1953 Allard P2 Safari Estate

• P24003 is one of only ten Safari Estates with only four thought to still exist
• Powered by a 5.4 V8 Cadillac engine with a three-speed synchromesh gearbox
• J2X-type independent front suspension, De Dion back axle, Marles cam-gear steering and Lockheed 12-inch drum brakes
• A luxurious and very impressive hand-built, eight-seat estate
• Would be welcomed at all motoring events with ample room for the children and the picnic
• This car has formed part of a large collection with little or no use. An element of recommissioning is to be expected to return it to the road once again

Introduced in 1952, the Allard P2 'Safari' Estate Car was designed to accommodate six people and 45 cubic feet of luggage (or 95 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down). The work of Dudley Hume, David Hooper, Sydney Allard and Reg Canham, its tubular chassis frame was equipped with J2X-type independent front suspension, a De Dion back axle, Marles cam gear steering and Lockheed 12-inch drum brakes. Available with a choice of Ford, Cadillac or Chrysler V8 engines allied to a three-speed manual transmission, the newcomer's performance belied its generous dimensions.

The Safari was essentially a hand-built luxury car with polished wood facias and door cappings, full hide interiors and acres of room in the interior, whilst the exterior was not left lacking in luxury appeal with the spacious timber-framed bodywork underlining the dedication and skill of traditional craftsmen working with steel, wood and leather. With internal heating a standard fixture as well as adjustable steering, door operated interior lights and an automatic reversing light, the Allard was in many ways ahead of its time.

This particular 5.4-litre Cadillac-powered Safari was delivered new in January 1953 to a gentleman residing in Wolverhampton, however, he was to part with it some six months later. We believe it then had several long-term owners before requiring some restorative attention in the 1980s. A long and exhaustive restoration followed with the car being finished in an eye-catching shade of Bronze which clearly was not to everyone's taste as the colour has latterly being changed to a more conventional shade of British Racing Green with a black 'Everflex' roof, a combination that exemplifies the impressive stance and 'woody' appeal of this very impressive piece of British Motoring History. With little use since, its condition today remains excellent throughout and sitting in the elegant cockpit thoughts of those halcyon days on the open road will instantly return. A stylish and extremely useable 'classic' allowing you to arrive in style whether that be the local Garden Fete or The Goodwood Revival!

In recent years this car has formed part of a large collection and as such has received little or no use and an element of recommissioning is to be expected to return it to the road once again. Your inspection pre-sale is welcomed and encouraged to appreciate the potential of this rarely offered motor car.