1952 Allard K2 news, pictures, and information

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For an all-too-brief period in the late 1940s and early 1950s, the name of Allard was one of the most revered of all motor manufacturers. The company's road cars were some of the most popular among wealthy enthusiasts, especially in the United States. The racing versions were more than competitive on the track, and the company's founder, Sidney Allard, was one of Britain's leading competitive drivers, winning the British Hillclimb Championship in 1949 and the Monte Carlo Rally in 1952. This K2 left the London docks on April 21, 1952. Originally painted grey with read leather interior and a black top and side curtains, the car was most likely sent to Noel Kirk Motors in Hollywood, California. George Barris did some modifications to the bodywork and Von Dutch did the wild yellow and black paint job at a later date for actor Jeff Cooper.

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Sidney Herbert Allard built a reputation in England as a prominent builder of competitive racers. The Allard Motor Company was founded in 1946, though Sidney had been building and modifying vehicles since the mid-1930's. The post war automobiles were mostly powered by Ford flathead V8s and often fitted with Sidney's own intake manifolds and cylinder heads. His J2X Sports Racers utilized the Cadillac and Chrysler OHV V8's continuing the tradition of American power in a British alloy body. Allard cars were seen at most every sports car race in 1950's.

This automobile was found in 1984 with a tree growing up through the middle of the chassis and has been fully restored. The automobile is believed to have been raced when new.

Roadster
Chassis Num: K3036

Between 1946 to 1948 around 151 examples of the Allard K1 were created. The last few K1 examples were assembled around 1950. The first cars to bear Sidney Allard's name was around 1936 with the SMMT Jubilee Cavalcade marking the fiftieth year of the British motor industry. The alphabet was used to identify each of his production models. The J was the competition car while the K was the production version. It would later become known as the K1.

The K1 was replaced with the K2 which featured a design only slightly different than the K1. It had a smaller grille on a wider front end and a sleeker trail with a trunk that could be opened. The elegant bodies rested on a front coil spring suspension borrowed from the P saloon car.

Between 1950 and 1952 there were a total of 119 K2 Roadsters created. This example with chassis number K3036 was sent to the US in March of 1952. It was one of the last to be created, and like most Allards, was shipped without the engine. It was later fitted with a 317.4 cubic-inch Lincoln overhead valve V8 engine that could produce 160 horsepower. It was mated to a three-speed manual gearbox and has four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

This car has an older restoration which still shows well in modern times. It has a two-tone red and white leather interior and an aluminum dash with Brooklands steering. This vehicle was brought to the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $80,000 - $100,000. It was offered without reserve and sold for a high bid of $63,250.

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Roadster
Chassis Num: K3028

Unique Features; 119 K2 models built from 1950-1952. The Allard K2 is one of twenty-eight built in 1952 and carries chassis number K3028.

The Allard K2 was sold by Noel Kirk Motors, located at Sunset Boulevard and Formosa Street. It was sold to friends of Noel Kirk, Dick and Margaret *(last name unknown). They sold it to Denny Colburn. I bought it from Denny Colburn in March 1960 for $1,200.00

The current owner restored the Allard and entered Concours shows over several years and started racing it in vintage races in 1986.

'I found a note from Noel Kirk to his 'good friends Dick and Margaret' wishing them literally miles and miles of happiness. It was signed 'Noel.' This note, on Noel Kirk Motors stationery, was found inside the door upholstery in 1960 when re-upholstering the seats. The current owner still has this note preserved in his Allard collections.

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