1952 Allard J2X Roadster

This 1952 Allard J2X is equipped with a 331 cubic-inch, overhead-valve Cadillac V8 engine breathing through three Stromberg 97 carburetors and delivering 255 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual gearbox, Alfin drum brakes, and a Bellamy Split I-beam front suspension with coil springs. The rear uses a DeDion setup with coil springs.

This J2X was sent to Los Angeles Allard dealer, Noel Kirk Motors, in February of 1952. By the 1960s, it was in the care of Evan Enninger of Downey, California who purchased it from his neighbor, allegedly for $35, and kept it in static storage for the next two decades. Andrew Simpson of Texas purchased the Allard in 1997 and eventually commissioned Allard specialist John Harden of The Vintage Connection, Inc. in Oklahoma City to restore it to its original specification. The work took 2 1/2 years and nearly 2,600 hours to complete. The rear section was widened to accommodate larger rear tires, and the Cadillac 331 V8 engine was rebuilt with upgrades for power and reliability.

The restoration cost $285,000 and shortly before the work was completed in 2005, Mr. Simpson sold J2X to its next owner, who campaigned it in 10 Colorado Grand tours and completed every one without a mechanical failure. It was later sold to its current owner who brought it to the Gooding & Company Pebble Beach auction where it was sold into new ownership for the sum of $201,600.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2021