1947 Allard K1

Sydney Allard was a man of many talents. He was a charismatic designer, hill climber, racing driver, and 'special builder.' He formed the Allard Motor Company in 1945 and many of his cars that left his factory were equipped with large-capacity American V8 engines installed in relatively lightweight fabricated chassis and bodies. The formula relied on proven and race-bred technologies with a high power-to-weight ratio.

Prior to the formation of his company, Allard constructed a pre-war trials special using a crashed Ford V8 coupe fitted with the body of a Grand Prix Bugatti. After World War II came to a close, Allard quickly progressed from a builder of racing specials to a motor manufacturer, employing the favorable mechanical characteristics of his first trials special of the mid-1930s to establish an enviable competition record in the immediate post-war era. Among the accolades was a 3rd place finish at the LeMans in a J2 sports racer (driven by Sydney himself) and winning outright at the Monte Carlo Rally in a P-Type saloon.

In 1946, production of the Allard K1 began, and ultimately 151 examples were built. It was Allard's first post-war car, and much of its inspiration was sourced from the pre-War J1. The frame was based around the Ford 'L-Head' V8 and associated running gear, and comprised of stamped-steel channel sections by Thomson's of Wolverton. The side rails and cross members were designed to accommodate the transverse leaf springing and Ballamy's IFS front axle. Power was from either a Mercury flathead or Ford V8.

The Allard K1 had a 106-inch wheelbase and seating for two occupants while a longer wheelbase version, called the L1, had seating for four. Production began in 1946 and continued through 1948. The K1 was never intended for export and was offered solely in Scotland and England. They had a right-hand-drive configuration and a list price of 850 English Pounds.

Allard vehicles were powerful and torquey hand-built British cars with American mechanical components. They were relatively inexpensive, easy to maintain, and very usable.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2021