Carter, Allen P. (Allen Pierce), 1906-2006.

Allen Pierce Carter was born near Wilmington, Del., on March 8, 1906. In 1926, Carter was hired by E. Paul du Pont as an apprentice at Du Pont Motors, Inc., a builder of custom-made luxury cars. After a year, he was promoted to manager of the Service Dept. He acted as mechanic and manager for du Pont's entries in the 1929 Le Mans race and the 1930 Indy 500.

The Depression forced Du Pont Motors, Inc., to cease production in 1931, having built a total of 625 cars. Carter then managed the Du Pont Motors Service Company, which provided parts and repairs to the existing Du Pont cars, a number of which survive in working order as prized collector's items. Carter also worked with Richard Chichester du Pont, Sr., in developing his aviation inventions. During World War II, Carter was sent by E. Paul du Pont to his Indian Motorcycle Company at Springfield, Mass., as a test engineer, helping to develop motorcycles for the Army. He returned to Wilmington around 1946.

Carter then resumed the management of Du Pont Motors Service Company until his retirement in 1997. During the 1950s, he also became a service representative for Rolls Royce/Bentley and a dealer in Harley Davidson motorcycles. He was noted for his skill in restoring vintage luxury and racing cars, motorcycles and bicycles. He also acted as head racing mechanic for Francis I. du Pont & Co. partner Charles Moran, Jr., who had been the driver for Du Pont Motors at the 1930 Indy 500, racing Cunningham and Lotus cars on the world racing circuit until 1957. Carter died near Wilmington on March 17, 2006, shortly after celebrating his 100th birthday.

From the description of Papers, 1926-2006. (Hagley Museum & Library). WorldCat record id: 123466534