Vehicle Description
1953 Allard K3 For Sale - Cadillac Power, 1 Owner For 50 Years,
Only 63 Ever Built LMC is very proud to offer for sale this 1953
Allard K3 Before Carroll Shelby decided to build the infamous
Cobra, Sydney Allard was stuffing eight- and twelve-cylinder
engines into British cars before Shelby even started racing.
Allard's frighteningly quick sports and racing cars proved to be
quite successful on tracks around the globe until well into the
1950s. In 1952, the K3 was introduced as Allard's attempt to offer
a more civilized variant of the J2 and J2X models seen at the
track. The chassis featured Allards new twin-tube side rail
construction that was both lighter and stiffer than the old formed
channel design. Additionally, the K3 features the DeDion rear
suspension and improved split axle geometry front suspension from
the J2X for improved handling all around. A single front bench seat
could accommodate three adults on its 56-inch width, and the use of
twin fuel tanks in the rear fenders allowed for more room for
luggage in the trunk. A cloth-covered folding convertible top and
roll up side windows provided protection from the elements, which
was a luxury considering that the J2 and J2X were not equipped as
such. Fifty-seven of the sixty-three examples produced were
destined for North America and most were installed with engines of
their owner's choice once they arrived stateside. Many were fitted
with Cadillac power, but several were equipped with engines from
other American manufacturers. This example offered here was
imported by Allard Motor Company in NYC (the factory took over
sales after parting ways with Perry Fina) on July 20th, 1953 and
sold to its first owner Harry Crogin. It was originally ordered in
White with matching wire wheels and a Black leather interior.The
build records indicate that the GM design division installed a 331
Cadillac v8 engine with 3-speed LaSalle manual transmission. In
1960, Mr. Crogin would then sell the car to the cars next caretaker
John S. Blaine who kept the car in highly original condition during
his 50 years of ownership until he finally let the car go in 2010.
The car was purchased by a collector in Miami, Florida who
commissioned a complete frame off restoration. The body was
stripped to bare aluminum uncovering a beautiful original body and
then painted in this stunning shade of Gray. The interior was
completely redone in beautiful Tan leather with a gray piping. The
Cadillac 331ci engine was rebuilt and the transmission was upgraded
with a Tremec 5-speed. Front disc brakes were also added to
increase stopping performance and make the car more drivable for
vintage tours and rally's. Once completed the car was shown at "The
Quail" and as well as Amelia Island Concours. The car comes
documented with restoration receipts, period photographs and
ownership history. This beautiful Allard K3 is a very
low-production British-American sportscar that would be an
interesting addition to any collection. Additional Details: 1953
ALLARD K3 -