Allard Dragster Project Announced

03/04/2008

During research for his book for Haynes Publishing called Crazy Horses – British Drag Racing’s Heritage, motoring writer and past Santa Pod Raceway commentator Brian Taylor became very aware of the excellent condition of Britain’s first dragster, the Allard Chrysler of Sydney Allard that initially burst into life in 1961. It had been stored undercover since it last ran in 1964. And being on display at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu that now owns the car, it has received constant TLC.

Copyright National Motor Museum

With the worldwide interest in getting some of these historic drag racing cars into ‘cacklefest’ mode (the ability to be fired-up and paraded), Brian initially sounded out a few people regarding getting the Allard Chrysler into such a condition. After a positive response he then contacted Lord Montagu of Beaulieu who was most enthusiastic and set up a meeting between Brian and Doug Hill, the National Motor Museum’s Manager and Chief Engineer. Doug too was keen and prepared a paper for the Board of Trustees proposing that they seriously look at what would be required to develop the car into a working exhibit.

The first stage would be the stripping down of the car to see what is required to get it back into fire-up and parade mode. It is envisaged that this work would be carried out at the Beaulieu workshops. And the funding of this will be provided by members of the new Allard Chrysler Action Group (ACAG) – a group solely created for this project. It will consist of a fairly small band of selected enthusiasts committed to providing a minimum of £50.00 each and no more than £100.00 each to get things started. Corporate sponsorship opportunities will be available once the project enters the re-build stage.

Photo courtesy Tommy Ivo

Brian Taylor will act as Chairman of the ACAG for this primary stage of the project, liaising with Doug Hill at Beaulieu. So if you want to be part of this exciting project to help the National Motor Museum bring this important piece of UK drag racing’s past alive, contact Brian on 01395 579733 or e-mail him on brian@petrolhead.vianw.co.uk. ACAG membership will be limited so if you want your name to be in the hat contact Brian early. More details are available on www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk. Go to Allard Chrysler Action Group.