This Allard M-1 drophead coupe is for sale (detailed photos
below). The M-1 was one of the more popular models produced by Sydney
Allard’s company. They are rare with only 499 made from new and roughly 60 known to exist today.
A road
test of an M-1 in 1948 described it as “A Modern High-Performance Car with
Exceptional Road-holding Qualities”.
With this model Allard offered a sporting convertible, but with the
capability to carry four passengers.
Compared to Fords of the same era, the Allard had a better ride, better
handling and improved performance due to the independent front suspension,
improved weight distribution and a higher power to weight ratio.
With its ample ground clearance of 9 inches and its use of readily available
Ford mechanical parts, the Allard M-1 was also popular in other European
countries and in some of the more
remote regions of the British Empire.
In addition to being popular with the general public, the M was a very
popular rallye car, having competed successfully throughout Europe. Four M-types
competed in the 1948 Monte Carlo, winning the
team prize with a near miss at an outright win. Sydney Allard won the Monte
Carlo outright in 1952, but due to a ban on open cars, he drove an Allard P-1
Saloon. Due to the Allard M-type's provenance the car would be welcome at any of the popular vintage events
An Allard chassis diagram from an era road test is shown
above along with the specifications of the M-1. The chassis is very similar to a
Ford chassis from the mid-1930's to early 1940's. The wheelbase is the same and the
other dimensions are similar.
However, the frame utilized
box construction, so it is more rigid and less prone to the rust issues that
plagued Fords of the era.
The engine is the same as those used in the
English Ford Pilot and 1937 US made Fords.
The transmission is a standard three speed Ford with column shift (unlike
the diagram). The body is coach built of aluminum over a rigid ash frame,
while the fenders are steel.
The
overall weight is 2600 lbs. Transverse leaf springs are used front and rear,
with the Ballamy split front axle to provide independent front suspension.
The ownership of this Allard is documented from new (all documentation included with the car). Allard M-1, no. M625, was sold in London on Sept. 6, 1948 to Thomas Oliver Wacher of Canterbury, Kent, England. It was transferred to the son-in-law of Mr. Wacher, J.W. Mannington of Marden, Kent in 1974. The original log book (see scan) shows the car's early ownership. The car remained in the same family until 1988, when it was purchased at auction by Brian Sharp of Broadway, Worcestershire. Mr. Sharp performed a complete restoration to original condition over the next several years and added it to his large and prestigious Allard collection. Much of the restoration was performed by Ken Price, a retired garage manager that worked full time caring for Mr. Sharp's collection. The ash frame was renewed and all of the original mechanical components were rebuilt. Mr. Sharp's collection was featured in an issue of Classic and Sportscar magazine in 1998 when he was selling off the entire collection. The current owner acquired the M type in 1998. After touring with the car in England, Wales, Scotland and Norway, he shipped it to Tulsa, OK, USA where it currently resides. In the US it has been a welcomed participant in events of the Early Ford V8 Club and various British car clubs. It has been driven approximately 5,000 miles since restoration, always garaged and currently shows 58,500 miles from new. Other than a few minor paint flaws the car looks as good as it did when restored. All electrical and mechanical features of the car work as they should, except for the fuel gauge needing attention.
If you are a Flathead Ford V8 enthusiast, you will likely agree this
is one of the most elegant and interesting cars utilizing that legendary powerplant.
This car is an
exceptional authentically restored example. Speed parts are readily available if the new buyer
is so inclined.
Included below are scans of ownership records, auction notices, magazine articles, restoration receipts and photos of the car now and during some of its exploits. This is just a small sample of the documentation which will be included with the car.
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