1952 Allard

This 1952 Allard J2X is one of approximately 80 examples produced and is said to have been imported to the US when new via Denver Imported Motors in Colorado in February 1952. Chassis 3039 was reportedly raced in period by Elgin Holmes and was purchased by its late owner around 20 years ago before receiving a refurbishment. Finished in blue over red leather upholstery, the car is powered by a 331ci Cadillac V8 that breathes through triple Stromberg carburetors and is mated to a three-speed manual transmission. Additional features include finned alloy drum brakes, a De Dion rear axle, a front swing axle with forward-facing radius rods, red-painted 16” wire wheels, a dual side-exit exhaust system, and a machine-turned dash. This J2X is now offered on dealer consignment with a clean Ohio title in the name of the late owner’s wife. The J2 model was introduced around 1950 as a lightweight sports racer targeting the US market and was succeeded in late 1951 by the J2X, which featured revisions to the front suspension design and engine placement. The J2X’s steel ladder frame was 6” longer than that of its predecessor while sharing its 100” wheelbase. The J2X model’s aluminum bodywork shared the J2’s styling, but with its nose extended forward of the wheels and a single chin vent instead of two. This example is finished in blue and features a hood scoop, leather hood retention straps, dual windscreens, and a Monza-style fuel filler cap. A red tonneau cover is included in the sale. Red-painted wire wheels are secured by two-eared knock-offs and are wrapped in Dunlop Racing CR 48 tires measuring 6.50L-16. A matching spare is mounted at the right side of the cowl. The hydraulic brake system utilizes finned alloy drums with inboard rear units. The cockpit houses two seats upholstered in red leather with black Simpson latch-and-link lap belts in place for both occupants. Features include red door coaming, exposed aluminum in the footwells, and a central cowl-mounted mirror. The banjo-spoke steering wheel is situated at the left-hand side of the machine-turned dash panel, which hosts Smiths instrumentation including a 6k-rpm tachometer, a 150-mph speedometer with an inset clock, and ancillary gauges. The five-digit odometer shows approximately 200 miles and reportedly reflects the distance covered since the refurbishment. The 331ci Cadillac OHV V8 is said to have been rebuilt by a race-engine specialist during the refurbishment and breathes through an Edelbrock intake manifold and triple Stromberg carburetors topped by intake trumpets. Additional equipment includes magneto ignition, three-into-one exhaust headers, and a Holley fuel pump. A fuel cell is said to have been added. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual gearbox. Suspension incorporates a front swing axle and a De Dion rear end with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers at each corner. The J2X model featured radius rods attached ahead of the engine, allowing the powerplant’s positioning to be shifted forward compared to that of the J2.