Owner: David Allison
Make/model: NA Magnette
Month/year of manufacture: 1934
Colour: Duo Tone Blue
Engine size/type: 1271cc supercharged
BHP: Approximately 100
Top speed: Around 100mph with the screen folded
Gearbox type: Pre-selector, 4 forward speeds, 1 reverse
Area: Thatcham, Berkshire
Date purchased: 1999

History: My Dad, Mike Allison, purchased the car in 1961 and has used it for many years in UK and European road and track events. The car was built for the 1934 Motor Show but was stolen - when returned it went to the racing shop (because they did not know what to do with it) - the works was approached for a car to take part in the 34 Alpine Trial, the car was duly prepared and won its class - a glacier cup and a gold medal. In 1935 the car was entered in the Monte Carlo Rally, the car was fitted with a blower and the pre-selector gearbox and they set off to Umea in Sweden. Braving temperatures of minus 30, the driver and works mechanic averaged 30mph to Southern France, and led the rally by an almost unassailable amount - almost, because on the last day the car crashed, and came 73rd!

Sold by the factory in 1935, the car was bought by Harold Parkinson (a car dealer based in the South East) who campaigned the car widely in hillclimbs, sprints, races and rallies until just after the war, when the car passed to Derek Davies. Davies drove the car in a number of events up until 1957, progressively modifying and lightening the car to keep it competitive.

When Dad bought the car it had a lightweight alloy body, and in 1964, took the decision to re-build the car back to its 1935 Monte Carlo Rally specification. The car does between 2-3000 miles depending on wallet (it only does about 18 to the gallon - 10 when you enjoy driving it!) and the old girl is formally retired from circuit racing now.

This is still a quick car - quicker than its brakes, thats for sure, and can embarass many modern cars with acceleration between roundabouts on modern roads - however the type of cars we can now race on the road is restricted because modern cars can stop so fast and that could get embarrasing!

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