Well ahead of Carroll Shelby and other car builders of the post-war era, Sydney Allard saw opportunity in squeezing American V-8 engines into light, British-built bodies. Usually utilizing a UK-exclusive Ford Pilot chassis fitted with an alloy body he designed himself, and typically powered by Ford, and later Cadillac or Chrysler V-8s (typically installed by the buyer after purchase), Allard found immediate success producing nearly ready-made racing sports cars. Track success also followed, including a 3rd overall placement at the 1950 24 Hours of Le Mans in a car he helped pilot.

While the Allard K-series of sport touring cars was more luxurious than its J-series sibling, it was equally hair-raising. Sharing a wheelbase with the J, the K2’s aluminum body was redesigned for a smoother, more Streamline Moderne appearance. Three porthole vents for the engine compartment and a pentagonal grille, both to become synonymous with Allard design, made their debut on the K2.

As documented in Gavin Allard’s pivotal book Allard: The Records and Beyond, Chassis 91K 1846 was ordered 13 November 1950 and arrived in the US aboard the SS American Clipper on 16 January 1951. Records show 1846 was finished in red with red leather upholstery and fitted with “Cadillac Mods.” A nameplate affixed to the car’s firewall indicates that after arriving in New York, chassis 1846, like many new Allards, was sent to Perry B. Fina’s speed shop Perry’s Auto Repairs on West 54th Street in Manhattan for installation of a high-performance V-8 engine.

Now presented in red over tan leather trim, chassis 1846 displays many desirable hallmarks of Allard sports cars including a side-exit exhaust, Bluemels Brooklands steering wheel, chrome wire wheels, and an all-important Cadillac V-8 engine.

Equally suitable for shows and vintage racing events, this Allard K2 is certain to stand out among its peers—while its potent Cadillac V-8 engine promises to put it well ahead of them, too.