The launch of the Allard Palm Beach in 1952 promised ‘exhilarating motoring with complete safety’ for up to three occupants.

Power options came from two British Ford parts bins the 47 hp Ford Consul 1500 cc / 92 cui 4 cylinder or 68hp Ford Zephyr 2.3 litre / 138 cui straight 6 as seen above. One exception was made for a one off special order Palm Beach fitted with a Dodge Red Ram V8.

The power to weight ratio was good but this was at the cost of adequate creature comforts, the ventilation, with the hood and windows up, was described as inadequate.

With the hood up and the window’s down the hood flapped about so much that speeds of over 35 mph were not advised in contemporary reports.

In 1956, as we shall see next week, a Mark 2 version of the Palm Beach was introduced and in all 80 units are thought to have been built up until 1958.

Thanks for joining me on this “Exhilarating Motoring” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !