The Allard P1 was a coach-built two-door sports saloon produced by the British Allard Motor Company.
Between 1949 and 1952, a mere 550 Allard P1s were built, with only 125 known still to exist, and only five known to be on the road worldwide, according to the Allard Owners Club.
The Allard offered here for sale is number 12 of 550. The car is very original and retains many of its original features - its rear window blind, the under-bonnet inspection lights, clock in the mirror, etc.
Sydney Allard achieved international recognition by winning the 1952 Monte Carlo Rally in an Allard P1, with co-driver Guy Warburton and navigator Tom Lush, beating Stirling Moss, who, driving a Sunbeam-Talbot 90, finished second.
The Allard P1 bodywork is all aluminium, apart from its steel wings. It combines a low, streamlined radiator and contemporary cabin with separate front wings.
The front suspension is independent and was developed by racing car designer Leslie Bellamy, which together with the 3.6-litre Ford 21 Stud V8 engine gave the cars a surprising turn of speed.
In my ownership the Allard has been subjected to a complete strip down and refurbishment with the wings, doors, bonnet and boot removed, and any areas of rust and corrosion were cut out and fresh metal / aluminium welded in.
The car then underwent a full respray in its original factory grey. The main chassis was Waxoyled and the wheel arches sprayed with grey Schultz to match the body work. The wheels were professionally refurbished and painted red, and the chrome hub caps and chromework embellish the Allard's appearance exceptionally well.
Matching tyres with loads of tread, and a spare wheel in the boot. The work was undertaken by professional restorers (photos of the restoration whilst in their workshop are available).
The car's interior also received plenty of care and attention, with a new headlining fitted. The seats had been reupholstered by a previous owner in the original grey leather and remain in excellent condition. Good door cards and wood capping.
The bumpers on the Allard are polished stainless steel, professionally made for the Allard, and the car has been fitted with a twin stainless-steel exhaust. The main and hand brake are very good. Like the MGB, the MGC was available as either a Coupé (GT) or a Roadster. An overdrive gearbox or three-speed automatic gearbox were available as options.
The 3.6 V8 powerhouse has been overhauled previously by Belthcher Engineering, renowned for their expertise in V8 engines, and hence it starts first time on the button and performs very strongly, with good acceleration and very good oil pressure cold and hot. The car does not suffer from overheating (fitted with electric radiator fan) and the single carburettor is assisted by an electric petrol pump.
With regard to the car's electrics, there are twin 12v batteries (new), and the charging system, lights and indicators all work as they should, with flashers discreetly fitted. The instruments are likewise in good working order. New tripod headlights have been fitted.
The Allard comes with a very extensive history file of past work which together with the recent refurbishment costs amount to many thousands of pounds. The car is accompanied by its original buff registration book.
This Allard P1 presents very well and starts, drives and runs without fault. I would have no hesitation in taking it on extended runs in either the UK or on the Continent.
