trip .
Photos courtesy of Olivier Bonnet / Linternaute.com
15.02.13
Internet find 3 : Sign here please Sydney…
Purchased three years ago, via the world’s most resourceful online auction site for the reasonable sum of £12, is this rare Ibsley race meeting programme. Rare not only because racing at Ibsley aerodrome lasted for just 5 years, but also because on page 22, the programme is signed by Sydney Herbert Allard !
The 1953 April 18 Ibsley meeting saw the debut of the Allard JR, with Sydney as entrant and driver. He competed in two races that day, his biggest challenge coming in Event 6, the 7 lap race for Sports cars, where a 3 car Ecurie Ecosse Jaguar ‘C’ type team was entered, one car being driven by Jimmy Stewart, the talented older brother of future world champion Jackie. Sydney split the Ecurie Ecosse team, finishing second to the (Ian Stewart) winning C type with a 1 second gap at the finish line ! The remaining two ‘C’ Types finished 3rd (Jimmy Stewart) and 4th James Scott Douglas). An incredible feat, considering at this time the ‘C’ type was a already a highly developed, Le Mans winning sports racing car.
In the second event, the 15 lap Formula Libre race, Sydney and the sports JR finished third beaten only by the Ecurie Ecosse single-seater Formula two cars of (again) Ian Stewart driving a Connaught (1st) and Ninian Sanderson in a Cooper Bristol (2nd). In this race, all 3 Scottish ‘C’ types finished behind the Allard.
Ibsley marked an impressive competition debut for the JR and must have raised enormously the Allard Motor Company’s hopes for the forthcoming Le Mans 24 hour race in which they were due to take part only 2 months later. Unfortunately at the famous French event, after a dominant practice and an astonishing opening lap of the race, (where the JR was clocked at 145mph on the Mulsanne straight), Le Mans dreams were shattered as the car retired after only 50minutes with transmission failure.
(For rare film footage of the Allard preparations for the 1953 Le Mans race click here: Allard Le Mans 53.)
Internet find 2 : Allard Press photography.
Two supposedly ‘official’ Allard Motor Company promotional photographs were also recently found via the internet – The first shows a white Chrysler engined J2 with extraordinarily elaborate bonnet bulge (presumably hiding a row of 3 or 4 strombergs) and is credited to celebrated automotive photographer Geoffrey Goddard – the car is cheekily set in a sleepy suburban street, complete with privet hedge – it takes little effort to imagine how suburbia is shattered when the car is started !
The second (uncredited) photograph seems to be a ‘factory fresh’ JR, with (almost clean) white tarpaulins rigged up behind as a hasty backdrop. The car was painted red, with white and blue chequers around the nose - Further internet searching has revealed the colour photograph of the car competing at the 1958 Watkins Glen Grand Prix event driven by Bob Bucher, where he finished 2nd to a Maserati in the Seneca Cup. American AOC member Alan Patterson finished 4th in the same race, driving the J2X that he is still racing today !
11.02.13
Internet find 1 : AOC night navigation rally 1954.
This recent £2.00 internet auction purchase is proof of a typical Allard Owners Club event in 1954 – The document includes regulations and an entry form for a 250 mile “test of autumn night driving and map reading”. This hardy October night time adventure was organised jointly by the AOC and the Harrow Car Club, and was open to all ‘paid-up members’. The event start was at The Marquis of Granby at 22h00, the finish at the Grasshopper Inn, Westerham, Kent at 09h00, with awards being presented “after breakfast”. Unsurprisingly, it all sounds rather civilised.
Noteworthy content shows a certain S.Allard as Chief Steward and an interesting ‘point 7′ concerning driving standards ; “The rally is not a race, and any competitor reported during the event for dangerous driving or noisy driving may be excluded from the awards list” - Difficult to believe that Sydney was ever an advocate for lifting the foot off the loud pedal, but perhaps it was already an indication of why wonderful Club events such as this sadly now rarely take place – (Then again, why not an anniversary re-run in 2014 ? …)
11.02.13
Mighty Le Mans JR moves on.
JR Allard (#JR 3403), as raced at Le Mans in 1953 by Zora Arkus Duntov and Ray Merrick, has recently changed hands through the RM Auctions Arizona sale on 18 January.
One of only seven examples of arguably the ultimate racing Allard, this iconic and beautifully prepared JR quite rightly exceeded the reasonable reserve of $450,000, with the hammer eventually falling at $605,000 (equating to £382,000 or 454,000 euro) – In today’s climate it is perhaps a ‘bit of a bargain’ when compared to cars of similar provenance.
As yet we have no details of the new owner – Fingers crossed he or she will be bringing the car back to Britain.
Photo credit – Scott Miller/RM Auctions. 21.01.12
It’s that time of year…
For those of us battling snow blizzards, sub-zero temperatures, and the winter blues that come with the garage being just too cold, it’s easy to imagine the effort that it takes to win the Monte Carlo Rally, the event held at this time of year since 1911.
