Vehicle Description
Of the many automobiles designed and produced by innovative British
Ford dealer, constructor and racer Sydney Allard, the elemental,
cycle-fender J2 and J2X continue to vividly embody the adventure
and romance of early postwar racing like no other automobiles.
Carrying on Allard's proven, race-winning formula the J2 combined a
lightweight chassis and simple bodywork with powerful
large-displacement engines. Produced for 1950-51, the J2 featured a
simple and lightweight box-section chassis with Allard's signature
split axle up front and a deDion rear suspension, plus advanced,
large-diameter Lockheeed 'Al-Fin' hydraulic brakes. Offered with a
choice of factory-installed or customer-sourced American V-8
engines, including Ardun OHV Ford and Mercury conversions, plus the
powerful new Cadillac and Chrysler overhead-valve V-8s, the J2 was
usually equipped with a 3-speed manual transmission for power
delivery; however, the General Motors Hydra-Matic automatic
transmission found its way into a handful of Cadillac-powered
Allards. Immediately, the Allard J2 was the scourge of British,
European, and American motorsports, taking a sterling class win and
third overall at the 1950 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with
Allard co-driving with New Yorker Tom Cole. The J2's success in
America was particularly strong, including wins at Bridgehampton,
Pebble Beach, Watkins Glen, and many other venues during the
early-1950s "Golden Age" of American sports-car racing.
Soon-to-be-famous American J2 pilots included Phil Hill, Carroll
Shelby, and John Fitch. According to data maintained by the Allard
Register, 94 examples of the J2 were constructed from 1949 to 1952,
with the carefully re-engineered J2X succeeding it. Among the
welcome revisions ushered in by the J2X were a 6-inch frame
extension, while wheelbase remained unchanged at 100 inches.
Engines were moved forward by 7.5 inches for improved cockpit space
with the added benefit of improved handling characteristics. As
before with the J2, a wide array of engines was available; however,
Cadillac and Chrysler V-8s were most commonly used. In addition to
71 cycle-fender J2X models, 14 envelope-bodied J2X Le Mans cars
were produced, according to figures published by the Allard
Register. The late-production J2X offered here, numbered J2X 3209,
carries exceptionally well known and documented history from new.
According to Allard Register records, Chassis 3209 is one of just
nine Allard automobiles exported new to Canada in all, and the sole
J2X exported there. Originally painted Beige with Red upholstery
and Crimson wire wheels, 3209 was exported on May 15, 1953 to
Canada via rallyist and importer Alec Budd of Budd & Dyer in
Montreal, Quebec. Quebec resident David Gurd was the Allard's
original owner, through whom it passed to restaurateur Richard
Mauron of Toronto, Ontario, who raced MGs during the early 1950s.
Among Mauron's outings with 3209, he raced the Allard at the 1955
Canadian National Exhibition, damaging the right front and
thereafter selling the J2X in favor of a 300SL Gullwing. The
Allard's next owner was Downsview, Ontario resident Fred J. Hayes,
who had the car repainted Red in 1955, then Black in 1956. Mr.
Hayes advertised the car for sale in the January 1956 issue of Road
& Track magazine: "ALLARD J2X. One of the last produced, mileage
under 5000, condition original and immaculate, modified Cadillac
engine, Jaguar gearbox, wire wheels, side mount spare." However,
the car went unsold and Mr. Hayes retained and raced it until 1957.
According to a period photograph published by the Allard Register,
Fred Hayes set fastest time with 3209 at the 1956 Rattlesnake Point
hill climb. Other period sightings of 3209 under Mr. Hayes'
ownership included an outing to Harewood Acres in Jarvis, Ontario -
the ex-RCAF training base - and other racing venues prior to the
establishment of the Mosport circuit (now Canadian Tire Motorsport
Park) near Toronto during the 1960s. The next owner of 3209 was
Dave R. Pidgeon, resident in Oakville, Ontario and a nephew of
movie actor Walter Pidgeon, who worked in Toronto at the time and
reportedly used the Allard as his daily driver on sunny days.
Photographed for the October 1959 cover of Canada Track & Traffic
magazine, 3209 was offered for sale by Mr. Pidgeon in the
magazine's July 1961 issue, described as a "CADILLAC-ALLARD J2X -
Superb track and road car. Particularly suited to hill climbs, as
featured on CT&T cover, October 1959. Maintained in top
condition. Engine set up by Detroit Racing Equipment with 4
2-throat carburetors, solid valve lifters. Corvette 4-speed
transmission. Finished in bright blue, red leather. Not suitable
for beginners or those with a "heavy foot." In January 1962, Mr.
Pidgeon sold the Allard for a reported $2,000 to Ontario resident
Al Sands, who retained it for more than the next 50 years,
eventually selling the car to a fellow Ontario, Canada-based Allard
enthusiast. In tribute to Mr. Sands, the new owner drove the J2X in
the 2018 Hockley Hill Climb, held in Southern Ontario's beautiful
Hockley Valley, with the former owner's ashes fittingly along for
the ride. Sorted and maintained by the most recent owner in
readiness for driving enjoyment as originally intended, the J2X
remains otherwise unaltered and as previously owned by Mr. Sands.
As offered, the J2X features a 331 cubic-inch Cadillac OHV V-8
engine, equipped with twin Holley 4-barrel carburetors and finned
alloy rocker covers, paired with a Jaguar 4-speed manual gearbox.
While older, the Allard's Metallic Blue paint finish remains nice
and shiny, indicative of proper care and maintenance. Accents
include painted wire-spoke wheels and the wonderfully patinated,
red leather-trimmed seats. Nicely detailed and presented, this
rare, lovely, and honest Allard J2X carries outstanding history and
marks an important evolutionary step in classic postwar sports cars
with its British chassis and potent American V-8 power, clearly
foreshadowing such other sporting legends as Carroll Shelby's
AC-based Cobras of the 1960s. Now offered ready to enjoy on your
favorite stretch of open road or on today's most desirable
long-distance classic rallies, including the famous Colorado Grand,
this wonderful 1954 Allard J2X is ready to amaze all onlookers with
its purposeful presence and mighty performance. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7567-1954-allard-j2x/
