Vehicle Description
Allard built just 119 K2 sports tourers from 1950 to 1952 and have
always been admired for their impressive performance potential on
both road and track and for their distinctive styling and
exclusivity. This K2, chassis number 91K 3019, is very special. As
Allard documentation on file confirms, it was built expressly for
exhibition at the 1952 New York auto show and it was specified with
features typically found on the competition-oriented J2X, including
a de Dion rear suspension, Alfin finned drum brakes and wire
wheels. The front fenders had cutouts to accommodate two spare
wheels - ideal for long tours or weekends at the track. No engine
was fitted from the factory, as was typical for new Allards, but
provisions were made to accommodate a Cadillac V-8. The resulting
car was effectively a J2X that rode on the K2's 106-inch wheelbase
(rather than the 100-inch wheelbase of the J2X) and wore the K2's
attractive bodywork. Delivered new to Allard agent R.P. Imported
Motor Co. of New York, New York on 6 March 1952, it was prepared in
time for its stint in the auto show spotlight later that month. The
following year it was sold to its first owner of record, a J. Dany
of New York. He would retain the car until 1960, notably replacing
its Cadillac engine with a more powerful 392-cubic-inch Chrysler
Hemi V-8 in 1957. After six-years of ownership by a Missouri
resident, the Allard was acquired by J. Kimneint of Freemantle,
Australia in 1966. There it would remain until 1989, when it was
acquired by Californian Kerry Horan, with the car complete and
showing just 19,000 miles, but requiring a total restoration. A
concours-level restoration (documented with photos on file) was
performed by UK specialists in 1993, including Ron Jenkins of
RaceSport International. The body was restored by respected UK
coachbuilder Rod Jolley, who also fabricated the special removable
caps for the spare-tire wells. All the original alloy body panels
were retained except for the rear deck lid and a new steel floor
was fabricated to replace the corroded original piece. Kevin
O'Rourke, the well-known UK Ferrari restorer of Moto Technique Ltd.
applied the new exterior finish. The output of the rebuilt Chrysler
Hemi V-8 and the rigors of highly competitive FIA-legal vintage
racing necessitated numerous prudent modifications and upgrades.
Since the original Allard suspension uprights were vulnerable to
cracking under heavy use, new uprights were fabricated from billet
material for superior strength. New axle shafts from Spicer were
fabricated and installed, along with modified and machined Jaguar
rear-axle hubs and much larger Buick drum brakes were added for
improved stopping power. Halibrand wheels complete the car's
purposeful, period-correct look. Once completed, the K2 was granted
FIA Historic Vehicle Identity papers (number 94/1571) on 26 July
1994 and it has been a popular fixture in historic racing
thereafter. Numerous victories were achieved in the USA, Europe and
the UK and in testament to its high-quality restoration, the K2 has
also proven very successful on the show field, garnering the VSCC
Concours d'Etat Trophy, Best Race Car at Lime Rock and Best Vintage
Sports Car at Mid-Ohio. Subsequently, it acquired a new owner in
2012. The car has continued to enjoy exercise on the track -
including at the 2014 Monterey Motorsports Reunion - and its
well-maintained older restoration wears the hard-earned patina of
competition use. Importantly, it benefitted from an engine rebuild
in 2014, with its Chrysler Hemi V-8 bored out to 396 cubic inches.
Topped with dual four-barrel Holley carburetors, a dynamometer test
sheet on file indicates output in excess of 500 horsepower, hinting
at the vintage racing potential of this special K2. Documented with
Allard order and build paperwork, a restoration summary, FIA
historic vehicle identity papers, service invoices and accompanied
by a spare set of four Halibrand wheels, this competition-prepared
K2 is highly eligible for a wide range of racing events worldwide.
Its unique original specification and auto show provenance sets it
apart from its peers - and its potent Chrysler Hemi V-8 promises to
put it well ahead of them as well. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7581-1952-allard-k2-special-roadster/