As most of us know, Sydney Allard, Tom Lush, Guy Warburton and their Allard P1 were overall winners in the 1952 edition, but ‘the Monte’ was an event that Sydney Allard enjoyed immensely, seeing it as the ultimate test of mechanical stamina and driving skill. Sydney entered the rally yearly, his last being in 1965, driving with Tom Fisk a 997cc ‘Allardette’ Ford Anglia – Allard tuned, with handling modifications and a Shorrock supercharger, Allardette’s were at that time seen as the ‘ultimate Anglia’, being offered through the Ford dealership close to the Allard Motor Company works, then run by long-time Allard employee Reg Canham.
The rare colour photographs shown in this article, (main image showing Sydney at the front wheel and Tom pointing) are record of that 1965 event, which unfortunately ended in a non-finish for the team due to very heavy snowfalls in France. So severe were the weather conditions, that only 35 of the 237 competitors finished, the event being won by Timo Makinen and Paul Easter in their invincible Mini Cooper.
Sadly, the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally was to be Sydney’s last – In late Autumn of 1965 he was taken ill, however from his hospital bed, he ensured that an entry for the 1966 Monte event was made. When the time came, Sydney was far too ill to take part, passing away a few months later on the 12 April 1966.
The Automobile Club de Monaco celebrates the Monte successes of drivers such as Sydney Allard with an annual Monte-Carlo historic rally, the 2013 event starting on the 25 January – unfortunately, this year sees no Allard entries.
Photos courtesy of www.anglia-models.co.uk
20.01.13
Season’s Greetings from the Allard Motor Company !
Shown here are two examples of original and very rare Allard Motor Company Christmas cards.
More ‘end of season’ than ‘of the season’, the festive message leans rather obviously towards a reminder of the Company’s most impressive achievement during the year – Sydney and the marketing department were obviously way ahead of their time when it came to corporate promotion !
The cards from 1950 and 1952 show Sydney practicing the J2 at Le Mans during Allard’s first attempt at the 24 hour race where the car finished in 3rd place overall, while the 1952 card shows Sydney and Tom Lush in Monaco with the Monte Carlo Rally winning P1 complete with Trophies and snow induced battle scars.
The 1950 Christmas card is signed by Sydney Allard and Export Manager Mr Davis. The personal message reads “Thanks, rather belatedly, for your kind thoughts and card” – Perhaps the recipient of the card had been omitted from the original Christmas card list !
The 1952 Christmas card is signed by Reg Canham, who was a Director of the Company at the time.
In the absence of an official Allard Owners Club Christmas card (although these examples may provide an idea for next year..) we wish all Members and passionate Allardist’s a great Christmas and a safe and prosperous 2013.
23.12.12
Summer with the Steyr
The latest discovery from the depths of the internet is a set of as yet ‘unseen’ colour photographs of the Steyr Allard competing a Sevenoaks & District Motor Club run Valence hill climb in the Summer of 1964. At this time, the car was being run by the then Allard Motor Company Chief Draughtsman & Engineer, and now AOC website contributor, David Hooper.
It is rare to see period colour images of the Steyr, but more so to see the car fitted with a long bonnet air intake – a modification that it wore after Sydney was competing with it, but no longer a feature of the car today. It’s perhaps not so unusual to see ahead-of-it’s-time innovation on an Allard – some 5 years later, all Formula 1 cars seemed to start sprouting similar appendages !
Further recollections of David Hooper’s time spent with the Steyr Allard can be found in his ‘From the drawing board’ page, or by clicking here.
Photos courtesy of ‘henryharris’ flickr.com
01.12.12
Monte stars at the NEC
As a last ‘hurrah’ in the 60th anniversary year of Sydney Allard’s historic 1952 Monte Carlo Rally win, the Allard Owners Club stand was themed appropriately at the Classic & Sports car Show held at the NEC on the 16-18 November.
Amid the macho display of three P type and two M type models was the ‘black P’ of AOC Club Captain Dave Loveys that took part in this February’s ‘Monte Carlo Historique’ event in homage to Sydney’s victory. Still proudly wearing it’s Monte Carlo numbers and Glasgow start line stickers, it was refreshing to see the P type evocatively ‘monte’ travel-stained when so many other displays at the NEC are chromed and polished to overkill. Star attraction on the stand was the actual trophy that Sydney won in 1952, bolted down and caressed lovingly by those lucky enough to get close to it.
The AOC offers its thanks to AOC Committee member Mel Herman and his team for putting together once again such a professional and informative display, and to Gavin Allard for the kind loan of the Monte Carlo Trophy – perhaps one of the most important elements of Allard family memorabilia.
Report and photos courtesy of Darell Allard.
