Lot 479: 1947 Allard K2 Roadster

Sydney Allard was a Ford dealer in Britain, and also a racing and trials driver. His Ford- and Lincoln-powered trials cars were very successful, using a modified Ford front suspension created by Leslie Ballamy. Ballamy’s design split the Ford’s solid axle in the center and hinged it to create independent operation. In 1946, Allard introduced his K1 model, a two-seat roadster with Ballamy’s front suspension, a box-section chassis and live rear axle. Power came from either an 85hp Ford V8 or the similar 95hp Mercury unit, both made by Ford in England. Either of these could be had with Ardun overhead valve conversions, a kit created by Zora Arkus-Duntov, later to become famous through his work on Corvettes. A longer wheelbase L1, with seats for four, was also built. A J1 version, shorter and narrower and designed for trials and sprints, came in 1947. The M1 of that same year was designed as a road-going car, a four-seater coupe.

In 1950, Allard took the J1 chassis and modified it into the J2 with De Dion rear end on coil springs. Aluminum-bodied cars with cycle fenders, many were exported to the United States, with engines fitted on arrival. These were typically Cadillac ohv V8s, though others, particularly Chrysler hemis, were used. Similarly the K1 evolved into the K2, with coil spring ifs. Production of the various types was minuscule, 90 J2s and 119 K2s, for example.

In 1950 Syd Allard and Tommy Cole drove a Cadillac-powered car to third place at LeMans; Syd won the 1952 Monte Carlo Rally in a K2. As the 1950s wore on, however, the racing success of Jaguar and increased production from other sports car makers diluted Allard’s customer base. By 1954, production had sunk to 44 cars.

This Allard K2 was shipped from London docks on June 21, 1951, bound for a dealer in Dallas, Texas. When delivered new to its customer, it was fitted with the Cadillac V8 it has today, though it’s now enlarged to 419 cubic inches. A four-speed transmission was fitted in the 1970s. It has 16-inch Borrani aluminum wire wheels mounted with period-type Dunlop racing tires.

Restored in the 1990s, the car received new paint and chrome. A complete new leather interior was completed just prior to this sale. It is ready to show or drive, and to be enjoyed in any way a new owner sees fit.