Beschreibung:

390ci OHV Cadillac V8 Engine Triple Stromberg Carburetors Est. 280bhp at 5,400rpm 4-Speed Manual Transmission Semi-Independent Front Suspension - De Dion Rear Axle 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes *Desirable Cadillac-powered J2 with fascinating period racing pedigree *Well-documented example with factory records and many charming period photographs *Eligible for the most exclusive vintage racing and driving events *Offered with impressive history file and many spare parts THE ALLARD MOTOR COMPANY Using a crashed Ford V8 Coupe onto which he had grafted the body of a Grand Prix Bugatti, Sydney Allard constructed one of the most unlikely of all pre-war trials specials. However, the Allard Special's lightweight construction and relatively powerful American V8 engine, although not the first such combination, demonstrated the formula's potential, providing the inspiration for future imitators including Carroll Shelby, who acknowledged Allard's influence on the Cobra. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED 1951 Allard J2 Roadster chassis number 99J2123, is a desirable J2 with a fascinating, well-documented history from new. Original factory invoice and build sheets on file show the order for this car came through on the 7th of June 1951, specified with knock-off wire wheels, left-hand drive, left-hand spare wheel, twin fuel pumps, headlamp stone guards, and fittings to receive a Cadillac engine. The records also show the buyer requested a red interior and supplied a sample of metallic blue paint for the body. Delivery took place on the 31st of August 1951, to Mr. Del Lee of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, via Wood Motors of Detroit. Mr. Lee immediately handed his new Allard over to Cal Connell of the legendary shop Detroit Racing Equipment where it received its race-prepped Cadillac engine. Marvelous period color photographs show the car finished in dark metallic blue with a red interior, a single side-mount spare, and distinct polished alloy Borrani wire wheels. Del Lee ran the car in numerous regional events at such legendary tracks as Thompson Speedway, Bridgehampton, and Watkins Glen. Multiple period photos show the car at the Detroit Region SCCA ice-racing event on Lake Orion, Michigan, providing a superb record of the car's original specification. At the Lake Orion event, reports say Lee thrilled the crowd near the front of the pack, only to throw it away when he spun while avoiding a bale late in the race. He seems to have experienced mixed results in competition, with his best moment coming at the Giant's Despair Hillclimb in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Having scored a 4th in class in 1951, he returned in 1953 with 99J2123 to take 1st in Class B and the Hollenback Trophy for Fast Time of the Day. Sometime around the 1954 Watkins Glen Grand Prix, Del Lee sold 99J2123 to Fred Lavel of Birmingham, Michigan. It appears Lavel had Lee drive the car in the Glen race, before taking it back home. The following year, Lavel took the Allard to Bonneville, running it up to 127.47 miles per hour. At some point, Mr. Lavel replaced the Cadillac engine with a DeSoto Adventurer Hemi supplied by his friend and Chrysler man, Virgil Exner. The first trip to Bonneville clearly triggered the salt addiction, and he went to extreme measures in the quest for speed for the following year. For the 1956 event, Lavel removed the alloy Allard bodywork and set it aside with the idea of polishing it. He fitted slick and aerodynamic fiberglass body made by Sorrell, along with a Halibrand quick-change rear end, and Powerflight automatic transmission mated to the Hemi. With better aero, the car ran a respectable 150.75 miles per hour, but mechanical woes prevented further runs. After Bonneville, 99J2123 led a relatively quiet life. Around 1958, Fred Lavel removed the Sorrell body, loosely refitted the original alloy bodywork which he had in storage and sold the car to John Whitlock It seems Mr. Whitlock did little with the car, selling it on the 17th of August 1968 to Robert Vandepaer or