1953 Allard K-3 news, pictures, and information

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Roadster
Chassis Num: k3/3175
Engine Num: C53-8-1412

Sydney Allard introduced his K-3 at the 1952 London Motor Show. The elegant body sat atop a twin-tube steel chassis that had a wheelbase of 100 inches. The front axle was a semi-independent swing axle configuration with a DeDion rear axle and inboard mounted Lockheed drum brakes. The handcrafted body was constructed from alloy which greatly reduced the vehicles overall weight and improving its performance. The bench seat could accommodate two, possibly three adults.

The Allard cars were known for the performance and sport-inspired style. The Allard K3 was no different. It was given many performance and unique features such as dual fuel tans in the rear fenders. This allowed for more luggage room in the trunk. The engine's varied, as many of the cars were delivered without engines, allowing the customers to chose what was to lay under the hood. Most were powered by Cadillac engines, though a few opted for a Chrysler Hemi unit.

Of the 62 Allard K-3's constructed, 57 were sent to Europe.

This 1953 Allard K-3 Roadster was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida. It was offered without reserve and estimated to sell between $75,000 - $100,000. Power comes from a 331 cubic-inch Chrysler 'Hemi' V8 engine with twin four-barrel carburetors which helped drive horsepower to 325.

Since new, this car has been treated to a complete body-off restoration which included a bare-metal repaint back to its original Royal Blue color. The interior is Connolly hide finished in Claret color.

At auction, this very rare car with a Chrysler power plant sold for double the estimated value. This car is a true, authentic sports machine, with its gracefully styled, lightweight body to its potent powerplant. Its recent restoration means this car will be a welcome entrant at many concours and events worldwide. It is a versatile vehicle with a cloth top that can be closed to protect the driver and passenger from the elements. At auction, this car found a new, enthusiastic owner for a selling price of $181,500.

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Roadster
Chassis Num: 3166

This 1953 Allard K3 Roadster is chassis number 3166, the third example built. It was sent to the United States without an engine but prepared to house a Chrysler V8 powerplant. It was purchased by Frank Pohanka, Jr., the son of a Washington D.C. dealership owner, who fitted the car with a high-performance Oldsmobile engine. It has a deDion rear axle and a 3.55 ratio

The early years of the car are unknown; it may have been raced in SCCA events. It is still powered by its Oldsmobile engine and there are three 2-barrel carburetors on an Offenhauser intake. The engine is mated to a three-speed manual gearbox and rides on silver-painted wire wheels.

The car is painted white with a red interior. It has been restored and continues to be maintained to high standards.

Roadster
Chassis Num: K33189

The K3 Allard was an attempt to make the J2-X a more civilized vehicle. It was introduced at the 1952 London Motor Show and used a twin-tube steel chassis with a semi-independent swing axle front end and a DeDion rear axle with inboard mounted drum brakes. The body was clothed in alloy and there was a single bench seat that could accommodate three adults. There were twin fuel tanks in the rear fenders to allow more luggage room in the trunk, wind-up glass windows, and a cloth covered convertible top.

Of the 62 Allard K3's produced, 57 examples were sent across the Atlantic. Most were sent without the engines to American dealers who would then install a V8 engine of the purchaser's choice. Most owners selected the Cadillac engine along with period speed equipment to further enhance the drivability.

This Allard K3 was sent to Sports Car Inc., on March 14th of 1953. It had a black top and side curtains. In the mid-1990s, it was given a body-off restoration by RM Restorations. It remains in excellent condition in modern times.

The car is powered by a 331 cubic-inch Chrysler Hemi V8 engine with dual four-barrel carburetors. There is a Stayfast canvas top, side curtains and painted knock-off wire wheels with a spare wheel and tire.

In 2009, this Allard K3 Roadster was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was expected to sell for $150,000 - $200,000. As bidding came to a close the lot had been sold for the sum of $110,000 including buyer's premium.

The Allard J1 was introduced at the conclusion of World War II. America was anxious to return to racing and this vehicle offered superior sporting characteristics which were sought by privateers. It was powered by a 3.6-liter Ford V8 engine that was matted to a three-speed manual gearbox. The engine was the vehicles largest drawbacks often suffering from overheating and lack of power. A unique feature to the vehicle was the removable wings which could be replaced with cycle fenders making the J1 appropriate for road and track use. Production lasted for only a short period with a total of twelve examples being produced.

It was replaced by the two-seater K1 which was produced in larger quantities. It was sporty and profitable. In 1950 Allard introduced the J2 which was similar in design to its J1 sibling. The J2 brought about many improvements, including moving the engine farther back which helped distribute the weight throughout the vehicle. The transverse leaf springs were replaced in favor of coils. In the rear the live axle was switched for a De Dion setup. The bonnet was designed to house a number of engines. The Ford side-valve engine continued to be the favorite. Other options included the Chrysler Hemi V8 and the Cadillac pushrod unit.

In 1950 Tom Cole and Sydney Allard drove an Allard J2 to a third overall at the 24 hours of Le Mans race. This was an impressive accomplishment and a true indication of the vehicles abilities and capabilities. The J1, J2, J2X racers were raced extensively in various types of racing providing many podium finishes for their owners.

The J2X was introduced in 1951 that was very similar to its J2 counterpart. The J2X had its engine moved forward to provide more cockpit room for its passengers. The final iteration of the J2X was the J2x Le Mans and Jr which were enclosed bodies of the J2 racer.

The Allard k-3 was introduced in 1952 and produced until 1954 with a total of 62 examples being produced. These two-door roadsters had a modern appearance and sporty intentions. They were equipped with coil-spring suspension and a variety of V8 engines. It sat atop a 100 inch wheelbase that was light and sturdy. The body was comprised of aluminum.

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