Vehicle Description
Long before Carroll Shelby first conceived his Cobra and its
no-nonsense combination of American V-8 power with a lightweight
British body and chassis by AC, London Ford dealer Sydney Allard
pioneered the concept as the fastest path to racing victory. Crude
but ferocious prewar trials machines were succeeded by Allard's
postwar sports roadsters and saloons, designed from the outset for
easily tuned and powerful American V-8 engines, particularly Ford's
venerable "Flathead," plus Cadillac and Lincoln mills. The K1 was a
two-seater, pure sports model intended for road and track use with
a short wheelbase, limited storage capacity and rudimentary weather
protection. Underpinnings were simple but effective, comprising a
split axle up front - an early form of independent front
suspension, plus a live rear axle and transverse leaf springs front
and rear. If anyone doubted the effectiveness of those design
elements, they were conclusively silenced by Allard's stellar track
record, including the 1949 British Hill Climb Championship, a
third-place podium at Le Mans in 1950, and outright victory in the
1952 Monte Carlo Rally, among a long list of wins and podiums.
According to data published in the Allard Register and records
compiled by marque historian Tom Lush, 193 examples of the K1 were
produced between November 1946 and April 1950, including 32 bare
chassis. Sadly, Allard records are sparse, following a devastating
factory fire in 1966. Numbered 559, this captivating Allard K1
Roadster is understood to have been shipped during its early days
to Uruguay, a South American hotbed of racing activity following WW
II, giving rise to international superstars like Juan Manuel Fangio
and Froilan Gonzalez. Years later, it was rediscovered in Europe,
where the K1 was appropriately restored and participated in
numerous events and classic tours including the 1993 the Mille
Miglia, in which it ran as Number 155. As offered, the K1 looks
great in its black paint, with only some aging to the paint finish
at the cowl visible upon closer inspection. Chrome brightwork,
"Brooklands" racing windscreens, a central rear-view mirror, roll
bar, and Halibrand-style American Racing chrome wheels provide
great accents. Upholstered in very inviting red leather, the
cockpit of the K1 features a period-style 4-speoke steering wheel
with padded hub, a floor shifter, an engine-turned dash panel and
full period-style instrumentation. Full leather-clad door panels
feature useful map pockets with a lightning-bolt motif suggestive
of power and speed. A rear-mounted spare wheel/tire combination
occupies a recess within the rear deck for quick access while in
the heat of competition. Lurking beneath that long hood with its
oversize offset air scoop resides a proper 239 CI Ford "Flathead"
V-8 engine as fitted to most K1s. However, this one gets a healthy
power boost courtesy of a vintage belt-driven McCulloch centrifugal
supercharger fed by a Stromberg '97' 2-barrel carburetor. A 3-speed
manual transmission, period Ford "Banjo" differential and 4-wheel
drum brakes round out the Allard's proven and robust mechanical
package. Highly attractive throughout, this 1951 Allard K1 Roadster
is one of only some 57 examples cited by the Allard Register to
remain in existence today. It offers a great driving experience
evoking the 1950s "Golden Age" of sports cars and motor racing and
can readily be prepared for vintage circuit racing or rallying. A
thrilling find, it will provide a great entry into a multitude
classic touring events and an awesome drive along your favorite
stretch of open road! Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7051-1947-allard-k1-roadster/