29.11.12
AOC Stateside
Allard was the featured marque for this years Glenmoor Gathering of significant Automobiles 14th-16th September 2012, with a total of 8 different models being shown. The Gathering was spread over three days at the Glenmoor Country Club, Canton, Ohio and included a mouth-watering assortment of over 200 cars. Friday saw the first of the Allards arrive which were displayed lawn in front of the club with the famous red J2 of Erwin Goldsmidth (above) taking pride of place. The Allard cars on show were: 1947 K1 of Tom & Dee Kayuh / 1947 K1 of Mike & Dawn Fisher / 1947 K1 of Bill Magavern / 1948 M type of Mike & Dawn Fisher / 1948 L type of Terrell Underwood / K2 of Peter Bowman / K2 of Axel & Hanko Rosenblad / K2 of Andy Picariello / 1950 J2 of Tom & Terri Shelton / 1950 J2 of Andy Picariello / 1950 J2 of Emil Loeffier / 1950 J2 of Bruce McCaw / J2 of David Kyle / 2X of Bill & Barbara Boone / J2X of Bill & Annabelle Wilmer / J2X of Paul Schoonmaker / JR of James Taylor / Palm Beach MK1 of Axel and Hanko Roseblad / Palm Beach MK2 of Robert Hartson.
Friday’s schedule of events included an interesting Seminar on the trials and tribulations of the Studebaker Car Company, plus the start of the Silent Auction. A heavy rain shower caused a rush to fit tonneau covers, however it soon cleared and for the next two days the weather was perfect. Saturday 15th September saw The Glenmoor Passport Countryside Tour starting promptly at 8am with 7 Allards running; Two K1′s of Tom Kayuha and Mike Fisher, two K2′s of Axel Rosenblad and Peter Bowman the J2 of Tom Sheldon, J2X of Paul Schoonmaker, and the L type of Terrell Underwood. The Tour was over a distance of 90 miles passing through the rolling hills of North East Ohio with the two lane roads being shared with horse drawn buggies. The first stop was at Carl Maxwell’s Sinclair Service Station Museum in Berlin, with lunch being taken at the recently restored Canal Tavern of Zoar. For all the 40 plus cars which took part it was a truly unforgettable experience. No Allards were for sale in the Grande Salon Classic Car Auction it was an interesting experience to see ‘live’ an Auction of this type and to ensure that one’s enthusiasm did not carried away when a Ferrari went for what seemed a very low price !
Being the featured marque, the Allards were not part of Sunday’s main Concours event, however all 19 cars were subject to their owners voting for both the best ‘road car’ and ‘competition’ car. Judging had to be completed by 10.30am, and before the awards were made the Allard exhibitors attended lunch on the patio. The respective winners were Bill and Annabelle Wilmer with their supercharged Chevrolet J2X and Mike and Dawn Fisher’s coach-built M type Coupe. Other award winners and exhibitors are pictured: top left – Axel Rosenblad’s K2, top centre – Mike Fisher’s K1, top right; James Taylor’s ex Rupert Larrinaga JR, bottom left - David Kyle’s J2, bottom centre – Paul Schoonmaker’s De Soto Fire Dome engined J2X, bottom right – Andy Picariello’s Chrysler engined J2.
The 2012 Glenmoor Gathering produced a fine field of Allards thanks to the hard work of US AOC Representative Andy Picariello and Tom Kayuha.
Thanks are due to a pond hopping David Hooper for his report and photography.
01.11.12
Another glorious Goodwood
The Goodwood Revival was held on the weekend of 14-16 September, and once again, this “magical step back in time” confirmed it’s position as the world’s finest historic race meeting. The efforts and detail that Lord March and his team go to in recreating those ‘glorious years’ is remarkable and exemplary. This year, the ‘Freddie March Memorial Trophy’ celebrated the 60th anniversary of the famous Goodwood 9 hours race, with a 90 minute, two driver race finishing at dusk.
Only one Allard graced the mouth-watering grid of cars that did, or could have taken part in the original 9 hour race, this being the well-travelled J2 (chassis #1971) of Canadian Bob Francis. Having clocked up some good racing kilometers at the Le Mans Classic in July, the circuit experience of the Francis/Thompson team is beginning to show, with a strong 12th place finish from an ultra-competitive 29 car grid. The race, dominated mainly by professional drivers including Le Mans and Formula 3 hotshots, was won by modern GT driver Alex Buncombe in the ex-Fangio Jaguar C Type. The AOC congratulates the Francis and Thompson team on another fine Allard performance.
Also taking part was Ben Shuckburgh’s ‘continuation’ Cunningham C4R – an exact recreation of the perhaps the most iconic of all the Briggs Cunningham cars. It is a well-known fact
that these Chrysler-hemi engined beasts were contemporary competitors to the Allard J2 and J2X at Le Mans and throughout American events in the 1950′s. For more details of the latest wonderful creation to leave the Jim Stokes workshop, visit www.briggscunningham.com
Report Darell Allard, photography courtsey of Tim Scott at www.fluidimages.co.uk
27.09.12
Blunderbus firing well at Spa !
