1952 Allard K2 Roadster

In 1936, Sydney Allard founded the Allard Motor Company in England. It was based in Putney until 1945 and then moved to Clapham until its closing in 1966. He was a racer who began his career in 1929 racing three-wheel Morgans. He used Ford and Lincoln engines in many of his specials and was very successful in trials and hill climbs popular in pre-war England. In total, the company produced 1,900 cars before closing in 1959.

After the close of World War II, Allard saw the potential of the United States market and proceeded to build 12 J2s in 1946 followed by 90 starting in 1950. Many of the cars were shipped to the United States without engines and then fitted with power plants to the customer's specifications. Most were given a Ford flat-head V8, but some were also built with Cadillac and Chrysler engines. The car rode on a 100-inch wheelbase and weighed in at 1700 pounds. J2X production finished the series in 1954. Allard J2 and J2Xs dominated American sports car racing in the early 1950s. The bodies were generally made of aluminum and lightweight, giving a high power-to-weight ratio.

A major feature of the Allard was the deDion rear end fabricated from light steel tubing and a Ford 'banjo' center section. This gave the Allards a form of independent rear suspension years ahead of the competition.

Three postwar models were introduced: the J was a competition sports car while the K was a slightly larger car intended for road use. The L was a four-seater vehicle. All models were given primarily Ford mechanicals making them rather easy to repair and keeping costs low. Allard also introduced several larger models, the M and N. As new models were developed and modified the letters began to be followed with a number to differentiate the various version.

In 1952 Allard produced 119 K2 cars.

This Allard K2 Roadster was found in disassembled condition in Rochester, New York. Fortunately for the buyer, nearly everything needed was in one of the many boxes that came with the chassis. After nine months of work, the car was restored to its current condition. Power is from a 1952 Cadillac 331 CID engine with two four-barrel carburetors.