1951 Allard K2

Allard produced the K1, K2 and K3 family of cars from 1946 to 1954. They were designed by company founder Sydney Allard and are all 2-seat convertibles with a front-mounted engine driving the rear wheels.

The Allard K1 was built from 1946 to 1950 when Sydney Allard found himself with access to a number of war surplus Ford flathead V-8s.The box section chassis is shared, at varying lengths, with other Allards of the time and is clothed in a functional but not unpleasing steel body with separate wings. This is tightly wrapped around the mechanical components and cockpit which keep weight and frontal area low. The K1 was intended to fulfill the role of being primarily a road car that could be raced, having a luggage compartment accessible behind the seats. The front suspension is independent and ingeniously it consists of a standard Ford beam axle cut in half and used to form lower arms with the transverse leaf spring acting as the upper arm. Movement is controlled by long radius arms. The rear suspension consists of a conventional Ford live axle with a transverse leaf spring and mounted using a torque tube. Brakes are hydraulically operated drums all round. Some K1s were sold as chassis only.

The 1949 model year saw the introduction of the Allard K2, which remained current until 1952. This is very much a refinement of the K1 and saw a move to coil springs all round with a new de Dion rear axle offered as an option. Externally the body is recognisably similar to the K1 but is smoother and features three prominent oval “portholes” on each flank. Manufacturing quality was improved for the Allard K2 and wire wheels were offered as an option.

The Allard K3 replaced the K2 in 1952 and continued in production until 1954. It employed a new chassis that is both lighter and stiffener. It was designed to meet a different remit, being intended as a practical tourer. To this end it featured an all-enveloping alloy body with an opening boot and a bench seat. Unfortunately it fell short of expectations and only a few were produced. The de Dion rear axle was standard on the K3.

Although the Ford flathead was the default engine for the Allard K1, Cadillac and Lincoln V-8s were also fitted. As a guide, the Ford engine is 3.6 litres and capable of propelling the car to 90 MPH. The Allard K2 was also produced with these engines and added the Mercury 239 cubic inch V-8 to the line-up. Likewise with the K3, although this had the iconic Chrysler “Hemi” V-8 on twin 4 barrel carbs added. All variants drive through a Ford 3-speed manual gearbox to a Ford final drive.

The Allard K1 and K2, with their relatively sophisticated suspension, light weight and big engines are very quick cars for the late 1940s through the mid-1950s. Even at the end of their production they would see off most other cars of the era. The small size does make them cramped with the side screens fitted and the hood up though, whereas the lack of an opening boot makes access to luggage tricky. The K3 suffers from a large turning circle, difficult access, and poor heating and ventilation. The small numbers of cars built mean that specific parts are not quickly available off the shelf but the mass produced nature of major components point to an adequate supply of most spares. They are also simple cars, something that outweighs the specialist nature to some degree.

The Allard K3 is very desirable due to its small numbers with the K1 and K2 being of seemingly equal status. Personal preference and low overall availability may well make technical specification and age a matter of minor importance.

For similar stripped back thrills the Healy Silverstone and Frazer Nash Le Mans Replica offer alternatives. If looking for a period match of V-8 power and light weight then some of the better hot rods of the era could be worth a look.