10 Apr 00
Many thought the Austin Allegro was odd, but nothing prepared the world for the eye-damagingly ugly Vanden Plas 1500, a pretentious upmarket version with a chrome grille that looked like the snout of a pig and an interior that resembled a miniature Jaguar's. A strange combination, but nevertheless one that appealed to the monied pension-book holders of southern England, who bought it in surprising numbers - possibly because they couldn't focus sharply enough to see the glory of its ugliness. It lived for seven years, and might have lived longer had the Metro not arrived and finished the Allegro off. Ooh, it brings a tear to the eye. Or not. Still, here's a few facts you might not have known about this marvellous piece of British engineering:
