When a classic car marque goes out of business, it’s a sad day for the industry. When a big name returns, it’s time for a celebration. This is the case for famous British classic car manufacturers Allard. Lloyd Allard, grandson of the founder of the marque, and his dad, Alan, have officially reopened the business in Edison Close, Gloucester.
The last Allard was built in 1957, so the rebirth of the brand is sure to bring a smile to the faces of classic car enthusiasts all over the world. Alan Allard commented on the revival. “We have reawakened it – myself and my son. He is in the driving seat now. We do need some funding to take it to the next step and progress.”
“Each car will be supplied with a genuine Allard continuation chassis number and signed documentation from the Allard family. Cars built to order will be supplied as left or right-hand drive, with bespoke customer specification requirements, just as the original Allard cars were supplied back in the 1950s.”
The father and son duo recently restored a 1956 Allard Palm Beach MK2. The owner had it for three years, but is now planning to sell it for £119,000. All the new Allards will be built by hand and they include the JR, J2X, J3 and Palm Beach MK3.
The new company is supported by the original designer of the JR, Dudley Hume, and David Hooper, chief engineer at the old Allard factory. In its heyday, Allard was extremely popular in the US, especially on the race track. Allards competed in the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans, demonstrating their status as speed icons.
Allard’s rebirth is an example of the staying power of a historical brand. A name can be gone for decades, but that doesn’t mean it has to be that way forever. Allard is here to say and we’re looking forward to see the kind of cars that the new business produces.
