Allard K3 Roadster 1954, Inglaterra

 

Allard K3 Roadster 1954, Inglaterra
Fotografia



In 1952, the K3 was introduced as Allard’s attempt to offer a more civilized variant of the J2 and J2X models seen at the track. A single front bench seat could accommodate three adults on its 56-inch width, and the use of twin fuel tanks in the rear fenders allowed for more room for luggage in the trunk. A cloth-covered folding convertible top provided protection from the elements, which was a luxury considering that the J2 and J2X were not equipped as such.
It is believed that most of the 63 examples produced were destined for North America, and most were equipped with engines of their owner’s choice that were installed once they arrived stateside. Many were fitted with Cadillac power, but several were equipped with engines from other American manufacturers.
As presented in Allard: The Records and Beyond, the example on offer was delivered new to a resident of Newburgh, New York finished in red paint over a black leather interior. The factory records within further note the inclusion of five wire wheels and the exclusion of an engine. While little documentation exists from the following decades, this Allard came up for auction in 1994 and was described to be in largely original condition and powered by a Cadillac 331-cubic-inch V-8 engine paired with a three-speed manual transmission. Just over a decade later, the car was offered again in restored condition from the Gene Ponder Collection. By this point, the interior had been reupholstered in tan leather with red piping, and safety belts were added. Lastly, wire wheels with Allard-script knockoff hubs were fitted on all four corners in an effort to return the car back to its factory-delivered specification.
Today, this mid-century hot rod remains in wonderful condition and represents an eclectic alternative to the more common Corvettes and Thunderbirds of the same period. With so few built over the course of production, the sale of this example presents a rare opportunity to make a tasteful addition to one’s collection. Texto da RM Sotheby's.

Allard K3 Roadster 1953, Inglaterra

 

Allard K3 Roadster 1953, Inglaterra
Fotografia

Sydney Allard’s K3 launched at the 1952 London Motor Show as a valiant attempt to civilize the J2-X range without losing its burly V-8 character. The K-3’s twin-tube steel chassis featured the familiar semi-independent swing axle front end and a proper DeDion rear axle with inboard-mounted drum brakes.
The full-width alloy coachwork was a vast improvement over the racier J2. The single bench seat—a full 56 inches wide—could accommodate three friendly adults, with a clever off-set gearshift lever located close to the driver, clearing floorspace for the middle passenger. Additional features designed to make the K3 more practical included locating its twin fuel tanks in the rear fenders to create more trunk space, wind-up glass windows, and a real cloth convertible top that folded out of sight behind the rear seats.
Clearly Allard had the North American market in mind when he specified the K3 model range, as 57 of the 62 examples built ended up crossing the Atlantic. The majority of K3s were shipped without engines to American dealers, who would then install a Yankee V-8 of the purchaser’s choice. Most were fitted with Cadillac engines, making Chrysler Hemi-powered K3s very desirable.
The 1953 Chrysler Allard K3 offered here is one of the rarest examples in existence. Only an estimated 20 percent were produced with the Hemi engine. Making it even more special, most K3s have had the unique side shifter converted to a conventional center-mounted one, while this example retains the practical feature.
Chassis number 3175 left the docks in Southampton on 5 February 1953, crossing the ocean with two other K3s, 3176 and 3177. It went to British Motorcar Distributors in San Francisco, which installed the then revolutionary Chrysler Hemi engine for its first owner, one W.E. Andrews of San Leandro, California. The current wire wheels were fitted later, but otherwise 3175 appears as it would have on that day 53 years ago, finished in Royal Blue over Red leather with a Black canvas top.
In the mid-to-late 2000s, the roadster is said to have benefitted from a full body-off restoration, which included a bare-metal repaint in correct Royal Blue and new Connolly hides in Claret. With gentle patina from long-term storage under current ownership, the quality of workmanship in the previous restoration is still evident today.
After recommissioning, this rare Chrysler-powered K3 would be an ideal candidate for the Colorado Grand, its attractive alloy coachwork turning heads as occupants enjoy the Hemi power from the comfort of its luxurious interior, replete with wind-up windows and full convertible top to keep the elements at bay on long, joyous stints. Texto da RM Sotheby's.