1950 Allard K2

Sidney Herbert Allard built a reputation in England as a prominent builder of competitive racers. The Allard Motor Company was founded in 1946, though Sidney had been building and modifying vehicles since the mid-1930s. The post-war automobiles were mostly powered by Ford flathead V8s and often fitted with Sidney's own intake manifolds and cylinder heads. His J2X Sports Racers utilized the Cadillac and Chrysler OHV V8s, continuing the tradition of American power in a British alloy body.

For an all-too-brief period in the late 1940s and early 1950s, the name of Allard was one of the most revered of all motor manufacturers. The company's road cars were some of the most popular among wealthy enthusiasts, especially in the United States. The racing versions were more than competitive on the track, and the company's founder, Sidney Allard, was one of Britain's leading competitive drivers, winning the British Hillclimb Championship in 1949 and the Monte Carlo Rally in 1952.

The Allard K1 was built from 1946 to 1948 with 151 examples built. Allard models during this time included the two-seater J1 competition car and the L-Type 4-seater touring. The K1 was a touring two-seater that was offered with the same engine options as the J1. It used a 106-inch wheelbase with its frame comprised of stamped steel channel sections by Thomsons of Wolverton. The Allard K2 arrived in 1950 and was built through 1952 with 119 examples constructed. They were offered with Mercury and Ford V8 engines in the home market and with Cadillac and Chrysler V8 engines in the United States.

The design of the Allard K2 was a modern car with European design influences, seating for two, aluminum bodywork, a small trunk area, and a monstrous American V8 engine. They were dual-purpose vehicles that were equally suited to the road or the track. The pentagonal grille and trio of porthole vents for the engine compartment would become synonymous with Allard's design, making their debut on the K2.

The Allard K3 was introduced in 1952 and 62 examples were built by the time production ended, with 57 being sent to the United States. They were a more civilized variant of the J2 and J2X track models, intended for touring use, and replaced the previous pontoon-fendered coachwork with a new full-envelope body. Most K3s were shipped to American dealers, who would then install a V-8 engine of the purchaser's choice, with many updated with aftermarket speed parts. Production of the K3 continued through October 1954.