1951 Allard J2 Roadster

English-based Sydney Allard saw the potential of the United States market, realizing it was in much better shape financially and rather lacking in quality sports cars. A special model intended for the American market was soon produced - the J2. It was fitted with a new independent rear suspension. They were available with a large choice of different American engines, including a new Cadillac V8, which was much more powerful than the Ford units used before. Importing American engines just to ship them back across the Atlantic proved troublesome, so soon after US-bound Allards were shipped engine-less and fitted out in the United States. They proved successful, and the American mechanicals meant that, unlike more exotic British sports cars, they were familiar beasts for mechanics to work on. This example is powered by a 395 cubic-inch V8 engine. The current owner purchased this car partially restored in 2001. A complete restoration was completed in 2003.

This J2 Allard, serial number 99J2121, was produced in August 1951 and sold to a buyer in Chester, England. It was initially fitted with an Ardun-Mercury engine, which quickly expired. That was replaced with a Pilot V8, producing 85 horsepower. The car then passed through seven owners in the 1950s.

In 1968, Bob Judd, an American, purchased the car for 400 GBP and replaced the flathead with a more current Ford 289 CID Cobra engine. Judd consulted with the craftsman who originally assembled the car. He wondered if the mechanical updating would be considered automotive sacrilege and was told that if it would make the car faster, Sydney Allard would surely have approved. The outcome was christened the Ultimate Allard.

The car was sold in 1969 to Otto Bowden of Jacksonville. It was featured in a series of Champion Spark Plug ads. In 2008, the current owners acquired the car and determined the engine was not the HiPo 271-horsepower version and had a correct Cobra 300+ hp engine installed.

This Allard is the only one in the world with a Ford 289 ci HiPo Cobra engine which generates over 300 horsepower.

This car is one of just 43 remaining examples of 90 originally built. It has Dunlop Racing 6.50 x 16 tires, two sets of leather seats, tools, removable mud-flaps for the front fenders, triple panel heat and sound insulation for the firewall and floor, race-worthy lap belts, a set of racing goggles, a racing-style, quick release steering wheel, and the original full windscreen with dual electric wipers. The car has its original aluminum bodywork.