Allard J2

1950 Allard

Sydney Allard was a successful British manufacturer of high-performance sports cars in the early 1950s. His cars used modified American power-plants from Ford, Cadillac and subsequently Chrysler for reliability and high horsepower versus typical small-displacement, English engines of the period.

The Allard J2 was available with a 5.4 liter Cadillac OHV V-8 that developed 160-bhp when equipped with dual carburetors. Although limited in road racing by its three-speed gearbox, the J2 had powerful Alfin drum brakes and featured independent suspension using swing axles in front and a DeDion differential.

The racy-looking J2 had cycle fenders in front to save weight. Its close-coupled cockpit was framed with twin cowls and racing aero screens.

A full-width (and less aerodynamic) widescreen was available at extra cost as were electric wipers, a top, a tonneau cover and quick-detachable wire wheels. The spare tire was housed in a compartment under the tail. When an optional 40-gallon fuel tank and racing filler cap were fitted, the spare wheel was mounted on the side. The J2 rode on a 100-inch wheelbase and weighed just 2,006 lbs.

This example, J-1556 was ordered by Havel Motors in February, 1950 and delivered for the New York Sports Car Exhibition in late March of that year.

The first owner was Alfred Erwin Goldschmidt, the son of a wealthy German banker. Educated in England at Eton and Oxford, Godschmidt had served in the elite American OSS espionage service during WWII.

At the 1950 Watkins Glen races, the top three finishers in the 99-mile Seneca Cup race were permitted to start at Watkins Glen Grand Prix.

Goldschmidt finished second behind Phil Walters in the Seneca Cup. Walters, driving Briggs Cunningham's Cadillac-powered Healey Silverstone, started the GP at the back of the grid and won the race. The event was marred by the death of Sam Collier, an ARCA founder. In 1951, Goldschmidt finished third at Watkins Glen in the Grand Prix, driving the same Allard.