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Introduced in 1946, the competition-orientated J1 two-seateremployed a 100” wheelbase chassis equipped with Allard’strademark independently suspended ‘split’ front axle and a De Dionrear end with inboard brakes. Like the vast majority of productionAllards, the J1 used Ford/Mercury components, these being readilyobtainable from Ford in the UK. The K1 tourer was broadly similarapart from its longer wheelbase. In 1950 the latter was supersededby the restyled K2, which together with its more streamlined,all-enveloping bodywork boasted a floor-mounted gear change,coil-sprung front suspension and a small luggage boot among theimprovements. UK customers could choose between the usual Ford/Mercury engines while cars bound for the USA were usually fittedwith either Cadillac or Chrysler power units.Being top quality, hand-built British cars with American mechanicals,Allards were very usable and relatively inexpensive to run andmaintain. With their powerful and torquey V8 engine, three-speedmanual gearbox and high overall gearing, they were fast andexciting cars to drive. Allards were immensely popular in productionsports car racing in North America, providing drivers such as TomCole, Zora Duntov, John Fitch and Carroll Shelby with numeroussuccesses. Indeed, in 1953 Shelby won every race he entered withhis Allard.This example of one of the most desirable Allards is fitted with aCadillac V8 engine displacing 331ci (5.4 litres), which is coupled toa La Salle three-speed manual transmission, and thus representsthe K2 in its ultimate specification. This tuned engine incorporates aforged steel crankshaft and an Isky racing camshaft with hydrauliclifters, and breathes via a quartet of Stromberg twin-chokecarburettors. The maximum power output is reputedly around300bhp, more than enough to give many modern sports cars asevere fright.The current, titled vendor purchased the Allard at the Pebble Beachauction in 1991 and took the Allard back to his vineyard in France(one of that country’s undisputed finest) where it has been used fordriving around the estate. At time of purchase the car had coveredonly 100 miles since a show-quality restoration by Pat Crowley, apast award winner and judge at Pebble Beach. Finished in greymetallic with red leather interior, this rare Allard sports car remainsin excellent condition and is offered with a BCA Rapport d’Expertise(1998) and EU importation/customs document.£80,000 - 120,000€99,000 - 150,000Motor Cars | 253