1948 Allard K1 Roadster

The Allard Motor Company was founded by Sydney Allard in 1936 and specialized in building one-off specials that combined powerful American V8 engines and lightweight bodywork in a well-engineered package. The high power-to-weight made them successful at the racetrack, giving them notoriety leading to popularity and sales. When World War II came to a close, the Allard Company began producing purpose-built sportscars that could be sold at dealerships. Near the close of the 1940s, the Allard model lineup included the K, L, and M models.

The Allard K1

Introduced in 1946, the Allard K1 was the company's first postwar model and approximately 151 examples were built in total. These dual-purpose road and race cars continued to use the formula utilized in the pre-war era, with stout engineering combined with high horsepower and low weight.

This particular Allard K1 was built by the factory in early 1948 as a rally car. It was given an aluminum wing, cowl, and bulkhead, plus a special radiator and petrol tank. The 221 cubic-inch Ford flathead V8 engine received twin Downdraft Ford carburetors and produced an estimated 85 horsepower at 3,800 RPM. A three-speed manual gearbox, four-wheel drum brakes, and Girling shock absorbers were also specified, along with an independent front suspension and a live rear axle.

After leaving the factory, this K1 was delivered to Leonard Potter of the UK who campaigned the Allard over the course of the year, winning the Unlimited Cup in the Allen Trial, the Jeans Gold Cup, and placing 2nd Overall in the Alpine Rally. At the end of the 1948 season, the Allard was sold back to Allard Works and used as a sales demonstrator.

Potter raced the K1 (chassis 71K 595) again in 1949, competing in the Alpine Rally for the Allard Works team, winning five separate awards for various stages.

After its competition career ended, the car was sent to the United States and into the care of A.F.M. Luscombe. It later spent time in Harrah's Automobile Collection of Reno, Nevada. William Harrah eventually sold the car in 1971 to Allard racer Pete McManus.

In the mid-200s, the car was given a restoration by Hoffman Vintage Racing, which would earn multiple awards at concours events such as Greenwich, Radnor Hunt, and Lime Rock Park.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2023