1952 Allard K2 Roadster

The Allard K1 was introduced in 1946 and most were powered by either Ford or Mercury flathead V8 engines. The K1 was succeeded by the J1, which was a shortened version of the K1 intended for sprints and trials. A four-seater M1 model also soon became available.

Just like the J1 became the J2, the K1 became the K2 in 1950. It had a redesigned aluminum body, the leaf springs were changed for coils, and a DeDion rear setup was optional, as were wire wheels.

Most Allards were sent to the United States and shipped to R/P Imported Motor Car Company in New York City, where engines were installed. The cars were then sent to dealers. This particular example, however, was invoiced directly to Jack Pry in Washington, D.C.

It was dispatched from the works on February 12th, having been ordered the previous November. It was built in left-hand drive form and given a Chrysler Hemi engine, to be fitted in America. It had a DeDion rear axle and the body was painted in Ivory with black fenders and wire wheels. The upholstery was black with ivory piping.

Later owners of this Allard included Fred Asch Jr., Lorene Altemus, Clarence Tasadine, and Randy Lenz, according to Colin Warnes of the Allard Registry.

While in the care of Mr. Lenz, the car was given a restoration, sometime around 1991. At the time of the car's restoration, the original Ford three-speed transmission was replaced with a four-speed Muncie unit. The Chrysler engine is in its original configuration, including the two-barrel Carter carburetor. The color was changed to deep blue, and a matching leather interior was installed.

This Allard has Jaguar XK 120 bumpers in both the front and the rear. Jaguar E-Type splined rear hubs have also been installed.

This Allard has a matching blue top and side curtains. It has a rare side-mount spare, and the original transmission is still with the car.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2016