EUROPE’S FIRST DRAGSTER LIVES AGAIN

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)

Brian Taylor, Chair of the Allard Chrysler Action Group approved by the museum to carry out this restoration said,

‘The sight, sound and smell were amazing. Thanks to all those who have backed us and to an amazing team of people working on the car we have brought drag racing history back to life. There is still plenty of work to do before Brian Golder’s original part-restoration is complete but nothing that will not wait until after the Dragstalgia meeting at Santa Pod on July 14/15. We will have two fire-ups on each day. The first on Saturday July 14th in the pits and the second on the strip leading the Saturday evening cacklefest. Listen out to the commentary team for timings. For the first time since 1964 those attending will be able to see and hear the car that started it all in European drag racing terms. We will carry out two more pit fire-ups on Sunday 15th. Make sure you are there’.

‘How did I feel after the initial fire-up? Relieved, proud and very excited. I didn’t sleep much the following night just re-running that moment in my mind. Wow’.