Solved - NEH 3933: Allard K3 with modified front

[Carnut]

Identify this car exactly and what is special about it, for 1 point:

Remember - solving puzzles using 'Google Search by Image' is BANNED on AutoPuzzles!

[Carnut]

Experts?

[Dowdeswell]

Looks like British car, Austin or Allard ?

[Carnut]

Looks like British car, Austin or Allard ?

Yes it's an Allard, so locked for you to enlarge.

[Dowdeswell]

Allard Palm Beach ?

[Carnut]

Allard Palm Beach ?

No, not a Palm Beach.

[Dowdeswell]

Must be Allard K3

[Carnut]

Must be Allard K3

It is a K3, yes, so that earns you your first point!
However, the front of this car looks totally unlike any other K3.  When I posted the puzzle I was awaiting an answer I was promised from the Allard Owners Club regarding who modified the front and why, but I'm sorry to say the answer was never forthcoming; whether that is because they don't know or what I don't know, but it has meant that since I don't know the answer myself I can't hold out for the answer from a puzzler!

Below are pictures of the same car as originally built with the normal front and the unmodified puzzle picture for comparison; I will continue to try to find out about it and who changed it.

[Dowdeswell]

Thanks!

[Carnut]

Although registered in the UK when new this LHD car was originally sold to California and was part of the Brian Sharp collection.
It returned to the UK in the early 1980s, by which time it already had the unusual front when it was re-built after a frontal collision.
Apparently it is now back in the USA.