Courtesy of Allard Chrysler Action Group

Alongside the restoration work being carried out on Europe’s first dragster – Sydney Allard’s 1961 Allard Chrysler owned by the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu – Allard Chrysler Action Group (ACAG) Team Leader Bob Roberts has been designing and sourcing the parts required for the team’s remote starter trolley.

As well as a battery pack, this features a pressurised methanol system with the methanol being stored in a previously donated Mooneyes fuel tank. But the ACAG needed a pressure tank so he contacted drag racing fan Mick Dowd of CPE Pressure Vessels.

The company specialises in carbon steel and stainless steel vessels and pipework in 304L, 316L, Duplex, Super Duplex, and 6mo, etc.

Continue reading →

Courtesy of Allard Chrysler Action Group

The Allard Chrysler Action Group (ACAG) has selected S&T Electroplate of Yate, near Bristol to provide the chrome plating needs for the restoration of Europe’s first dragster – Sydney Allard’s 1961 Allard Chrysler. The link to their website is now available via www.allardchrysler.org. Using photographs taken in the early 1960s and existing parts as a reference, items that were chromed back then included steering, suspension, transmission, braking and exhaust components. Those requiring new chrome were identified. ACAG Chairman Brian Taylor said,

“I received estimates from 5 different plating companies and selected S&T after receiving a recommendation from Mike Knapman of the Allard Owners Club and talking on the telephone to Nigel Hayward and Kim Saleh of S&T. The fact that they were fairly local to us and specialised in plating for the enthusiast and vintage restorer were also important considerations”.

Continue reading →

Courtesy of Allard Chrysler Action Group

The December 2012 issue of ACAG Update is now available. The on-line version link(and the pdf version for those of you who like to print it out) will shortly be available via the Latest News tab on our website www.allardchrysler.org. I have attached a jpg of the front cover and the direct link to the on-line version is

http://drceurope.co.uk/acag/dec2012

This issue consists of 32 pages and details the work carried out on Sydney Allard’s 1961 Allard Chrysler dragster (owned by the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu) during October 2012 through until now. We also continue the story of the dragsters restoration looking at how the links with our many supporters across the pond were first created. There are lots of other photos and news bits and pieces so enjoy the read and have a great Christmas/New Year Holiday. We get back to work on the car on December 30^th so if you feel like joining our crew let me know. There’s much to do during January and February. Many thanks to all those who have helped us with this project. You’ll see and hear the result next year.

Courtesy of Allard Chrysler Action Group
Photo by Matt Woods

Santa Pod, UK – Santa Pod’s Dragstalgia meet on July 14th/15th saw the first public fire-up of Europe’s earliest dragster since 1964. After test fire-ups in the pits it was brought onto the track by the Allard Chrysler Action Group (ACAG) team in their smart period correct overalls and IMI ties. The noise from the blown 354 Chrysler Hemi V8 in Sydney Allard’s 1961 Allard Chrysler was greeted with wild cheers from the crowd. Some even had tears in their eyes. They had been there to witness history being brought back to life. It almost had the feel of a religious occasion.

The car is owned by the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. Doug Hill, Museum Manager and Lord Montagu’s Chief Engineer was there to witness the first fire-up on nitro-methane the following day. The next day he sent this message to the ACAG who he approved to carry out this important restoration.

I think it is well worth reflecting a while what you have achieved.

Continue reading →

Written by Brian Taylor

Sydney Allard’s 1961 Allard Chrysler dragster is fired up after being silent since 1964.  OK historians, log these details in your book of legends; the date – Sunday July 1st; the place – the workshop at Andy Robinson Race Cars in the UK; the time – 2030 hours local time.

Those present – Andy Robinson, Bob Roberts, Martin Dunks and Brian Taylor, all of the Allard Chrysler Action Group. After a long day’s work and fuelled with methanol Sydney Allard’s 1961 Allard Chrysler dragster, owned by the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, burst into life; the first time since 1964.

This historic occasion was recorded on video and we will release lots more info soon. For now enjoy www.youtube.com/watch?v=zosoe5-b9yo.

Andy Robinson lights the fuse. (Pic taken from Bob Roberts’ video)

Continue reading →