Using a crashed Ford V8 coupe on to which he had grafted the body from a Grand Prix Bugatti, racing driver Sydney Allard constructed one of the most unlikely of all pre-war trials specials. Nevertheless, the Allard Special's lightweight construction and relatively powerful American V8 engine, although not the first such combination, demonstrated the formula's potential and provided the inspiration for future imitators, including Carroll Shelby who acknowledged Allard's influence on the Cobra.
According to the original Allard Motor Company build records and invoice found in this cars history file, K2 Roadster chassis number K1845 was completed at the Clapham based Allard works on April 14th, 1951, and equipped as it appears today in Left Hand Drive steering configuration, fitted with 5 wire wheels (one mounted as spares), and prepared for a Cadillac power plant. The new Allard had been ordered on August, 1th 1951; confirmed by a neat telegram (also on file) from the Allard Motor Co. Head Office to the purchaser R/P Imported Motor Car Co. Ltd, of New York, USA. was ordered to be painted Black, with the red upholstery and wire wheels.
When new, it was an original LHD example. At some point of time in its early life possibly when the car was new, the current Rocket 88 engine and automatic transmission were fitted. A close inspection of the car's engine mounts shows that this engine has been in the car for quite a long time. According to sources, there were only five K2s that were fitted with Oldsmobile engines.
Now with the new 4-speed manual transmission and Rocket 88 power plant which is very smooth, and gives an impressive amount of torque, gives this rare beauty an exhilarating ride. Eligible for many prestigious motoring events, this Allard K2 would make a wonderful addition to any car collection.
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