1948' Allard M1 Drophead Coupé

Bonhams are delighted to offer at our forthcoming Collectors' Motor Car Auction on Wednesday 6th December at Olympia International, London 89 collectors motor cars.

1948 ALLARD M1 DROPHEAD COUPÉ
REGISTRATION NO. JOF 560
CHASSIS NO. 81M705
• One of approximately 500 produced
• Restored in the USA
• Recent extensive mechanical overhaul by Sam Thomas Racing
• A wonderful example

£50,000 - 60,000
€56,000 - 67,000

Racing driver Sydney Allard's post-war cars combined the same virtues of light weight, independent front suspension and an abundance of American V8 power, which had been features of his first trials special of the mid-1930s. These favourable characteristics enabled Allard cars to establish a formidable competition record in the immediate post-war years, Allard himself finishing 3rd at Le Mans in a J2 two-seater and winning the Monte Carlo Rally outright in a P2 saloon.

Introduced in 1947, the M-type (retrospectively M1) was a more civilised version of the contemporary L model and employed Allard's trademark independently suspended 'split' front axle and transverse-leaf rear end in a chassis 6" longer than that of the K-type, the extra length being used to accommodate two rear passenger seats. Like the vast majority of production Allards, the M used Ford components, which were readily obtainable from Ford in the UK, its engine being the Blue Oval's famous 3,622cc 'flat head' V8. Approximately 500 examples were produced between 1947 and 1950.

Being top quality, hand-built, British cars with American mechanicals, Allards were very usable and relatively inexpensive to run and maintain. With their powerful and torquey V8 engine, three-speed manual gearbox and high overall gearing, they were fast and exciting cars to drive. Details of factory and retailer records (copies on file) supplied by Gavin Allard, historian and archivist of the Allard Owners Club, show that chassis number '705' fitted with engine number '7200726' was delivered new to Bristol Street Motors in October 1948 and registered 'JOF 189'. Its first owner was one J E Keightley of the White Lion, Bideford-on-Avon, while the original colour scheme was maroon with matching hood and brown interior. We are advised that the Allard went to the USA in 1990.

A most impressive example, this car was the subject of a total 'last nut and bolt' body-off restoration in the USA that cost the equivalent of almost £100,000. Purportedly, it was a Pebble Beach concours winner in the early 2000s and undoubtedly would be a strong contender for top honours now. Equipped with triple carburettors, the engine runs on Super Unleaded fuel and incorporates tuning parts made by the legendary Offenhauser company in the form of the latter's aluminium cylinder heads.

Chassis number '705' is finished in Flame Red with beige mohair hood, while the re-trimmed interior features tan leather upholstery, contrasting biscuit carpets bound in beige leather, and striking walnut woodwork. Chromed wire wheels have been fitted in preference to the standard steel disc wheels. The chassis is as clean underneath as the body is on top.

Sold to a new custodian in Germany in 2005, the Allard was purchased by the immediately preceding owner at Bonhams' December Sale at New Bond Street in 2013 (Lot 015), since when an age-related registration from the same series as the original has been obtained. The following year its owner decided to part with the Allard, which was offered for sale at Bonhams' Goodwood Revival auction (Lot 281) where it was purchased by the current vendor.

Since then 'JOF 560' has benefited from the attentions of Sam Thomas Racing, which carried out an extensive overhaul of the engine and running gear in 2017. Works undertaken included an engine rebuild, carburettor overhaul, new clutch bearing, new cylinder head gaskets, water pumps replaced, dynamo rebuild, braking system overhaul, new-old-stock radiator fitted, ancillary drive belts replaced, etc (bills on file).

Now described by the private vendor as running and driving very well, this beautiful Allard M1 must be one of the very finest of its kind currently available. A fabulous car that has to be seen to be properly appreciated.