Allard built just 119 K2 sports tourers from 1950–1952 and—now as then—each K2 is appreciated for its impressive performance potential on both road and track, as well as its distinctive styling and exclusivity.

This K2, chassis number 91K 3019, is something more special yet: As Allard documentation on file confirms, it was constructed expressly for exhibition at the 1952 New York auto show, and it was specified with features typically found on the competition-oriented J2X, including a de Dion rear suspension, Alfin finned drum brakes, and wire wheels. The front fenders had cutouts to accommodate two spare wheels—ideal for long tours or weekends at the track. No engine was fitted from the factory, as was typical for new Allards, but provisions were made to accommodate a Cadillac V-8. The resulting car was effectively a J2X that rode on the K2’s 106-inch wheelbase (rather than the 100-inch wheelbase of the J2X) and wore the K2’s attractive bodywork.

Delivered to Allard agent R.P. Imported Motor Co. of New York, New York on 6 March 1952, it was prepared in time for its stint in the auto show spotlight later that month. The following year it was sold to its first owner of record, a J. Dany of New York. He would retain the car until 1960, notably replacing its Cadillac engine with a more powerful 392-cubic-inch Chrysler “Hemi” V-8 circa 1957.

After a six-year stint in the ownership of a Missouri resident, the Allard was acquired by J. Kimneint of Freemantle, Australia in 1966; there it would remain until 1989, when it was acquired by Californian Kerry Horan, with the car complete and showing just 19,000 miles but requiring total restoration. A concours-level restoration (documented with photos on file) was performed by UK specialists in 1993, including Ron Jenkins of RaceSport International. The body was restored by respected UK coachbuilder Rod Jolley, who also fabricated the special removable caps for the spare-tire wells. All the original alloy body panels were retained except for the rear deck lid, and a new steel floor was fabricated to replace the corroded original piece. Kevin O’Rourke, the well-known UK Ferrari restorer of Moto Technique Ltd. applied the new exterior finish.

The output of the rebuilt Chrysler Hemi V-8 and the rigors of highly competitive FIA-legal vintage racing necessitated numerous prudent modifications and upgrades. Since the original Allard suspension uprights were vulnerable to cracking under heavy use, new uprights were fabricated from billet material for superior strength. New axle shafts from Spicer were fabricated and installed, along with modified and machined Jaguar rear-axle hubs, and much larger Buick drum brakes were added for improved stopping power. Halibrand wheels complete the car’s purposeful, period-correct look.

Once completed, the K2 was granted FIA Historic Vehicle Identity papers (number 94/1571) on 26 July 1994, and it has been a popular fixture in historic racing thereafter. Numerous victories were achieved in the USA, Europe, and the UK, and in testament to its high-quality restoration, the K2 has also proven very successful on the show field, garnering the VSCC Concours d’Etat Trophy, Best Race Car at Lime Rock, and Best Vintage Sports Car at Mid-Ohio.

Acquired by the present owner in 2012, the car has continued to enjoy exercise on the track—including at the 2014 Monterey Motorsports Reunion—and its well-maintained older restoration wears the hard-earned patina of competition use. Importantly, it benefitted from an engine rebuild in 2014, with its Chrysler Hemi V-8 bored out to 396 cubic inches. Topped with dual four-barrel Holley carburetors, a dynamometer test sheet on file indicates output in excess of 500 horsepower , hinting at the vintage racing potential of this special K2.

Documented with Allard order and build paperwork, a restoration summary, FIA historic vehicle identity papers, and service invoices, and accompanied by a spare set of four Halibrand wheels, this competition-prepared K2 is highly eligible for a wide range of racing events worldwide. Its unique original specification and auto show provenance sets it apart from its peers—and its potent Chrysler Hemi V-8 promises to put it well ahead of them, too.