Historic motor racing experts aim to restore Allard at Race Retro

A team of historic motoring racing mechanical experts will aim to restore a mid-1940s Allard L Type back to its former glory at Race Retro, held from 13th to 15th March 2009 at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry. The Allard L type four-seater tourer is chassis number 136 making it only the18th of its type to be built and one of the earliest post war Allards known to exist.

Sheet metal experts Contour Autocraft will be demonstrating how to repair and recreate steel panels for the body of one of the few remaining Allard L types. Building engines live in the restoration area is Mini expert Jonspeed Racing who is coming along with a chest full of tools in order to give us an insight into getting the most from the venerable A series engine. Premiere restoration company David A.C. Royle and Company Ltd (www.david-royle.co.uk) will give visitors a unique insight into the craft of Ash Frame making as they work on the frame of the 30th production post war Allard during the three days.

It isn’t very often the public gets to see one of the four UK based Allard J2X sports racing cars, let alone gets the opportunity to see what’s going on under the paintwork. Ex Salvage squad member and historic racing car enthusiast Jerry Thurston will bring his 5.4 litre V8 Chrysler 'Fire Power' engined 1952 example along, and strip its body panels off to let everybody see what is going on under the alloy skin whilst he and the team get on with its winter rebuild.

Back by popular demand after thrilling the visitors at the last Race Retro will be the Ken Fox Troupe riding their Vintage Wall of Death and for those who like to be more laid back, the Ace Café will provide an ideal spot to soak up the atmosphere. Following its success last year, the Ace Café will run and expand its popular Café Concours competition.

The Pre '65 bike trials also makes a welcome return with a challenging indoor course of seven obstacles designed by current top performing Pre '65 trials riders Mick Grant and Neil Gaunt. Look out for leading solo riders and the always spectacular sidecar crews direct from the Pre '65 trials championship.

Race Retro 2009 will be held from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th March. To book tickets and for the latest updates, visit raceretro.com