1953 Allard J2X Roadster

It is believed that this J2X Le Mans was the first example to be exported to the United States. It was first owned by an Air Force captain stationed in Nebraska. It was finished in blue with a red interior and was powered by a Chrysler 331 cubic-inch Hemi engine. Additionally, it had a 40-gallon petrol tank, oil cooler, full windscreen, wipers, soft top with side curtains, and Alfin drum brakes.

Bob Peterson of Piedmont, California acquired it around 1953. It was campaigned by drivers Carl and Fred Block in SCCA competition. At the 1954 race at Golden Gate Park, Carl Block hit a row of hay bales, damaging the Allard's front bodywork. The newly sculpted and restyled aluminum front end (which it wears today) may have been done by customizer Jack Hagemann. This was also when it received its red exterior paintwork.

In 1958, Bob Peterson sold the car to John Tilton for $2,500. In the mid-1970s, the Tilton children retrieved the J2X Le Mans from long-term storage and convinced their father to have it restored. The restoration work was handed by Vic Russum of Racing Dynamics West in Los Angeles, with paint and bodywork by Eddie Paul.

After the restoration work was completed, the car raced at the 1977 and 1978 Monterey Historic Automobile Races at Laguna Seca and was invited to the 1977 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2019