Description
20th Jul, 2024 10:00
The July 2024 Auction
1947 Allard L-Type Roadster
In current ownership and dry storage for 53 years
Estimate
£10, 000 - £12, 000
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Lot details
Registration: JAL 465
Chassis: 138
Odometer: 00008
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt
In current ownership and dry storage for 53 years
The Allard Owner’s Club state that this is the 4th oldest L-Type known
Supplied with the original buff logbook and blue V5 registration document
Supplied with hood, frame, and side screen although will require attention
Offered with an unused crate 21 stud Ford 3622cc V8 engine
Elco valve radio
Downdraft Ford carburettor and Burgess air filter
The L-Type is a four-seat Tourer that went into production just after the war. It utilises Sidney Allard’s own chassis together with a 3622cc Ford Flathead V8 engine, three-speed Ford manual gearbox and drivetrain with Allard's own independent front suspension designed by Leslie Ballamy and a handcrafted aluminium and steel body. The marriage of a lightweight British handbuilt car and an American V8 set the precedent for the AC Cobra and planted the seed for Carroll Shelby who campaigned a J2 around California in the 1950s.
‘JAL 465’ was first registered on 19th September 1947 and originally presented in Blue with a Blue interior. The colour changed sometime in the 50s to Cream / Grey. It was then acquired by the vendor’s father, who coated it in grease to preserve the bodywork.
Although the bodywork is showing signs of surface corrosion, the grease appears to have saved it, as the shell is still solid. The vendor states that his father painted the underside with coal paint to assist with the preservation. The Allard evidently requires a full restoration, although all parts appear to be largely all there. Some parts require more attention than others, such as side screens, hood, and interior seats.
This is a highly rewarding project, to restore this hand-built lightweight British sports car to its former glory.
