1951 Allard K2

West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional example of this 1951 Allard K2 Roadster, the archetypal vintage racer, highly eligible for events worldwide.Originally finished in Red over Red leather trim with preparations for a Cadillac V-8 engine1 of approximately 119 produced331 CI Cadillac V-8 engine3-speed manual transmissionPorthole side ventsReupholstered in Tan leather interior with Black pipingEngine turned dashBluemels Brooklands steering wheelSimpson racing beltsSide exit exhaustChrome wire wheelsDocumented by Gavin Allard in Allard: The Records and BeyondOne of the most prominent and now proven to be well ahead of his time car builders of the post-war era, Sydney Allard, saw opportunity, just as Carrol Shelby would some 10+ years later, of 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 then later with Cadillac or Chrysler V-8s (typically installed by the buyer after purchase), Mr Allard found immediate success producing nearly ready-made racing sports cars. Track success 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 built with more luxuries than its J-series sibling, it was equally outstanding as a race car. Sharing a wheelbase with the J, the K2s aluminum body was redesigned for a smoother, more streamlined and modern appearance. Three porthole vents for the engine compartment and a pentagonal grille, both to become synonymous with Allard design, were to make their debut on the K2.This particular example boasts documentation in Gavin Allards pivotal book Allard: The Records and Beyond, with its Chassis 91K 1846 having been ordered on the 13th November 1950 and arriving in the US aboard the SS American Clipper on the 16th January 1951. Records show 1846 was originally finished in Red with Red leather upholstery and fitted with Cadillac Mods. A nameplate affixed to the cars firewall indicates that after arriving in New York, chassis 1846, like many new Allards, was sent to Perry B. Finas Speed Shop and to Perrys Auto Repairs on West 54th Street in Manhattan, NY for installation of its high-performance Cadillac V-8 engine.Presented today in reupholstered in Red over Tan leather trim, chassis 1846 displays the many desirable hallmarks of Allard sports cars including a side-exit exhaust, Bluemels Brooklands steering wheel, chrome wire wheels, and the all-important Cadillac V-8 engine!You will look long and hard to find a finer example which is also so well documented and suitable for both shows and vintage racing events, this 1951 Allard K2 Roadster is ready for the most discerning collector with its potent Cadillac V-8 engine or simply any early post war racing car enthusiast!