1897 The firm first considered a move towards powered machines.
1898 Allard exhibited a motorised tricycle at the Olympia Show.
1899 They produced a car and a De Dion style tricycle fitted with their own 2.25hp engine.
1901 A motorcycle was produced that was built entirely at their own works. The 1.75hp engine was mounted in an aluminium cradle fixed to the frame tubes. The machine was offered in kit form to the trade. Soon the engine was enlarged to 2.hp.
1902 The inclined engine was replaced by a vertical one. During that year the Allard company was acquired by Rex and was afterwards marketed by that name.
Note: There was an Allard Motor Co producing cars from 1936.
1899 Motor Show, Islington
ALLARD AND CO., Earlsdon Works, Coventry, are one of the few English cycle-making firms who have gone fully into the construction of motor tricycles, of which they show three examples, the motors being fitted with both tube and electric ignition. The Allard motors follow the De Dion lines, and are of two horsepower, with 3in. bore and 3.5in. stroke. They show also motor castings, with which they are prepared to supply the trade. In general design and fitment the machines follow De Dion lines.
Allard Clipper
In the early 50s a strange little microcar was built. It was probably unrelated.
See Allard Microcars
Source: Graces Guide