Ex-Touring Car expert, and now seriously competitive Allard racer, Patrick Watts was at last free from engine problems and back to his winning ways at the Spa 6 Hours meeting in Belgium this weekend. Patrick and his black J2, appropriately dubbed ‘The Blunderbus’, held off a Jaguar C type by 1.5 seconds to win the drum-brake class of the Motor Racing Legends ‘Woodcote Trophy’, finishing 4th overall behind two Jaguar D types and a Cooper Jaguar who headed the disc-brake class. The Woodcote grid was combined with The Stirling Moss Trophy, featuring later 50′s sportscars including a Lister Jaguar driven by ex-Benetton F1 driver, Emanuele Pirro – An indication of just how competitive top-level Historic motor-racing is (perhaps unfortunately) becoming.
The hour-long race (that Patrick drove alone), also featured the Father and Son Llewellyn Allard, with Tim and Oliver finishing 5th in class. Their green J2 most definitely won the ‘music to the ears’ award, with it’s wonderful open ’3-per-side’ exhaust system, obviously very much inspired by the original JR configuration.
Also taking part in supporting races were the ever-enthusiastic Allardists Tony & Pia Bianchi – both sharing their 1963 MGB in the 1hr 40minute ‘Gentleman Drivers Race’ for GT’s, and Tony running well, but ultimately out of fuel, in his Brabham BT5 in the Masters Sports Car race !
The Spa 6-Hour weekend is a ‘must-do’ for those that haven’t already. Six GT40′s headed the 110 car grid for the 6-Hour race, only to be overtaken by the end of the first lap by a 1963 6.3 Litre Grand Sport Corvette ! With no silly silencing laws for historic racing in Belgium, it’s a rare spectacle to see such cars hammering through Eau Rouge into the night until the finish at 10PM, on what is by far, the world’s finest circuit. With Francorchamps being only 3-4 hours from Calais, book your trip for next year – A cornet of chips, mayonnaise and a Jupiler beer are all you need for a night-time “pique-nique à la Belge” !
25.09.12
Why would you want a C type?
Listed for sale by internet today, is the ex-works Allard J2X (chassis #3055), driven by Sydney Allard and Jack Fairman in the 1952 Le Mans 24 hour race. At the time, the car was running the ‘new’ 331 ci Chrysler ‘Hemi’, which propelled the intrepid Sydney and Jack to an official speed of 153mph on the Mulsanne straight. After reaching 6th place overall, it was however a great disappointment to the team when the development engine failed after thirteen hours of racing at 5AM. The advert on www.carandclassic.co.uk calls the J2X “the most competitive Allard ever built” – After many years in the US, (where the car was superbly restored), it would be wonderful to think that this historically important Allard could now find a buyer in the UK or Europe.
So. To those with a suitable budget, here is the car that in the right hands would put the ‘ten-a-penny’ Jaguar C Type’s in their place at the Revival… An extra lottery ticket on Saturday perhaps?
To see more, visit www.jdclassics.co.uk
Allard and Fittipaldi front row at Interlagos
A recent internet find is the above publicity photograph for the FIA World Endurance ’6 Hours of Sao Paulo’ showing the Allard J2 of Brazilian AOC member Mauricio Marx on the front row at Interlagos, alongside ex-Formula 1 World Champion Emmerson Fittipaldi and the latest WEC Audi R18 Sports Prototype. Quite rightly, the Allard sits on pole in front of a Jaguar C Type, a Mercedes 300SL and other sports car exotica.
Old fella on song
Ex AOC Club Captain, 197mph Allard Bonneville hero, and long-time Brighton Competitor Jim Tiller was on fine form with ‘The Old Fella’ at Madeira Drive, before the event was tragically cut short. Subsequently, results were awarded on practice and first times only – Jim and his 62 year-old J2 posting the second fastest time overall in first practice at 10.44 seconds, with a finish speed of 131 mph. As in previous years, the venerable combination trounced much younger cars including highly specialised sprint & hillclimb Pilbeam MP43′s. Unfortunately ‘The Old Fella’ was the only Allard entered at this historically important venue where Sydney, Eleanor and many Allardist’s since, have enjoyed so much success.
If you are feeling brave enough to sit next to Jim at Brighton, click play below.
