1958 Allard GT

Only two Allard GT Coupe models were created. One is on display at the Stondon Museum in England. This example is powered by a Chrysler Hemi engine and carries chassis number 82GT7105C. It was ordered from the DuPont family and was originally intended to be fitted with a Chrysler factory race-prepared engine with the push button automatic transmission.

The Allard in the Museum is powered by a Jaguar engine.

These were among the last production Allard cars produced, as the Allard Motor Company switched businesses and began creating performance equipment. Sydney's son Alan was following in the trade having competed in his first Monte Carlo Rally in 1962 beating Sydney. He trained in motor engineering and had accompanied Sydney on many pre-rally races before he was old enough to drive.

Superchargers, rally and race equipment were Allards mainstay, Sydney maintained his competition interests throughout his life having competed in 14 Monte Carlo rallies between 1949 and 1965. In 1960 he brought Drag racing into Britain with the construction of the first British dragster, this was followed in 1964 by the blown 1500cc four cylinder Ford engined 'Dragon', the second large Allard dragster was constructed by his son in late 1966.

After organizing his second drag festival in 1965 which was washed out due to rain Sydney fell ill and was never to recover, he died in April 1966, a legendary figure in British motorsport and the motor industry had gone.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2008