Vehicle Description
Sydney Allard developed his mighty J2 sports car specifically for
breaking into the burgeoning American sports racing car market.
Open road racing on public streets exploded in popularity the USA
in the late 1940s, as returning servicemen went seeking their next
thrill. Allard arrived on the scene at the ideal moment with the
lightweight J2 roadster ready to accept any number of mighty and
plentiful Yank V8 engines. The car quickly became a dominant force
in motorsport, especially when paired with Cadillac's superb new
OHV V8. While the J2 was undoubtedly fast, it also had a reputation
for wild handling, and it often took a caliber of a driver like
John Fitch, Carroll Shelby, or Phil Hill to tame it on the narrow,
undulating, and downright dangerous racecourses of the day.
Allard's reputation came from his successful, purpose-built trials
and hill climb cars. The J2 shared some of the basic design
principles of the more trials-oriented J1 but was considerably
lower, lighter, and more streamlined for road racing. Designed to
take advantage of heavy-hitting Detroit V8s, the robust chassis
featured a de Dion rear axle, large Alfin drum brakes, and a
revised version of Allard's signature split front axle, designed by
Les Bellamy. Allard shipped the cars less engine and transmission,
providing "kits" to prepare them for the customer's choice of V8.
Sydney Allard had a long-running relationship with Ford, and many
cars utilized tuned Ford and Lincoln flathead engines. But it was
Cadillac's revolutionary 331 cubic-inch overhead-valve V8 that
cemented the J2's reputation astherace car to have in the early
1950s. With 160 horsepower in stock form and plenty more on tap,
the Cad-Allards were regular winners in America and Europe. During
the formative years of the SCCA, Allard J2s battled with Jaguars,
Cunninghams, and Ferraris at the sharp end of the field. In that
brief period before the professional European teams made their way
to our shores, the J2 was the dominant force in sports car racing,
earning its rightful place as an icon of American motorsports.
Chassis number 99J 1787 was invoiced by the factory on the 29th of
August, 1950. Records and build sheets show it was initially
equipped for a Cadillac V8 engine and finished in silver over
natural leather upholstery. The order also specified provisions for
a Ford gearbox as well as a strengthened chassis. Once completed,
the rolling chassis was dispatched to Bell Auto Parts, the selling
dealer in California. In 1923, Bell Auto Parts was founded by
George Wright as one of the first speed shops in America. By the
1950s, Bell's new owner Roy Richter developed a highly successful
mail-order business and founded such legendary names as Bell
Helmets and Cragar Industries. Richter and his crew installed the
Cadillac V8 and prepared the Allard for competition. Chassis 1787
spent most of its early days racing extensively in various West
Coast events, with its owner James Chapman at the helm. Early in
this car's life, Mr. Chapman had the original split front axle
replaced with a solid axle to improve the car's handling on
undulating circuits. The split axle could cause sudden and dramatic
camber change on bumps or over crests, sometimes with eye-opening
results for the driver. The J2 continued to race through the 1950s,
and it is believed Mr. Chapman sold it sometime around 1956. In
1962, while in the care of its next owner, the original Cadillac
engine was replaced with a lighter and more compact Chevrolet 283
and four-speed gearbox lifted from a 1957 Corvette. The solid axle
configuration and the Chevrolet 283 remain with the car to this day
and are integral to its unique history. As offered today, 99J 1787
is in fine order throughout. It wears a very high quality and
well-maintained older restoration with excellent aluminum bodywork,
lovely paintwork, and comprehensive updates for vintage racing.
Body fittings consist of the correct oval air outlets, polished
stone guards on the rear wing, Monza fuel filler, and single
side-mount spare wheel. Twin Perspex aero screens help keep the
bugs out of your teeth while on the move, and a chrome Ray Dot
mirror lets you keep tabs on everyone you've just passed. Rolling
stock consists of excellent chrome knock-off wire wheels fitted
with new Vredestein Sprint Classic radials. The J2 was born and
bred as a racer, so the cabin is appropriately spartan. In this
car, red leather covers the seats and side bolsters, with bare
alloy floors and exposed chassis tubes. The leather upholstery
displays an attractive patina with some light fading consistent
with the car's use. Stewart Warner gauges are spread across the
businesslike instrument panel, with the speedo facing the brave
passenger and a large Moon Eyes tach just ahead of the driver.
There is also an on-board fire suppression system required for most
forms of vintage motorsport. The Chevrolet small-block V8 is clean
and orderly under the bonnet, detailed to appropriate levels for a
racing car. The engine features tubular headers, finned Corvette
valve covers, and an Offenhauser intake topped with a trio of
Rochester 2 Jet carburetors. Some modern style racing parts help
ensure longevity and safety when on track, without spoiling this
car's wonderfully authentic appearance. It runs well and delivers
the speed and visceral excitement that defines the Allard J2
legend. Extensive setup went into sorting the chassis for racing.
This includes a re-engineered DeDion axle that is updated with a
Jaguar E-Type differential, modern style open drive shaft in place
of the torque tube, and fully-adjustable Heim joints. The modified
solid front axle uses a transverse leaf spring, integrated steering
stabilizer, and more Heim joints for fine-tuning. This arrangement
virtually eliminates the problematic bump-steer and camber change
responsible for the standard J2's often spooky handling
characteristics. Alfin drum brakes and modern Carrera dampers at
all four corners round out the impressively well-developed setup.
Presented with a pleasingly mellowed restoration, and impressive
mechanical updates, this J2 is suitable for competitive vintage
racing or for entry into any number of rallies and spirited touring
events worldwide. With evocative good looks, fascinating history,
and thrilling performance, 99J 1787 is sure to entertain its next
keeper for many years to come. Offers welcome and trades considered
For additional details please view this listing directly on our
website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6702-1951-allard-j2-roadster/