Four weeks previous to Brighton, Jim made his annual visit to the Bentley Drivers Club meeting at Silverstone on 11 August, competing in the extremely ‘mixed-bag’ Allcomers Handicap race. Amongst the 36 car entry were Allard J2 owner Tim Llewellyn in a Ginetta G20, AOC Member David Hughes in his Ford Sierra Cosworth, Duncan Dowle (son of AOC member and J2 Replica owner Ron) in his MG Midget, Pia Bianchi racing her MGB, with husband Tony forsaking the Farrallac for a sports-racing Brabham BT5. After previous disappointment in the 2011 event due to a serious engine problem, ‘The Old Fella’ was back on song at Silverstone in 2012, achieving the 5th fastest lap of 1:10.92 with an average speed of 83.20 mph on the ‘Club’ circuit. Being a handicap event, final results are of little indication to overall performance, but for the record Jim finished 11th overall.
The AOC passes on its congratulations once again to Jim and The Old Fella. It is admirable to know that the combination (with many noteworthy appearances behind the Bluemel by Sheila) have been upholding Allard honour in a blur of orange for over almost half a decade!
Photo credits to Jason Cornish, Brighton Speed Trials facebook group .
10.09.12
Sad day at Brighton
The 2012 Brighton Speed Trials was marred by a fatal accident on Saturday 8 September, as a Suffolk woman lost her life when the motorcycle outfit she was riding passenger on, went out of control at the Dukes Mound end of the course. The 64 year-old male rider of the outfit, is currently in a critical condition.
With The Allard Motor Company and many Allard owners having a close affinity to the historic Speed Trials,The Allard Owners Club sends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of all involved.
10.09.12
Glenmoor gathers momentum
AOC Club US Vice President Andy Picariello reports that the September Glenmoor Gathering in Ohio, where “Allard, the legendary British Sports car” will be celebrated as a featured class, has attracted 22 Allard’s so far.
For more information click on the image or visit www.GlenmoorGathering.com
Trophy troubles
Despite a strong Allard presence in the hour long (two driver) ‘Woodcote Trophy for pre-56 Sports Cars’ at the Silverstone Classic, mechanical gremlins hit hard. Three Cadillac engined J2’s were entered by Patrick Watts, Tim Llewellyn and Malcolm Verey, while Tony Bianchi ran the Allard Farrallac in the ‘Stirling Moss Trophy for pre-61 Sports Cars’. Best times in a wet qualifying session were : Verey/Welch : 3:13.248, Llewellyn/Llewellyn : 3:15.080 - Patrick Watts withdrew from the session with another engine failure. For the race, the Llewellyn J2 was a non-starter, but the Verey/Welch J2 took the start and finished a strong 7th. In the Stirling Moss Trophy, the Bianchi/Wigley Farrallac circulated rapidly in qualifying with a dry time of 2:30.338, but unfortunately retired from the race on lap 12 due to a gearbox oil leak.
AOC member Duncan Rabagliati was running his Alexis HF1 in the Historic Formula Junior race, qualifying 43rd on a 60 car grid, but unfortunately didn’t take the start.
Report David Hooper. Photo credit (Farrallac in the 2011 event) www.motorsportretro.com
25.07.12
Best of British at Silverstone Classic
Red, white and blue was the order of the weekend at Silverstone Classic (21 & 22 July). Lined up in celebration of a Jubilee year, a Wimbledon Finalist, a Tour de France winner, and the pretty sure presumption of some imminent Olympic medalists, are the red K1 of Dave Haley, the white Allard Special of John Peskett and the dark blue L Type of Rick Newman. Throughout the weekend, the Allard tent was a popular meeting point for all shapes and sizes of Allard’s and Allardist’s, with 13 members cars present on Saturday and 12 on Sunday. Visitors to the tent included Alan and Lloyd Allard, Patrick Watts, and a number of non-club members who had relatives that worked for the Allard Motor Company.
Interlopers to the Allard car park who helped continue the patriotic theme included Geoff Allard’s charming ‘United Pallet Network Road Services’ Austin Seven, and Ron Dowle (J2 replica owner) with his monsterous supercharged Bentley Special.
A full report of the weekend’s activities will appear in the next issue of Tailwagger.
Photo and report credits to Darell Allard. 25.07.12
Allard success at Le Mans Classic
Despite some very un-Le Mans-like weather, Messieurs Francis, Thompson, Cousseau, Loreille and Cointreau upheld Allard honour at the 2012 Le Mans Classic. The wonderfully atmospheric photo above, shows the Bob Francis J2 in thunderous form on the famous circuit at dusk.
Race 1 for Plateau 2 (1949-56 cars), saw the Canadian team entry of Bob Francis and John Thompson finish an excellent 8th position in J2 LXR 949, headed only by Jaguar C & D types, two Maserati 300S, a 300SL Mercedes and an Austin Healey 100S. An incredible achievement considering that this was their first ever visit to the famous Sarthe circuit and there were over 70 cars on the grid ! The all French J2 team finished in 44th place. Race 2, held during the hours of darkness, saw the Francis car finish 52nd, and the Cousseau car 59th – (It seems that our 2012 entrants perhaps forgot to fit the same oversize headlights that Sydney did in 1950.. ?) The final race on Sunday, saw Francis/Thompson handing over the baguette, with the French team finishing highest, in 32nd place overall, the Canadian team 59th. It is hoped to receive a more detailed report and images in the very near future, until then, the AOC passes on their ‘grand félicitations’ to all involved.
