Allard built just 119 K2 sports tourers from 1950 to 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 91K3019, 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. No engine was fitted from the factory, as was typical for new Allards, but provisions were made to accommodate a Cadillac V8. The resulting car was effectively a J2X that rode on the K2’s 106-inch wheelbase and wore the K2’s attractive bodywork.
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” V8 circa 1957.
The output of the rebuilt Chrysler Hemi V8 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.
