Vehicle Description
-Black with Green leather interior, Black carpeting,
1956-specification 354 cubic-inch Hemi V8 rated at 340 horsepower
and the highest-output Hemi for that year, breathing through a pair
of Carter four-barrel carbs, 3-speed Ford/Lincoln gearbox and
correct-type De Dion axle, Restored throughout.
Sydney Allard's brawny J2 was one of the first and foremost British
sports cars of the post-war era, targeted at the rapidly expanding
American sports car market. The open-road-racing scene exploded in
the USA in the late 1940s, and the Allard J2 quickly rose to
prominence as a dominant competitor, particularly when paired with
new overhead-valve V8 engines from Cadillac and Chrysler.
While the J2 was undoubtedly fast, it also had a reputation for
wild handling. There were often raced by drivers of the highest
caliber, such as John Fitch, Carroll Shelby, Phil Hill and several
others who had the skill to tame such a motorized beast.
In 1952, Allard introduced an improved version of the J2, the J2X.
Outwardly similar in appearance, the J2X had a few significant
alterations to enhance stability and driver comfort. Allard moved
the engine forward in the chassis by 7.5 inches, which actually
improved the handling balance. The front suspension and steering
required significant modifications to clear the engine,
necessitating a six-inch extension of the forward frame, resulting
in the distinctive bulges in the front bodywork. The De Dion rear
axle remained the same as before with the proven Jaguar/Lockheed
drum brakes at all four corners. Drivetrain choice was up to the
buyer, most customers chose OHV V8 engines from Cadillac or
Chrysler to power their 2,300-pound J2X.
Despite being less successful in competition than the J2 it
replaced, the J2X is universally praised by automotive enthusiasts
as the most desirable all-round Allard sports car as well as one of
the best to come from Sydney Allard's South London workshops.
According to build records, this J2X is one of the earliest to
arrive Stateside, just before 1952. This car was completed by
Allard on November 2, 1951, and dispatched for Motor Sport, Inc. of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where it arrived about a month later.
Build records reveal it left the works finished in powder blue over
red leather and equipped with a black convertible top and red
wheels. The build order also specifies chassis modifications for a
Chrysler engine and drivetrain, the engine to be installed by Motor
Sport, Inc. upon the car's arrival in Pittsburgh. Although the
original owner's name is not listed, it came into the care of Mr.
R. Morello in 1973. Morello gradually restored the car over the
years he owned it, meticulously sourcing rare original parts along
the way. By approximately 1990 he had completed the restoration,
finishing it in a distinctive yellow livery. By about 2010, Mr.
Morello decided to refresh the restoration after a period of
storage, but sadly, he fell ill and was unable to complete the
project.
Subsequently, this J2X was sold onto its next home where the light
refurbishment and cosmetic freshening was completed. Soon after, it
found its most recent collector who restored and refreshed the car
to its current, magnificent concours winning condition as
documented by records and photos.
This J2X is an excellent candidate for concours and road events
alike, such as the Colorado Grand or Copperstate 1000. In
absolutely superb condition throughout, this J2X comes with a
second set of chrome wire wheels for concours use, as well as
its
original "Banjo" steering wheel, given its smaller diameter
Motorlita wood rimmed steering currently fitted.
This is an excellent opportunity to acquire an iconic, thrilling
1950's sports car and one of approximately 80 J2X Competition
roadsters produced by Allard between 1951 and 1954 and one of the
approximately 65 still known to exist.
Highly sought-after by collectors with a passion for driving, the
J2X is eligible for a wide array of historic driving and concours
events. Ready for immediate use this marvelous Allard is ready for
its next caretaker to join the exclusive ranks of J2X
ownership.
