1955' Allard Palm Beach Mark 1

1955 ALLARD PALM BEACH MARK 1 CONVERTIBLE
The Roy Savage Collection of Classic Cars
Chassis no:21Z5158
Engine no: EOTTA 93835
Sydney Allard began the Allard Motor Company Ltd in 1945 after World War II. With a passion for motorsport, Mr. Allard who was a gentleman racer himself used his engineering skills to create vehicles that were first competition driven before turning his attention to those of a more touring nature.
The Clapham, London based company produced only 1900 cars which were made famous by the likes of; Carroll Shelby, Masten Gregory and John Fitch before ceasing car production in 1956 due to financial difficulties. Sydney Allard himself died in April 1966 on the same night as a fire destroyed the Clapham factory and most of its records
As a racing driver, Sydney Allard’s cars were all predicated upon light weight, independent front suspension and American V8 power. Such characteristics enabled him to establish a formidable competition record in the immediate post-war era finishing, 3rd at Le Mans in 1950 and winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1952. This latter feat makes him the only driver who was also the vehicle’s manufacturer ever to do so!
Roy Savage’s alloy bodied Palm Beach tourer is one of 74 built between 1952-55. Whilst referred to in some texts as a K3 Roadster, Roy’s notice of acceptance as a member of the UK-based Allard Owners Club in March 2010 refers to it as a Palm Beach. Based on the chassis of a K3 it is known that in 1952 Allard adapted the Palm Beach “in a K3” style to offer a more refined variant of the J2 and J2X models. Roy Savage owned a Palm Beach in his youth until marriage and children intervened and thus the need for a more practical form of transport. The car was subsequently sold by him but bought back circa 1962. At this stage it was in a deteriorating state, therefore, a restoration was entrusted to Custom Metal Shapers of Auckland from whom it subsequently emerged in its current condition complete with 3-speed gearbox, bench seat and dual filling points.
Correspondence between Darell Allard (Sydney’s nephew), David Mosely of the Allard Owners Club (UK) and Webbs suggest that this example was one of the last Mark I Palm Beach models produced. Unfortunately, the cheaper Triumph TR2 and Austin-Healey killed off the Palm Beach despite the Allard being the more comfortable car. Allard’s contention though was that the Palm Beach was never intended to be an out-and-out sports car.
This rarity of British motoring manufacture is now ready for enjoyment by its next owner.