For Sale: 1952 Allard J2 in Huntington Station, New York

--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.