For those who fancy a raucous lap of the Le Mans circuit in the ex-Albert Otten J2, (or for those in Northern Europe that want to remember what blue sky and sunshine looks like) turn up your speakers and click play.
(Photo credit to ultimatecarpage.com)
11.07.12
Flying J2 spotted in Hampshire
Photographic proof of a very identifiable flying object in Hampshire was recently sent to the web site. The highly original Allard J2 (LLP 798) that has long been residing in the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, seems to have been elevated to new heights – the car now resting on what seems to be one of the stunning Goodwood Festival of Speed displays. As always, Beaulieu is well worth a visit. www.beaulieu.co.uk
03.07.12
Le Mans Classic (06-08 July)
Two Allard J2′s will be seeking to repeat Sydney’s heroic 3rd place finish in the 1950 Le Mans 24 hour race at this years Le Mans Classic. J2 (LXR 949) is entered by Mille Miglia regular Bob Francis, the second J2 (painted proudly in French racing blue) is owned by AOC overseas member Patrick Cousseau, who will share the driving with the grandson of the founder of the famous Cointreau liqueur.
Not only is Le Mans Classic the perfect opportunity to waft lazily down the N158 route national in your M or P type, it is also the only place in the world to see 10 original GT40′s battling it out at 200mph with Ferrari P3′s, light’s blazing through the night mist on the Mulsanne. If this all becomes too much, then a 2 euro Crépe Suzette swimming in Grand Marnier will take you nicely through to morning. Le Mans Classic is a truly spectacular event that is even starting to challenge Goodwood for grid quality and paddock ambiance – The only negative point is that the event is held only once every 2 years – So, put it on your bucket list, or book your ferry now (if you can still find a reservation). To access the event web site, go to www.lemansclassic.com or click on the poster.
For those making the trip – At least two ‘Self breathalyzers’ per car (available from most French petrol stations) are now compulsory in France. Le Mans is just the sort of place where the Gendarmes will be testing the ‘efficiency’ of such a law. You have been warned !
Forthcoming Club event at Silverstone Classic
If you can’t wait for the Glenmoor Gathering or the Goodwood Revival, the annual Club pilgrimage to the Silverstone Classic is fast approaching. The law of averages means that the sun is surely due to make an appearance, but if it’s Sod’s law that wins, then the Club tent will be there to provide ample shelter and refreshment. As in previous years a good display of Members cars is promised, and 2012 Club Concours trophies are up for grabs. On-track action will include a rounds of the Woodcote Trophy, where Patrick Watts and his J2 will undoubtedly be looking for their first Series win. For more information on the weekend’s Club proceedings please contact the Social Secretary at james@keswickevents.com or for more event information access the event web site by clicking on the Silverstone logo here.
‘The legendary British sports car’ in Ohio
Even though a few more sausage rolls will be required for a trip to Ohio than a trip to Prescott, the investment will be worthwhile according to the Club’s US Vice President and Membership Secretary Andy Picariello.
“Allard – the legendary British sports car” is the headline attraction at this years prestigious ‘Glenmoor Gathering’, to be held on 14-16 September 2012, at Glenmoor Country Club, Canton, Ohio.
As well as Allard’s (including Andy’s own Chrysler engined J2 shown here), over 200 vintage/classic American and European cars and motorcycles will be on display, including ‘micro-cars’, steam-powered cars and ‘Trans-Atlantics’ (cars with British & European coachwork with American engines). The packed event will also feature it’s annual Concours d’elegance, a classic car auction, two seminars, an automotive art display, book signings, a cocktail party with gala dinner, various family activities and even cooking demonstrations ! On the Sunday, there will be a display of ‘World Performance Cars” including models from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, GM and Porsche.
For more information visit www.GlenmoorGathering.com or click on the image here.
01.07.12
Allard’s at Silverstone Spring Start
On the grid in the 1950′s Sports Car race at the Vintage Sports Car Club’s Spring Start race meeting at Silverstone was the ex Albert Otten J2, now owned by VSCC stalwart Tim Llewellyn. For many years Tim campaigned a very successful 8 litre engined Bentley Special in VSCC meetings, obviously providing an excellent grounding to move onto Allard’s. Last September, Tim had a brief outing in the ex Dean Butler J2R Allard (see Goodwood Revival report), but Silverstone was his first outing of the season in his rapid J2 (the car was apparently clocked at the 2008 Le Mans classic at just over 180mph on the Mulsanne straight..). Unfortunately at Silverstone, luck was not on his side again, while comfortably running in the midfield, Tim was forced to retire mid race with “water problems”.
Allard honour was upheld again by Tony Bianchi and the trusty Farrallac, finishing in a strong 3rd place, just behind a very quick Cooper Monaco with Julian Majzub’s spectacular Sadler MK3 in 1st. Another noteworthy entrant was Jonathan Abecassis in his 100/4 Austin Healey, grandson of George Abecassis, who competed with great success in the HWM Jaguars of his own design, against Allard J2′s and J2X’s in the 1950′s.
Of more leisurely Allard interest was AOC member Jon Peskett, spotted pedalling around the paddock on his trusty racer, proudly sporting Allard transfers. Jon tried his best to convince that the bicycle was once ridden by Sydney – difficult to believe as his steed isn’t V8 powered and is, most definitely, of mid seventies vintage.
21.04.12
AOC Dinner Dance
The 2012 Dinner Dance, celebrating Sydney Allard’s 1952 Monte Carlo success, will be held at the The Holiday Inn, Elstree, London WD6 5PU, on Saturday 17 March. The Holiday Inn is situated on the A1M, near Junction 23 of the M25. This special Club event, that will include the annual Club prize giving, will comprise a three course dinner menu, private bar, music, and carriages at midnight. Dress Code is black tie or lounge suit. Ticket Price £33.50 per person.
AOC Social Secretary James Smith has worked hard to keep the ticket price as low as possible, and has also managed to negotiate excellent room rates for those wishing to stay overnight. It is hoped that this will encourage the return of all those who enjoyed this event so much last year, but also attract more members to take this opportunity of meeting your fellow Allard enthusiasts, possibly for the first time. Greasy overalls and swapping of parts are banned until the Sunday morning, when a visit to somewhere interesting and not too distant will be organised.
Please reserve your places as early as possible by completing the reservation form in the February issue of Tailwagger, or contact James by email: james@keswickevents.com for a reservation form.
For room reservations at a reduced rate of of £69 per double room or £59 per single room (including breakfast) please contact the hotel directly on 0208 214 9933.
17.03.12
60 years on, a P1 in Monte Carlo!
60 years after Sydney Allard, Guy Warburton, Tom Lush took their Allard P1 to outright victory in the 1952 Monte Carlo Rally, AOC Captain Dave Loveys and brother Roger have successfully completed the ’2012 Monte Carlo Historique’, a gruelling re-run of the original event. With weather conditions similar to those of 60 years ago, Dave and Roger left the start ramp in Glasgow (just as the Allard team did in 1952), battled through heavy snowfall’s in France and the Alps, to arrive in Monte Carlo for the final stages late on Wednesday night. At this time, further details are unavailable, but a more detailed account of their epic adventure will follow, with a full report in Tailwagger. Congratulations go to Dave and Roger – their accomplishment certainly pays hommage to Sydney and the boys success in the most relevant and admirable way.
On this ultimate test of motoring performance and durability, it is worthy to note that Dave’s 1950 P1 is very much an original specification car, utilising a 3.9L flathead engine on a single carburettor, 3 speed side-change transmission and flathead rear axle. Brakes, steering and shock absorbers are all standard. The only modifications for the rally were additional driving and reverse lamps, an alternator in place of the dynamo, and a truck heater ! Radial snow tyres were used, one set with studs.
Credits to Alex Edmonds (Allards yahoo group) for the photograph and Tailwagger Editor Mike Knapman (who helped Dave prepare the P1 for the event) for the technical information.
04.02.12
Allard, Adlards and Dralda house.
This period photograph shows Sydney Allard’s personal P2 monte-carlo alongside a MKVII Jaguar, taken outside the premises of Allard and Saunders, the building company owned by Dennis Allard, one of Sydney’s two brothers. The company was situated on Keswick Road, opposite Adlards Motors and the building was called Dralda House, which is Adlard spelt backwards. It seems there was some early subliminal marketing of the Allard Motor Company going on in South West London in the 1950′s ! The P2 was used by Sydney as Dennis was not officially allowed to drive after surviving a horrific motor cycle accident some years before, supposedly while racing away from a Policeman after he was caught speeding. The life-saving operation after the accident meant removing part of his brain. Dennis continued to drive ‘unofficially’, and his Allard P2 Safari is rumoured to still be in existence. Unfortunately he died in a cycling accident on the A23 at Handcross Hill in 1957 while cycling to Brighton Speed Trials.
Thanks to AOC membership secretary Darell Allard (nephew of Sydney & Dennis) for this photograph and interesting feature.
04.02.12
January 1952 - Allard’s on ice
This seasonal photograph shows just how much fun can be had with an Allard at this time of year. Then owner, Mr Del Lee of Detroit is seen preparing his Allard J2 (#2123) for a time trial event on a frozen Lake Orion. The event featured a running ‘Le Mans’ start (think about it) with spiked or studded tyres banned. Later that year, the intrepid Mr Lee apparently blew two pistons while practicing for the Camp Dearborn Road Race, and replacements of the correct size could only be found in a Wisconsin built lawn mower ! Lee is reported to have purchased two such units, removed their pistons and fitted them to the Cadillac motor which #J2123 was running at the time. Halcyon days indeed.
