This class is for L, M, and P-type Allards. Although most people know Allard for the J2 and J2X, the bulk of Allard production came from these cars. Of the 1900 or so cars built, these three models represent 65% of total production. At first glance, the L and M are virtually indistinguishable, but to the trained eye, you’ll notice that rear part of the L cockpit is slightly longer. M types were often sold as a chassis only in order to avoid the tax man. Oftentimes the cars were bodied with an Allard body that was purchased separately (early kit cars?), but sometimes owners would commission custom bodies. The P featured a fixed roof and big engine which made it perfect for well to do families looking for a fast, but practical car. A special P was driven by Sydney to victory in the 1952 Monte Carlo Rally.
L 520
L-520 was one of 191 L types manufactured between 1946 and 1948, for many years this car was owned by brigadier General Frank Savage. A war hero once portrayed by Gregory Peck in the movie “Twelve O’clock High”. Minimal restoration has been done - a repaint and new leather in 1998. Ford flathead is a 59 AB 24 stud. This car is driven quite a bit and has a Columbia two speed rear axel for more comfortable highway driving. This car has been on the field at Amelia Island, The Glenmore Gathering, Keenland, and Hilton Head Concourse where it got a Crescent award in 2018.
L 642
In 1985 I saw an ad in the Swiss Classic Car magazine; a few days later I was test driving L-643. The first impression was that of a fast, very loud, but well behaved house boat. For a Swiss, unaccustomed to the RHD it required considerable skill from the driver. In 2004 we started in 2004 the renovation. The chassis was sand blasted; no rust was found and the wooden parts were sound. Mike Knapman provided many hard to find parts. The whole vehicle was re-painted and re-upholstered. The renovation took five years to complete. The crowning glory was when the renovated car was issued "vintage vehicle" certificate from the very strict vehicle licensing authority.
L 837
The car was purchased in 1974 for £50.00 by my friend Aubrey. We started a full restoration in 1990, which took 10 years, unfortunately during that time Aubrey died. I continued until the car was completed at which time Aubrey’s wife gave me ownership. The car hit the road in 2000 and has been campaigned by me for 20 years. The car has won many trophies and medals including the Allard Concourse. Three years ago, I removed the engine and completed another engine rebuild which included Allard cylinder heads, twin carburetors, Mallory ignition, lightened flywheel and full engine balance.
People’s Choice Award Winner
1st in Class
M 1000
The car was shipped to Allard dealer Tate on March 7, 1949. It was equipped with a Ford V8 #7207230 (which it retains) and was painted blue with a blue interior. All parts are original or sourced original spec parts. Restored from a total wreck by Peter Wright (AOC member). Only deviation from original that I know of was the Change to 12V from the original 6V and addition of turn indicator lights front and rear (existing turn indicators on the sides are also still working). The Allard is now used for General AOC events, local village events and general family fun.
M 1075
This Allard arrived in Canada about 1950 along with a couple from the U.K. who settled in Toronto, Ontario. When the husband died in the 1970’s, his wife, wanting to return to the U.K., donated the car to an automotive museum in Oshawa, Ontario. There it remained until 2018 when it was sold to a dealer from whom I purchased it. I have restored the car, down to bare metal and convertible top. I have not restored the original upholstery and don’t intend to. The paint is as original colour scheme.
3rd in Class
M 322
71M Type. Chassis 322. Built 1947. Registered September 1948. Sold as “Chassis only” to Mr Christopher Maxwell Johnson, of London. The Coachwork was built by Anthony Lucas of Kings Road, Chelsea. A unique design with the spare wheel built inside the trunk cover, side exhaust system and a two-part opening soft-top. I purchased the car in 2016 becoming the sixth owner. It then underwent ground-up restoration and is fitted with a 3.6 litre Ford Engine. A Tremec 5 speed gearbox was added for more comfortable long-distance motoring. We have travelled extensively around England and to 6 other European counties.
M 716
M-716 was originally used as a factory demonstration vehicle for a few months before it was delivered on the 31st of January 1949 to the Allard dealer, Tate. Bought in 2005, the car was stripped and completely rebuilt including chassis, suspension and steering, phase 2 front brakes – the restoration was completed in 2009. Since them the car has won numerous concours awards throughout the UK. The car is fitted with a 3.9 litre Flathead, Isky cam, Offenhauser cylinder heads & dual plane inlet manifold, twin Stromberg 97 carbs, and Mallory electronic ignition. The 133 bhp engine motivates the car to 60 mph in 11 seconds.
2nd in Class
M 872
JAO308, a 1949 Allard M, was produced on 11/29/48, sold retail on 2/14/49. It was purchased by me through Hereford Vintage Auctions 4/11/13. It arrived in the USA 5/14/13. During restoration the body was completely removed, rust repaired and reassembled by Dave Teets. The interior and hood were both restored by Bill Edwards. The motor is not the original, but a British war surplus Ford commercial motor of 100 HP. Gary Tyler has changed the rear end to a 3.56. Eddie Harrhy began the original restoration.
P 1680
This Allard was originally purchased by Sir Paul Pechell in Southhampton, England. In 1967 Edwin Zimmerman had it shipped to New York. Paul Brownell, my uncle, purchased it from Zimmerman soon after. Paul drove it home to Milwaukee as well as to Florida for the Sebring races. He even raced it a few times. However, the best trips were when he would take me and my siblings out for ice cream. What great childhood memories! After Paul passed away, my family worked together to get the car running. More great memories!