Sydney Allard got the idea that an upgraded version of his J type competition car would get the Yanks’ attention. He overhauled the styling, put a De Dion style independent rear suspension under the car, and convinced his American agents to take a couple of the new model, called the J-2 in late 1949. Approximately 180 examples of the J2 versions were produced between 1949 and 1955.

The legendary J2X was a limited production competition roadster. Even though only 83 were produced between 1951 and 1954, these were the most successful racers of the Allard collection.

Although the Allard Motor Company never produced its own engines, it successfully integrated existing American V-8 power plants into its cars to threaten the dominance of racing circuits by larger producers.

Factory Allard J2Xs were usually equipped with a Ford-Mercury flathead (or even exported without an engine), but it was the 331 cu. in. Cadillac and the Chrysler 331 Hemi Firepower that made its exploits legendary. At the rear, the J2X’s sported a deDion differential.

This car was auctioned off by RM Auctions in January of 2009 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, Phoenix, Arizona.

Sources: Allard press and RM Auctions