85 bhp, 3,622 cc L-head Ford V-8 engine, three-speed manual transmission, independent swing-axle front suspension, beam-type rear axle with torque tube and transverse leaf spring, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

- Early postwar Allard “production” model

- “Flathead” Ford V-8 power

Like many of America’s pioneering hot rodders, Englishman Sydney Allard created innovative performance machines using low-cost Ford hardware. His first car, a four-seat Ford, was entered into the 1934 Tourist Trophy. Allard shortened the wheelbase and fitted the car with bodywork from an old Grand Prix Bugatti. After completing a few cars for himself, Allard began selling cars to the public in 1946.

Introduced in 1947, the M1 Drophead Coupe was the first postwar Allard model with substantial bodywork, complete with full-length doors and a folding convertible top. Seating for four and more elaborate trim than the more competition-oriented Allard models rounded out the more civilized M1. In addition to a 3.6-liter Ford V-8, gears were selected via a column shifter obtained from Ford of England’s V-8 Pilot model. The M1 was quite successful, with Allard producing 500 during a four-year run, and it paved the way to Allard’s much faster and bolder designs including the J2, J2X, J2R and the K1. In fact, the M1 was Allard’s cornerstone model, accounting for roughly 25 percent of total production of 1,901 cars during its years of operation.

This Allard M1 Drophead Coupe was purchased by the vendor in September 2006. Finished in black with a matching top and upholstery, it includes Smiths instruments and an unrestored Bluemels “Brooklands” steering wheel, in addition to its characteristic “flathead” Ford V-8 engine. Accompanied by a selection of documents specific to this M1, including an original Engineer’s Instruction card issued by Adlards Motors, Ltd., an original Allard Motor Co. Ltd. Inspection Report and other items, it remains a fascinating and dignified early postwar sporting automobile. Its offering marks an excellent opportunity to purchase a seldom-seen example from one of the pioneers of pure Anglo-American ingenuity.