The Allard Motor Company Limited was a small English manufacturer founded by Sydney Allard in 1945. This London based company produced about 1900 cars before 1958. After the war, Allard saw the potential in the U.S. sports car market and developed a competition model, the J2. Ninety J2s were produced between 1950 and 1952. Allard introduced the J2X in late 1951. It was produced until 1954, during which time 83 were made. In an attempt to improve handling, the J2X redesigned the front suspension arrangement that allowed its engine to be positioned about 18 centimeters (7.1 in) further forward than the J2 engine had been. This did a few things besides improving the weight distribution: it gave the driver more leg room and also facilitated easy identification between the two models J2 and J2X (“X” for extended). The longer nose sticks out beyond the front wheels (unlike the J2 where the nose stops even with the front of the tires) and this is the easiest way to differentiate between the two. The J2X also had side access panels for the engine and most models came with a standardized wide flat hood scoop. Also offered as an option was a differential with quick change ratios, and a larger fuel tank.
Allard offered a wide selection of engine options and the cars were shipped to the U.S. without engines but were set up to receive the engine selected by the Buyer. Most Allards were fitted with Cadillac engines. The subject car was prepared for a Cadillac OHV V8.
The known history of this car is as follows:
1951 Chassis, running gear and body manufactured and assembled at Allard Motor Car Company, Clapham Road, London, England.
1952 Rolling chassis delivered to NYC importer Richard Sneddon and Cadillac V8 and Ford transmission installed and car delivered to 1st owner Richard Sceli in Hartford, CT (picture enclosed of car at Sceli’s home in June of 1952).
1954 Purchased by Adelborough brothers in Poughkeepsie, NY and modified for racing.
1955 – 1956 Raced by Adelborough Brothers, usually with J.L King driving at many races during this period including the following:
1957 Sold to unknown buyer.
1969 Surfaced in Titusville, NJ. Purchased by British Car enthusiast Dick Phillips.
1998 Purchased by Daniel Rapley from Granby, CT.
1999 Purchased by David Watson, Lititz, PA.
2000 & 2001 – Comprehensive restoration by Vintage Metalcraft in Birdsboro, PA. Restored for vintage racing.
August 2001, wins Lazarus Award at Pittsburgh Grand Prix along with many other awards.
2005 & 2007 Participated in The Rose Hill and Hershey Hill Climbs, along with many other hill climb events. The original log book for these events are still with the car.
2013 Sold to the current owner.
The car has been upgraded and has been modified to qualify for vintage racing events. The car will qualify for hill climbs, vintage races and events such as the Colorado Grand and the Copperstate 1000. (The car can be raced using its roll bar and racing wheels.)
The car comes with a roll bar and 4 Hildebrant racing wheels and tires along with a new wire wheel and tire to match the 4 existing ones on the car. The chrome wire wheels were custom built in the United Kingdom and the front hubs were converted to accept disc brakes.
In 2016, an extensive and comprehensive re-restoration was performed. Modifications made to adapt the car for vintage racing during the 1998 restoration were retained. Great care was taken to preserve the remaining original components of this very special car. Upgrades were performed with respect to the flavor and personality of this vintage sports/racecar.
The J2X was completely disassembled. The original frame and front suspension was closely inspected, repaired and restored as required. The De Dion original rear axle was rebuilt with all new bearings and seals. The braking system was also rebuilt. The original Marles steering box was rebuilt with all new bearings and seals. The rebuilt chassis was then refinished with PPG base and clear coat.
A thorough engine rebuild of the 390-cubic inch Cadillac was performed. The engine received precision machine work as needed. All reciprocating parts were precision balanced. A careful and detailed assembly was completed by a highly-experienced engine builder with close attention to all engine assembly specifications.
An upgrade was performed to improve driver pleasure and increase usability of the J2X. A new Tremec five-speed transmission was installed. The Tremec overdrive fifth gear makes a considerable lowering of engine RPM therefore reducing engine strain and noise for comfortable cruising at highway speeds.
A plush leather interior retains its original style and design. Increased leg room of the J2X allows driver comfort rather than the cramped cockpit of the J2. This car has been reconditioned and refined for maximum performance, reliability and comfort and is enhanced with a larger radiator and auxiliary electric fan. Meticulous attention to detail was made to enhance this gorgeous Allard. The machine turned aluminum dash only adds to its beauty.
Better than new, the fit, finish and function honors this sports car masterpiece.
**FOR VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE - vintagemotorcarsusa.com**
