1947 Allard K1 Roadster

Sydney Allard began his career as a constructor by building several Ford-based specials for British trials competitions. Many of these racing specials featured a split-axle independent front suspension that was developed by Leslie Bellamy, and some were powered by Lincoln engines. During World War II, his London-based garage rebuilt Ford vehicles for British forces. After World War II, there were plenty of engines and parts from his work on hand but no government contracts. Allard decided to introduce a sports car that would appeal to a wide and eager audience.

This first of many legendary Allard sports cars was the K1 model, which was a two-seater built on a box-section frame with transverse leaf springs. Power was usually either a Ford or Mercury flathead V8 with a torque-tube driveshaft. In total, there were around 151 K1 models built.

This particular example is the 43rd built, and it was sold through Mr. Sanders of Dangenham Motors in London. The original owner was Bob Judd, an editor, and writer for Road & Track.

The car may have been used in the classic 1953 film Genevieve. It was later owned by Robert R. Powell II, a professor of international law at Oxford, who used it extensively.

The car was restored in Mr. Needham's care, and it has, in its current ownership, undergone extensive freshening by the California shop, Healey Lane. The body was refinished in Bright Silver, and the interior was upholstered in Flame Red, with tan Wilton carpets bound in red leather.

The car has a Bluemel steering wheel and an air horn, which plays 'Hail to the Queen!' Power is from a correct Mercury V-8 that is 0.80 inches overbored and comes with Jahns pistons, Offenhauser heads, an Iskenderian track-grind camshaft, Isky valve springs, reinforced main bearing caps, and all-new bearings, valves, wrist pins, and water pumps. The engine is painted Ford Blue with black accessories. There is a Jaguar four-speed transmission which was been rebuilt with new bearings.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2014