Vehicle Description
Of all the cars that would wear the famous red Allard badge, the
J2X is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of this storied marque.
The J2 series was born in the late 1940s when sports car racing on
open-road circuits in America was growing increasingly popular, but
there was a noticeable lack of cars available to American buyers.
The sports car revolution was just beginning to take hold, and
Sydney Allard developed the J2 of 1949 specifically with the needs
of American racing drivers in mind. The J2 featured svelte,
minimalist bodywork and a robust chassis built to accommodate a
variety of cheap and reliable American V8 engines. The J2X of
1951-1954 followed up on the J2's tremendous success, with an
outwardly similar appearance and a few subtle improvements to the
chassis. Most notable, the engine was moved forward slightly to
give more room in the foot wells which also improved the handling
balance. A number of engines could be fitted, but it was the
combination of the Allard chassis and Cadillac's new overhead valve
331 cubic inch V8 that became the stuff of legend - dominating the
heady days of early post-war sports car racing at storied tracks
from Watkins Glen to Elkhart Lake to Le Mans. Just 71 examples of
the J2Xwere ever built but its place is firmly cemented in the
annals of motorsport history. We are thrilled to offer this truly
outstanding 1952 Allard J2X, chassis number J2X3042. Fully restored
and prepped for rally duty, this is a proven and reliable example
that benefits from a comprehensive, nut and bolt restoration
performed by a highly respected specialist. The earliest history of
car #3042 begins at the end of February 1952 when, according to
marque experts, it was delivered (less engine) along with its
sister car (#3043) to Noel Kirk Motors, the famous Los Angeles
Allard dealer. According to the Allard Register there is a gap in
the paper records for our subject car, but the build sheet for
#3043 indicates preparation for a Cadillac engine, and experts
believe that since both cars were shipped at the same time they
would have been prepared in the same spec, which was typical
practice for Allard. The first owner's name is unknown, but it was
owned by the late Evan Enninger of Downey, California beginning
sometime in the 1960s. Mr. Enninger, a former B52 pilot, bought the
J2X from his neighbor (allegedly for $35!) but apparently never
drove it even once, instead keeping it tucked in his garage for the
next 20-plus years. In the 1980s Enninger sold it to a Ferrari
dealer in California for $25,000. Photos show the car in complete
condition, with its Cadillac engine still in place. It was finished
in red livery as original, with wide wheels and aftermarket side
pipes. After a light refurbishment the J2X was eventually sold in
the early 1990s to two partners from Phoenix, AZ; Dr. Bob Dunne, a
neurosurgeon, and Snuff Garrett, a music producer. After buying out
his partner, Dr. Dunne entrusted the Allard to the highly respected
Jaguar restorer and collector Terry Larson of Arizona for
restoration work. It competed in the Copperstate 1000 in 1991, and
Dr. Dunne sold it shortly thereafter. In 1997, Andrew Simpson of
Texas would purchase J2X3042, eventually handing it over to the
renowned Allard specialist John Harden of The Vintage Connection in
Oklahoma City. Mr. Simpson was an avid vintage racing enthusiast
and he charged Harden's shop with restoring the Allard true to
original specification, while making it a fast and dependable car
for touring or track. The restoration of J2X3042 would span 2 �
years and nearly 2600 hours. The documented process shows the level
of consideration given to every facet of the project. After being
completely stripped down, each nut and bolt was scrutinized and the
car was returned to a very correct state, with subtle improvements
made to known J2X weak points that ensure safe and reliable use.
The body was repaired as necessary, with special attention paid to
the rear section which had been widened early in its life to
accommodate fat rear tires. Using Harden's proprietary jigs built
from another J2X, the body was restored to factory original shape.
In the time since the restoration was completed, the Allard remains
in outstanding condition, with silver finish on the chassis and
suspension components and a brilliant red livery with black leather
seats. The restoration included a complete rebuild of the Cadillac
331 V8 with mild upgrades for power and reliability. The engine
features Stromberg 97 carburetors on an Edelbrock intake, Stellite
valve seats, adjustable pushrods, Vertex magneto and a lightweight
alloy flywheel. It is backed by a Richmond T-10 4-speed gearbox,
sending power to the rebuilt original rear axle with limited slip
diff. A forward-braced bolt-in roll bar is included that can be
fitted for race duty or easily removed for show and street. Shortly
after the $285,000 restoration was finished in 2005, Mr. Simpson
parted with the J2X, when it passed to the hands of its current
owners. While in their stewardship, J2X3042 has been driven and
enjoyed to the fullest. It has taken part in no fewer than ten
Colorado Grands and successfully completed every one without a
mechanical failure. The car is very well-known among Grand
participants and it was depicted on the poster and route book cover
of the 2010 event. It has been maintained in top mechanical and
cosmetic condition and presents beautifully, showing few signs of
the regular enjoyment it sees on the road and in rallies. The red
paintwork has been protected with clear film in key areas and
remains in excellent order. Bodywork is straight and tidy, detailed
with a bonnet strap, correct Allard windscreens, and the J2X's
signature dual sidemount spares. The black leather displays an
inviting care-worn patina from use, with the high side-bolsters
exhibiting some creasing and fading that adds a welcome character
to the interior, revealing this as a car that's meant to be driven.
The lightweight body and sublime chassis combine with the
heavy-hitting Cadillac OHV V8 engine to make driving this Allard a
truly thrilling experience. Despite the impressive power-to-weight
ratio, the car remains very well balanced and enjoyable without
ever feeling like it wants to bite. It is a very finely sorted car
that is ideally suited for countless events worldwide. With the
added benefit of its bolt-in roll bar and integrated fire system,
it is suitable for vintage track events as well, and would
certainly make a welcome addition to the VSCCA ranks. Just 61
examples of this iconic Anglo-American racer are known to exist and
are highly prized by their owners, making this a truly rare
opportunity. This fabulous Allard J2X is a beautiful and iconic
racing machine, and is one of most proven and best-sorted examples
known.
