1917 Allen 37

Highlights

• One of only 8 surviving Allen 37 cars in existence
• Imported into the UK in 2022 with extensive history documentation
• Original exterior with largely intact 107-year-old paint
• 3,620cc engine capable of reaching 40mph during testing
• Includes correspondence with a member of the Allen car family

The Appeal

Fostoria, Ohio, was the home of the Allen. These rugged little cars defied the sometimes rattly, loose-panelled build quality of many consumer-grade personal cars at the time, thanks to the personnel's experience with farm machinery. At least 11 different variants of the 'Allen' were built, usually retailing for a whisker under $900. Sadly, the company's fortunes struggled, having never quite gotten the same grasp of mass-production as their Detroit counterparts, and despite selling over 20,000 units, they floundered into bankruptcy.
As you'd expect for a story setting back over a hundred years, Allen cars have become exceedingly rare, and were almost entirely based in the USA. This is one of only 8 surviving Allen '37' models known to survive, and is almost certainly one of the only examples of the company's wares to arrive on British soil.
It was owned by a garage proprietor in Cranleigh, who managed to get the Sommers side-valve engine back into running order - but it's the present owner who has completed the project. Over their tenure, they've refurbished the mechanics including rebuilding the carb, upgrading the electrics to 12v, adjusting the clutch cone and more - so that the car now starts and runs. It is essentially as built in 1917 except for the heavy wooden dashboard replacement many years ago. It is believed the paint is original too.
It's a very handsome, exceedingly rare veteran - and we're sure it'll pick up plenty of well-deserved attention.

History and Paperwork

• Registered in 1917, this Allen 37 was imported into the UK in 2022
• Previously owned by a garage proprietor in Cranleigh
• One of only 8 surviving cars of this model
• Comes with extensive history documentation
• Includes an original advertisement
• Copied instruction manual included
• Features correspondence with a member of the Allen car family
• Some spare parts still available
• Short video of the car running is available
• Functioning historical vehicle
• Suitable for both museum display and actual use

The Condition

• Original exterior with largely intact original paint
• As you'd expect for a 107 year old livery, it's carrying obvious, characterful wear
• The keepers have all worked on a basis of preserving this originality
• One wooden wheel has been strengthened with resin infusion
• Seats believed to be original, made of early laminated canvas (not leather)
• Canvas may have been renewed at some point
• New hair mat flooring, consistent with the period
• Front dashboard was renewed approximately 70 years ago
• Dashboard features only basic controls
• Rugged construction similar to an old tractor
• Lighting electrics and indicators are still work in progress
• Unlike Ford Model T, has same control layout as modern cars (clutch, brake, accelerator in normal positions)

The Mechanics

• 3.1-litre Sommers side-valve engine offering 37hp
• 4-speed manual transmission
• Current owner has refurbished the mechanics over the past year
• Carburettors have been refurbished
• New plugs fitted
• Rebuilt the carburettor
• Upgraded electrics to 12V
• Adjusted the clutch cone
• Car reportedly runs and stops properly
• Reached about 40mph during testing

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..