1954 Allard J2X

Of the many automobiles designed and produced by innovative British Ford dealer constructor and racer Sydney Allard the elemental cycle-fender J2 and J2X continue to vividly embody the adventure and romance of early postwar racing like no other automobiles. Carrying on Allards proven race-winning formula the J2 combined a lightweight chassis and simple bodywork with powerful large-displacement engines.Produced for 1950-51 the J2 featured a simple and lightweight box-section chassis with Allards signature split axle up front and a deDion rear suspension plus advanced large-diameter Lockheeed Al-Fin hydraulic brakes. Offered with a choice of factory-installed or customer-sourced American V-8 engines including Ardun OHV Ford and Mercury conversions plus the powerful new Cadillac and Chrysler overhead-valve V-8s the J2 was usually equipped with a 3-speed manual transmission for power delivery; however the General Motors Hydra-Matic automatic transmission found its way into a handful of Cadillac-powered Allards.Immediately the Allard J2 was the scourge of British European and American motorsports taking a sterling class win and third overall at the 1950 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Allard co-driving with New Yorker Tom Cole. The J2s success in America was particularly strong including wins at Bridgehampton Pebble Beach Watkins Glen and many other venues during the early-1950s Golden Age of American sports-car racing. Soon-to-be-famous American J2 pilots included Phil Hill Carroll Shelby and John Fitch. According to data maintained by the Allard Register 94 examples of the J2 were constructed from 1949 to 1952 with the carefully re-engineered J2X succeeding it.Among the welcome revisions ushered in by the J2X were a 6-inch frame extension while wheelbase remained unchanged at 100 inches. Engines were moved forward by 7.5 inches for improved cockpit space with the added benefit of improved handling characteristics. As before with the J2 a wide array of engines was available; however Cadillac and Chrysler V-8s were most commonly used. In addition to 71 cycle-fender J2X models 14 envelope-bodied J2X Le Mans cars were produced according to figures published by the Allard Register.The late-production J2X offered here numbered J2X 3209 carries exceptionally well known and documented history from new. According to Allard Register records Chassis 3209 is one of just nine Allard automobiles exported new to Canada in all and the sole J2X exported there. Originally painted Beige with Red upholstery and Crimson wire wheels 3209 was exported on May 15 1953 to Canada via rallyist and importer Alec Budd of Budd & Dyer in Montreal Quebec. Quebec resident David Gurd was the Allards original owner through whom it passed to restaurateur Richard Mauron of Toronto Ontario who raced MGs during the early 1950s. Among Maurons outings with 3209 he raced the Allard at the 1955 Canadian National Exhibition damaging the right front and thereafter selling the J2X in favor of a 300SL Gullwing.The Allards next owner was Downsview Ontario resident Fred J. Hayes who had the car repainted Red in 1955 then Black in 1956. Mr. Hayes advertised the car for sale in the January 1956 issue of Road & Track magazine: ALLARD J2X. One of the last produced mileage under 5000 condition original and immaculate modified Cadillac engine Jaguar gearbox wire wheels side mount spare. However the car went unsold and Mr. Hayes retained and raced it until 1957. According to a period photograph published by the Allard Register Fred Hayes set fastest time with 3209 at the 1956 Rattlesnake Point hill climb. Other period sightings of 3209 under Mr. Hayes ownership included an outing to Harewood Acres in Jarvis Ontario - the ex-RCAF training base and other racing venues prior to the establishment of the Mosport circuit (now Canadian Tire Motorsport Park) near Toronto during the 1960s.The next owner of 3209 was Dave R. Pidgeon resident in Oakville Ontario and a nephew of movie actor Walter Pidgeon who worked in Toronto at the time and reportedly used the Allard as his daily driver on sunny days. Photographed for the October 1959 cover of Canada Track & Traffic magazine 3209 was offered for sale by Mr. Pidgeon in the magazines July 1961 issue described as a CADILLAC-ALLARD J2X Superb track and road car. Particularly suited to hill climbs as featured on CT&T cover October 1959. Maintained in top condition. Engine set up by Detroit Racing Equipment with 4 2-throat carburetors solid valve lifters. Corvette 4-speed transmission. Finished in bright blue red leather. Not suitable for beginners or those with a heavy foot. In January 1962 Mr. Pidgeon sold the Allard for a reported $2000 to Ontario resident Al Sands who retained it for more than the next 50 years eventually selling the car to a fellow Ontario Canada-based Allard enthusiast. In tribute to Mr. Sands the new owner drove the J2X in the 2018 Hockley Hill Climb held in Southern Ontarios beautiful Hockley Valley with the former owners ashes fittingly along for the ride.Sorted and maintained by the most recent owner in readiness for driving enjoyment as originally intended the J2X remains otherwise unaltered and as previously owned by Mr. Sands. As offered the J2X features a 331 cubic-inch Cadillac OHV V-8 engine equipped with twin Holley 4-barrel carburetors and finned alloy rocker covers paired with a Jaguar 4-speed manual gearbox. While older the Allards Metallic Blue paint finish remains nice and shiny indicative of proper care and maintenance. Accents include painted wire-spoke wheels and the wonderfully patinated red leather-trimmed seats. Nicely detailed and presented this rare lovely and honest Allard J2X carries outstanding history and marks an important evolutionary step in classic postwar sports cars with its British chassis and potent American V-8 power clearly foreshadowing such other sporting legends as Carroll Shelbys AC-based Cobras of the 1960s. Now offered ready to enjoy on your favorite stretch of open road or on todays most desirable long-distance classic rallies including the famous Colorado Grand this wonderful 1954 Allard J2X is ready to amaze all onlookers with its purposeful presence and mighty performance. Offers welcome and trades consideredFor additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7567-1954-allard-j2x/