1949 Allard M-Series Drophead Coupe

The Tupelo Automobile Museum Auction|27 April 2019, 10:00 CDT|The Tupelo Automobile Museum

1949 Allard M-Series Drophead Coupe
Chassis no. 851

221ci Ford Flathead V8
Single 2-Barrel Carburetor
90bhp at 3,800rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front and Transverse Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Presented in excellent restored condition
*Excellent car for vintage rallies and driving events
*Legendary Ford Flathead V8

THE ALLARD M-SERIES

After WW2, Allard progressed from special-builder to motor manufacturer, though the latter activity was really little more than a means of financing the company's competition program. 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 that first trials special of the mid-1930s. These favorable characteristics enabled Allard to establish a formidable competition record in the immediate post-war years. Despite its small size and limited resources, Allard's achievements were legion, Sydney himself finishing 3rd at Le Mans in a J2 sports-racer and winning outright at the Monte Carlo Rally in a P-Type saloon.

Introduced in 1947, the M-type (retrospectively M1) was a more civilized 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.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

While the vehicle lacks a detailed account of the ownership history, records on file indicate the car spent some time in Sacramento, California prior to being purchased by Mr. Spain in the 1990s.

What can be assumed, however, was that the Allard had been well cared for and most likely restored at some stage as it stands in wonderful condition today. The Flathead V8 under the hood appears in good order and the well finished interior looks equally splendid. The wood shows no serious cracks or blemishes and the supple tan leather has barely been sat in. In summation, this open top Allard will be a wonderful weekend cruiser for its next lucky owner.

Additional information

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