The Allegro modelled was originally purchased from BL dealers Heartlands of Kidlington, Oxfordshire, on 1st February 1977, by Mr J Allen. He kept it for over twenty years and covered a low annual mileage. In 2010 it was acquired by Allegro enthusiast Ian Cole who replaced the damaged engine with one from a similar car and sold it, reluctantly, in 2012. It is now owned by Allegro Club International member John Howard from Warwickshire, who saw the car on eBay and, having once owned a Mini in the same colour, fell in love and bought it on impulse. It has still only covered around 50,000miles and remains in very good, basically original, condition.
The 1975 Earls Court Diamond Jubilee UK Motor Show was the public debut of new company, Leyland Cars, and the first at which all their various brands were exhibited together, with 69 cars on one enormous stand of over 20,000 square feet including the new Jaguar XJ-S. However, the Series 2 Allegro, launched on October 14th, the eve of the show, was the most important in the high volume market sector and used the slogan, 'A good car made better'. It boasted a far roomier higher-quality interior with better heating and ventilation, improved refinement plus enhanced ride and handling. The 1500 Special sat between the Super Deluxe and the range-topping 1750HL. It featured a colour-keyed vinyl roof, matching triple-coachline and front fog lamps.
Engine: 1485cc 4IL OHC
Power: 68bhp@5500rpm
Torque: 80lb.ft@3250rpm
0-60mph: 14seconds
Maximum speed: 94mph
Unladen weight: 1920Lbs