Beschreibung:

Sydney Allard was a stouthearted racing driver and car constructor. In the 1930s, he built a dozen specials for British trails competitions, Ford-based machines sometimes with Lincoln engines and many with a split-axle independent front suspension developed by Leslie Ballamy. During World War II, his London garage, which went by the confusing name Adlards, Ltd., rebuilt Ford vehicles for the forces. In 1946, he had plenty of engines and parts on hand, but no government contracts. In 1946, he announced the Allard K1, a two-seater on a box-section frame, transverse leaf springing and Ballamy’s ifs front axle, and either Ford or Mercury flathead V8 power. Light and powerful, it had excellent acceleration. A longer wheelbase version, called the L1, had a longer wheelbase and seats for four In 1947, Allard introduced the J1, a shortened K1 intended for trials and sprints, and a four-seater, the M1. From 1949, M1s had coil spring ifs and hydraulic brakes. The most memorable Allard is the J2, up-rated from the J1 with a DeDion rear axle on coil springs and radius arms. A works J2 finished third at LeMans in 1950. Most of the 90 built went to the U.S., with Ford and Cadillac engines fitted on arrival. A new chassis characterized the J2X of 1952. Now of stiffened tubular construction, it retained the DeDion axle. The K3 was a sporting roadster on a J2X-type chassis. Just 62 were made from 1952 to 1954. In the primary market, the United States, the K3 was expensive. At $5,300 it was nearly $1,300 more than a Jaguar XK-120 and sales were sluggish. Chassis 3166, the second K3 scheduled, left the works on 23 February 1953. It was shipped to the United States configured for Chrysler power, but without an engine. Purchased by Frank Pohanka, Jr., son of a Washington, D.C., Oldsmobile dealer, it was instead fitted with a high-performance Oldsmobile Rocket V8. Pohanka was also an avid racer who competed in Sports Car Club of America races in the 1950s, but whether he did so in this Allard is not recorded. Still Olds-powered, the car has three two-barrel carburetors on an Offenhauser manifold, a three-speed manual transmission, five silver-painted wire wheels and a three-point bolt-in roll bar. It is fitted with a split windshield, full top, roll-up windows, banjo steering wheel, dual fuel tanks and a rear bumper. Painted white with a red interior, it has been the subject of a high-quality restoration and maintained to the highest standards. The engine is freshly rebuilt, and the car is in fine condition. Unusually, it car has an “A” motif grille, reminiscent of the later Palm Beach models. Most K3s have a simple three-bar grille within the oval opening. It makes an ideal ride for road events, particularly those like the Colorado Grand where weather is a consideration. Equipped with a heater, it is very roomy and a comfortable car for long distance events. Professionally and comprehensively prepared for long-distance touring by a previous owner, it is a spirited performer equally at home on the highway or on the race track. The odometer currently reads 12,567 miles. Presently on a clear and assignable Michigan title, the car is ready for immediate use.