PUBLIC DEBUT FOR RESTORED ALLARD CHRYSLER DRAGSTER

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.

• Probably the Most important Drag car in UK history has be brought back to life
• A car that’s only prospect was to be preserved in an incomplete state never to be see operating again has been  “Resurrected”
• The car is in one piece complete as Mr Allard last saw it
• The wishes of Brian Golder have been realised, unfortunately not in his life time but in his memory.

After the fire-up on Saturday evening the car was taken out onto the drag strip so that Matt Woods could set up some lights and take a series of shots. He has produced some of the best photos that have ever been taken of the car. More than photos they are works of art. This is just one of them.

The next appearance of the dragster will be at Chelsea AutoLegends on September 1st/2nd.