Sales were fairly brisk for a low-volume car, and demand was high for cars in general, which led to the introduction of several larger models, the drophead coupe M and P.Īllard used "J" for the short-wheelbase two-seaters, "K" for two- or three-seat tourers or roadsters, "L" for four-seat tourers, "M" for drophead (convertible) coupes, and "P" for fixed-head cars. They were bodied in aluminium by Allard's friend Godfrey Imhof. Front suspension was Ballamy swing axle, rear Ford solid axle. All three were based on the Ford Pilot chassis and powered by a fairly stock 85 hp (63 kW 86 PS) 3,622 cc (221.0 cu in) sidevalve V8 with a single carburettor and 6:1 compression, driving a three-speed transmission and low-geared rearend, for superior acceleration. Using its inventory of easy-to-service Ford mechanicals built up during World War II and bodywork of Allard's own design, three post-war models were introduced with a newly designed steel chassis and lightweight body shells: the J, a competition sports car the K, a slightly larger car intended for road use, and the four seater L. The Allard Motor Company was founded in 1945, setting up in Clapham High Street, London. By the war's end, Allard had built up a substantial inventory of Ford parts. Sydney Allard's planned volume production was pre-empted by work on Ford-based trucks during the conflict. By the outbreak of war in 1939, twelve Allard Specials had been built. In 1937, Allard began producing modified Fords (in much the same way as the Chevrolet brothers had in the U.S.), selling them for £450 each. It led to the pair forming a team, dubbed Tail Waggers, to race the car, which proved quite successful, including setting a new record at the Prescott hillclimb. Allard's brother, Leslie, was a customer, while racer Ken Hutchinson purchased a 4.4-litre (270 cu in) Lincoln-Zephyr V12-powered version. įurther Allards were soon built to order. Leslie Ballamy's rather crude method was to cut the beam in half and mount the halves as swing axles and these swing axles were used on nearly all later Allard specials. After a time the front beam axle was converted to independent front suspension.
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