MORE SUPPORT FOR ALLARD CHRYSLER DRAGSTER RESTORATION
The Allard Chrysler Action Group (ACAG) is pleased to announce more financial support for the restoration of Europe’s first 
dragster, Sydney Allard’s 1961 Allard Chrysler. It is particularly welcome at this time when the engine needs a rebuild after a year and a half of ‘cackling’.
American drag racer Julie Braskett, now residing in the UK, has donated a four figure sum to the project. Brian Taylor, Chairman of the ACAG, handed the money over to Doug Hill, Museum Manager and Lord Montagu’s Chief Engineer, on August 16th.
Julie said. “I have been following this project on-line long before I moved to the UK. It is so important to cherish our history and this dragster has a fan base both sides of the Atlantic. Now I have seen the car up close it is even more beautiful than I thought and I’m so pleased to be able to help the team keep it running. I’m looking forward to sitting behind the wheel when it is ready to cackle again”.
Nick Davies has been a great supporter of the project and was the top bidder for the latest original painting donated by Paul Whitehouse. He has quite a collection now.
Paul has been a long-time fan of the Allard Chrysler restoration project, donating several original paintings for auction. When he heard that the group needed to obtain additional parts, plus the services of other facilities for the engine rebuild, he was straight on the telephone and donated his fabulous painting of Rat Trap and Pure Hell at Dragstalgia 2014. Shortly to be delivered to Nick Davies and signed by Ron Hope, Brian Hope and Rich Guaso, what a great souvenir it is of a truly amazing event.
Another donation came in the form of a period crash helmet painted in Allard colours. The helmet was donated by Mark Coulsell but the artwork and paint was applied by Lee Patrick of HRS Designs of Tamworth.
This will be displayed with the dragster at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu along with the starter trolley.
For more information about the Allard Chrysler dragster restoration project visit the Allard Dragster Facebook page or www.allardchrysler.org. You can also keep up to date via my blog on www.eurodragster.com.ACAG Chair Brian Taylor said, “I can’t thank these supporters enough. Added to the funds raised at Dragstalgia they have boosted our kitty considerably and we are ready to get the engine back making a noise again. Further help is coming from Rob Loaring of ICE Automotive. We have been spending some time identifying the best way forward for the engine rebuild and Rob has offered to lead our team in this work using his Silverstone workshop. The short block should be there by the time you read this news. All in all we are back on track and look forward to our next public appearance. In the meantime the car remains on display at its home in the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu”.
