Sydney Allard’s K3 launched at the 1952 London Motor Show as a valiant attempt to civilize the J2-X range without losing its burly V-8 character. The K-3’s twin-tube steel chassis featured the familiar semi-independent swing axle front end and a proper DeDion rear axle with inboard-mounted drum brakes.

The full-width alloy coachwork was a vast improvement over the racier J2. The single bench seat—a full 56 inches wide—could accommodate three friendly adults, with a clever off-set gearshift lever located close to the driver, clearing floorspace for the middle passenger. Additional features designed to make the K3 more practical included locating its twin fuel tanks in the rear fenders to create more trunk space, wind-up glass windows, and a real cloth convertible top that folded out of sight behind the rear seats.

Clearly Allard had the North American market in mind when he specified the K3 model range, as 57 of the 62 examples built ended up crossing the Atlantic. The majority of K3s were shipped without engines to American dealers, who would then install a Yankee V-8 of the purchaser’s choice. Most were fitted with Cadillac engines, making Chrysler Hemi-powered K3s very desirable.

The 1953 Chrysler Allard K3 offered here is one of the rarest examples in existence. Only an estimated 20 percent were produced with the Hemi engine. Making it even more special, most K3s have had the unique side shifter converted to a conventional center-mounted one, while this example retains the practical feature.

Chassis number 3175 left the docks in Southampton on 5 February 1953, crossing the ocean with two other K3s, 3176 and 3177. It went to British Motorcar Distributors in San Francisco, which installed the then revolutionary Chrysler Hemi engine for its first owner, one W.E. Andrews of San Leandro, California. The current wire wheels were fitted later, but otherwise 3175 appears as it would have on that day 53 years ago, finished in Royal Blue over Red leather with a Black canvas top.

In the mid-to-late 2000s, the roadster is said to have benefitted from a full body-off restoration, which included a bare-metal repaint in correct Royal Blue and new Connolly hides in Claret. With gentle patina from long-term storage under current ownership, the quality of workmanship in the previous restoration is still evident today.

After recommissioning, this rare Chrysler-powered K3 would be an ideal candidate for the Colorado Grand, its attractive alloy coachwork turning heads as occupants enjoy the Hemi power from the comfort of its luxurious interior, replete with wind-up windows and full convertible top to keep the elements at bay on long, joyous stints.