Alexandra Phillips - 1974 Austin Allegro 1300 Super 2DR

Alexandra discovered ‘Peggy’ on eBay in 2014, still in remarkably original condition after spending years with her first owner. The purchase price was a modest £800. With minimal recommissioning, Alexandra brought her back to life, carefully restoring her to her former glory.

Over the years, Alexandra has dedicated countless hours to maintaining Peggy. From a full engine rebuild to addressing minor bodywork imperfections, she has ensured that the Allegro remains in top condition.

Why the name Peggy? The car’s original owner, Peggy, always kept a peg on the choke to hold it in place—so the name simply stuck!

With her vibrant orange paintwork, navy blue interior, and the iconic quartic (square) steering wheel, Peggy is a rare sight on the road. As an early Series 1 model, she retains the classic metal grille that sets her apart.

Peggy has earned her place in the classic car community, winning six trophies, including Best Engine Bay at a club national event. She was also featured in Classic & Sports Car Magazine’s buyer’s guide in 2019.

A true road warrior, Peggy has travelled far and wide, including trips to Central London and the Isle of Wight. She even inspired Alexandra to start her own YouTube channel, sharing her experiences in classic car ownership.

Often voted “Britain’s worst car,” the Austin Allegro has a reputation Alexandra enjoys challenging. With Peggy, she proves that these cars deserve love and appreciation. The late Harris Mann, the Allegro’s designer, even signed the inside of Peggy’s boot lid—securing her place in automotive history.