Dear All,
I have found the thread very interesting and being a close friend of Stewart have carried out some research on it. I have crawled around under and over the car and have some observations I wish to share! I also met Graham Fuller and he showed me the M Type rolling chassis (112″ wheelbase) in his garden which had a solid front axle (I was looking to acquire a chassis to build a short chassis trials car at the time). We also talked about the Special.
Chassis number H 54 204 identifies the Allard Special is based on a prewar 1938 Lincoln V12. The stampings are the Ford late type italic style which are correct for the era (Reference: Van Pelt website). The chassis has been modified by cutting out the centre cross member and turning the channel round and then being inserted into the side rails to box them. The rails behind the rear cross member have been tapered in towards the back as you would expect to see for if you were to fit a boat tail. I am speculating that this would be a reasonable modification to make if you wanted to site the Lincoln engine further back in the chassis initially. Given the V12 is thirsty, heavy and wears out quickly, its logical that it would have been replaced quite early on with a V8 post war.
The rear track is a standard width 8′ 10″ and the front track the same. The split axle has phosphor bronze bushings (as opposed to metalastic bushes you would have found on the M Type post war split axle). The front radius arms terminate with track rod ends on hanger plates on the side rails.
From recollection the wheelbase is just over 100″. The rear axle has been upgraded with a watts linkage and the front has a steering damper.
The engine currently fitted is a French 3917cc Simca unit.
Overall my feelings are this is a technically well thought out and engineered car. If I had the space in my garage I would have acquired it and I hope the current owner is enjoying it.
Kind regards,
Robert