1953 Allard K3 Roadster

Like many of America's pioneering hot rodders of the 1930s, Englishman Sydney Allard created performance machines using low-cost Ford hardware. The company continued to produce cars through 1960, but only by special order. In all, Allard produced 15 different models and a total of 1,901 cars during his years of operation.

The K3 was introduced in 1952 as a more civilized version of its track brethren, the J2 and J2X. A bench seat accommodates three passengers and twin fuel tanks located in the rear fenders allowed more room for luggage. This car was ordered through the Allard Motor Company of New York City on October 24, 1952, and delivered to Leonard D. Henry of the same city on March 18, 1953. There were 62 examples produced, of which 57 were sent to North America and only six were fitted with the 331 cubic-inch, 325-horsepower Chrysler Hemi topped with two four-barrel carburetors.

The K3 Allard was an attempt to make the J2-X a more civilized vehicle. It was introduced at the 1952 London Motor Show and used a twin-tube steel chassis with a semi-independent swing axle front end and a DeDion rear axle with inboard-mounted drum brakes. The body was clothed in alloy and there was a single bench seat that could accommodate three adults. There were twin fuel tanks in the rear fenders to allow more luggage room in the trunk, wind-up glass windows, and a cloth-covered convertible top.

Of the 62 Allard K3s produced, 57 examples were sent across the Atlantic. Most were sent without the engines to American dealers who would then install a V8 engine of the purchaser's choice. Most owners selected the Cadillac engine along with period speed equipment to further enhance the drivability.

This Allard K3 was sent to Sports Car Inc., on March 14th, 1953. It had a black top and side curtains. In the mid-1990s, it was given a body-off restoration by RM Restorations. It remains in excellent condition in modern times.

The car is powered by a 331 cubic-inch Chrysler Hemi V8 engine with dual four-barrel carburetors. There is a Stayfast canvas top, side curtains, and painted knock-off wire wheels with a spare wheel and tire. Fifty-seven of the 62 examples produced were sent to North America and were installed with the owner's choice of engines. Six were given Chrysler Firepower Hemi engines while the others were given Cadillac power.

In 2009, this Allard K3 Roadster was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was expected to sell for $150,000 - $200,000. As bidding came to a close the lot had been sold for the sum of $110,000 including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2019