MORE SUPPORT FOR ALLARD CHRYSLER DRAGSTER RESTORATION
The Allard Chrysler Action Group (ACAG) has announced two more supporters of the project that has restored Europe’s first dragster 
to working exhibit status. These are Evans Coolants and Corteco
The 354 Chrysler Hemi engine in the dragster has been Moroso block-filled up to the core plug holes. The idea was that extra cooling could be the achieved by filling the rest of the block and heads with water. Those readers who have been following the restoration will know that the ACAG hit a problem with the water boiling (blowing a core-plug on one occasion) and the engine retaining high levels of heat after each run, preventing further start-ups for up to three hours.
Evans Waterless Coolant was recommended and this seems to have fixed the problem. Unlike water, Evans Waterless Coolants contain no oxygen or minerals and so eliminates corrosion and with a boiling point in excess of 180 degrees prevents hot spots caused by pockets of steam. Evans also allows the cooling system to run at a lower pressure which in turn reduces stress on components.
Evans has created specific formulations for a range of engine types. The ACAG use their Classic Cool 180 range specifically tailored to the Classic and Vintage Car markets. Overall it’s a much more efficient conductor of heat than water, allowing for a more efficient and smooth-running engine. The product is on trial in other cars owned by the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu and will be supplied on a sponsorship basis for use on the Allard Chrysler dragster.
A link to their website is now on the links page of www.allardchrysler.org and a direct link follows. www.evanscoolants.co.uk.
Our second new sponsor is Corteco, the Independent Automotive Aftermarket sales organisation of the Freudenberg Group and the largest manufacturer of automotive seals for OE applications in the world. Corteco specialises in Sealing, Vibration Control, Cabin Air Filter and Service Parts for the Independent Automotive Aftermarket in Europe. They recently showed their support with a double page spread advertorial in the new on-line GroupAuto publication called Ignition. GroupAuto is one of the largest parts buying and marketing groups for independent motor factors in Europe.
Corteco management liked the ACAG’s approach to delivering a quality restoration and saw the dedication to detail and respect for keeping the dragster’s original condition as very much akin to their own policy of OE quality on aftermarket products. As their parent company is a major OE supplier this will come as no surprise to users of parts sold by Corteco.
“These principles are a perfect fit with those applied in the UK aftermarket by Corteco. That’s why we support the ACAG project. The restoration of the Allard Chrysler has been a major success, a triumph for teamwork. So congratulations to the ACAG from Corteco for a job well done – both inside and out”.
A link to the Corteco website is now available via www.allardchrysler.org or directly via www.corteco.com
If you select the video tab on www.allardchrysler.org you will find 34 videos covering the car’s racing history in the 1960s and its restoration. It’s got to be the largest collection of Allard Chrysler dragster video footage available from one source.
Photo: Tim Long Nitroburners
