1951 Allard K2  

Introduced in 1950, the K2 Roadster sported a revised radiator grille, usable boot, cut-away doors and Buick-esque portholes to each flank. Benefiting from the same improved Allard coil-sprung divided front axle damped via tubular shock absorbers as the J2 and P1 models, not to mention a more sophisticated Phase 2 Lockheed braking system, the newcomer was propelled by a choice of Ford 3.6 litre or Mercury 3.9 litre 'Flathead' V8 engines mated to three-speed manual transmission (although, most American examples were supplied without powertrains). Only in production until 1952, just 117 K2s are thought to have been made.

Chassis number 2149 was ordered new on 12th June, 1950. According to the Allard Owners Club record, which is available in the history file with the car, it was distributed by Bristol Street Motors of Birmingham. The build commenced on 6th June, 1951, and it was delivered on 2nd August, 1951, to its first owner, R.H. Bailey of Worcestershire. Mr Bailey ordered the K2 in Pacific Green with a Black all-weather soft-top hood and a Ford V8 under the bonnet. He also specified a Green interior and chose standard steel wheels along with a standard axle and a standard 3-speed manual gearbox. The car was exported to Australia for approximately thirty years but was re-imported to the UK in 2014. The current owner bought the car in 2015 and today the car presents in a very similar specification to how it left the Allard factory in 1951; albeit with some modifications and upgrades to make it more usable on today's roads and to suit the current owner’s taste for competition. Such upgrades include a four-speed Moss gearbox, which the vendor comments has transformed the driveability of the car, and a replacement but correct specification Ford V8 engine that had been fully overhauled by Daryl Allard 2,000 miles prior to installation. The car was then used for hill climb events including at Crystal Palace, Prescott and more. The vendor has decided it is now time to move the car on as it has become a little too much for him as of late.

Upon inspection, we were very pleased to see that the car is still presented in the original shade of Pacific Green, and the vendor has left it in a patinated condition that wears every part of its age with grace. The seller prefers originality as he believes much can be hidden by a poor quality restoration. The K2 still wears a set of standard wheel rims and these are in nice shape and have been fitted with a set of Blockley tyres. When the current owner acquired the car it had its original front and rear bumpers fitted. He decided to remove all of the bumper bright work, as he wasn't keen on the look, as he believes it cluttered the front end of the car. It also helped to save some weight for the various hill climb events he has competed in. Of course, should the new owner wish to reinstate the K2’s brightwork, they can do so as the parts will come with the car - but please note they are also in a patinated condition. Also present and intact is the Allard’s all-weather gear which includes a tonneau cover, a fitted hood and sidescreens. These accessories are essential for those long distance road trips and classic car tours, which this K2 is ideally suited for.

Upon inspection, the recently overhauled 3917cc Ford ‘flathead’ V8 engine fired quickly and settled to a pleasing idle with the famous V8 burble reminding you that this was a very powerful car in the period. The vendor has advised that the car has 21-stud heads and is fitted with twin Ford carburettors. These have been dressed with a pair of neat chrome air cleaners. We have been told that the mechanical maintenance has been regular since acquiring the car in 2016 and a number of invoices on file suggest that this is correct - the vendor has told us that he spent circa £25,000 in total on recent works. The Moss 'box conversion was completed by Just Historic and we have been told that this change has greatly improved the drivability of the K2, both on the open road and for hill climbs as well. Much of the works carried out on the K2 are documented in a series of invoices and handwritten notes. The K2’s radiator has been recorded and the fuel tank has been replaced and the electrical system, including the distributor has been repaired. Some of the invoices note that the K2 was upgraded to electronic ignition, but this appears to have caused running issues and it has now been returned to standard. The Allard also sports a custom stainless-steel exhaust which was fitted in July 2017 at a cost of £1,200.

Now ready for a new home, this rare K-Series Allard would make a great addition to any collection or as the perfect introduction to period competition work, especially as parts for the engine and gearbox are in plentiful supply.