Chassis #J2123 is currently owned by Mr John Aibel - it is unconfirmed whether the lawn mower pistons are still fitted. Credit is due to www.psychoontyres.co.uk for this wonderful nugget of Allard trivia.
03.01.11
Monte Carlo celebration in Essen
AOC Membership Secretary Darell Allard was recently invited by the organizers of the Essen Motor Show, to display his Allard P1 on a Stand to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Monte Carlo Rally. Darell’s stunning blue P1 was in distinguished company, with the display of 14 Monte Carlo Rally cars including the AC that won the 1926 event, the 1956 winning Jaguar Mk VII, and the 1967 winning Mini Cooper. It was a timely invitation as Sydney Allard’s famous 1951 Monte Carlo Rally victory will celebrate it’s 60th anniversary in January. To commemorate this historic win, AOC Captain Dave Loveys will be campaigning his P1 in the 2012 Monte Carlo Classic re-run in a few weeks time – Let’s hope with enough Mars bars and a good duffle coat, Dave could even repeat Sydney’s success ! We wish him and his team a safe and successful trip.
21.12.11
Award winning Tailwagger !
More than 300 classic car club representatives were present at Birmingham’s Hilton Metropole for the annual C&SC Club Awards on 12 November as part of the NEC’s Classic Motor Show weekend. We are proud to report that The Allard Owners Club received the award for the most improved club magazine. Congratulations to Mike Knapman, Tailwagger Editor, and all contributors – such recognition is just reward for all their hard work. A full report from representatives of the Allard Stand at the NEC show will follow soon.
12.11.11
Goodwood Revival 2011
Report – Darell Allard. Photo credits to Supercars.net.
We took the P1 to Goodwood for the Revival weekend and had chance to meet fellow members who were competing. In the Freddie March Memorial Trophy three Allards were entered. Patrick Watts with his J2, Julian Majzub’s J2R (the ex Dean Butler car) and AOC member Alan Patterson from Pittsburg USA, who has owned his J2X from new, having bought it from Sydney in 1952. Patrick qualified 5th in the J2 and despite being forced off at St Mary’s, and subsequently had a rapid drive to finish 3rd. Tim Llewellyn was due to drive the J2R, but broke a tooth on the distributor drive in practice and was unable to start. Alan Patterson qualified in last place and progressed throughout the race at a steady pace. Other AOC members in action included Tony Bianchi who drove his Brabham BT5 Ford to 9th in the Madgwick Cup, Duncan Rabagliati finishing 15th in his Trimax JAP in the Earl of March Trophy, while in practice for the same race, Kerry Horan holed a piston in his Trenberth Vincent. It was as usual, a wonderful weekend, with the opportunity to see and hear many iconic cars and drivers.
24.09.11
Sixty years of Allard’s at Silverstone
The Allard Owners Club has been a small but regular part of the three day long Silverstone Classic since 2007. This year the event provided an ideal platform on which to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Club’s foundation by Sydney and his fellow enthusiasts. The hope was to persuade sixty owners to bring their cars. Although Club Captain Dave Lovey brought his two cars, this target proved overly optimistic. However, Allard turn out was better than previous years, especially on Sunday. The feeling of enjoyment and conviviality prevailed throughout, stimulated no doubt by relief at finding the stand after some frustratingly long periods in queues. No reports of any breakdown or boil ups. Things must be improving!
The Club’s Concours on the Saturday was the main attraction for Allard owners an 20 cars turned out. Examples of J1, L, M, K1, K2, P1 and J2 lined up to entice the voters. The Concours is decided by members’ votes with classes for best two seat open, best four seat open, best saloon, best replica/modified, best other make and longest distance travelled. As Saturday afternoon drew to a close, members and friends gathered to watch Club Patron, Alan Allard present the Concours awards, drink a toast to the Club, and enjoy a piece of birthday cake.
After some high-spirited parade laps around the Grand Prix Circuit on Sunday morning, by 5pm the gazebos were down and the site empty. Allard owners made their way homewards, some for quite long distance, others not so far – but all enjoying the buzz that comes from having a truly classic car at a great event.
Report – Mike Knapman. Thanks to AOC Member Lance Cole for his excellent photographs.
28.07.11
Mille Miglia Storica 2011
Entries for Allard’s on the 2011 Mille Miglia retrospective were limited to only two places, these being snapped up by Robert and Pam Francis from Canada in the ex Don Shead Cadillac J2 and Simon Hope/George Beale in the ex-de Larringa Ardun powered J2. Simon Hope came home 125th and the Francis J2 237th.
For a full account of the event in Simon’s own words, please see Tailwagger June 2011.
14.05.11
