1953 Allard JR Continuation Chassis #3408 †

• British motorsport legend, Sydney Allard, built his Allard Motor Company into a fabled British car manufacturer from pre-war grass roots motorsport and engineering in London in the late 1930s
• This example (chassis #3408) is the only genuine Allard JR constructed by Allard Sports Cars Ltd (holder of worldwide trademark) 
• Completed to 1953 Le Mans JR specification by Lloyd Allard and Alan Allard, grandson and son of the legendary Sydney Allard 
• Completed in 2019 and a potential entrant to some of the most prestigious motorsport events in the world
• Designated with period and sequence-correct chassis number #3408 from Allard factory records 
• Offered with FIA accreditation - certification at final stage (GB12826) and offered with V5 papers for road registration (169 UYH) 
• JR is offered with an additional  3 speed Lasalle transmission. It is currently fitted with the 4 speed T10 Borg Warner
• Offering superb value for money, this is an exciting opportunity to enter into the rebirth of one of the most celebrated manufacturers of the 1950s

NB;-Please note that this is a VAT qualifying vehicle

-Photo credit  Matt Howell

British motorsport legend, Sydney Allard, built his Allard Motor Company into a fabled British car manufacturer from pre-war grassroots motorsport and engineering in London in the late 1930s. Best known for his ‘J’ Series sports racing cars, Sydney achieved iconic status with the 1950 JR followed by the J2X and J2X Le Mans, utilizing V-8 engines from Cadillac and Chrysler, and finally the JR in 1953.

The JR ed the field in American sports-car racing in the early 1950s, forcing major manufacturers such as Ferrari and Jaguar to take stock after a renowned East Coast Allard J2 won eight major races in a row. Carroll Shelby drove a J2 with great success, and the fundamental idea of mating a British chassis with an American V-8 engine inspired Shelby to further advance this hybrid concept in developing the Cobra, a fact he readily acknowledged.

This new, genuine, Allard JR heralds the rebirth of the Allard marque in modern times over sixty years since the last car rolled out of the Clapham factory in 1959. Seven JRs (chassis number #3401 to 3407) were built between 1953 and 1956 with #3408 naturally given to this car by archivist and first grandson to Sydney, Gavin Allard.

Chassis number #3408 is built very close to the specification of the 1953 Le Mans JR chassis number #3402 by Lloyd Allard, which ran in the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans, and in doing so, is eligible for accreditation by the FIA. This opens the door to eligibility for racing events around the world. With its removable FIA safety cage and other safety features, this JR could therefore be eligible to race at prestigious international events including the Le Mans Classic, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique and Goodwood Revival.

At its heart is a 5.4-litre (331cu.in) Cadillac OHV V-8 engine sourced from a K2 with an original Edmunds intake manifold and dual Carter carburettors, mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. Clothed in hand-formed all-aluminium bodywork and classically finished in British Racing Green, this JR was constructed using many correct, original Allard components in addition to the engine. These Allard parts include a Marles steering box, Lucas dynamo, a modified JR De Dion axle, front spindles and hubs, brake backplates front and rear, and an Allard speedometer and tachometer. With over two decades of experience in motor racing, motorsport fabrication and restoration of historic Allards, this example was largely constructed by master builder and second grandson Lloyd Allard, with assistance from his father (Sydney’s son) Alan, himself retired from a motorsport career.

Historical input and technical basis of the JR design were driven by the original designer Dudley Hume. At the age of 93, Hume supplied his experience, support, and some 120 drawings to this project which he held close to his heart. David Hooper, erstwhile chief engineer and draftsman at Allard Motor Company also gave support and advice. With Hume’s original and contemporary input, this team joined forces to produce a superb car of stunning quality throughout utilising the same construction methods and materials as the 1950s JRs.

This remarkable motor car was completed in 2019 and prepared by the second and third generations of the Allard family working together with the original Allard designer and chief engineer – all dedicated to seeing this cherished project reach an enviable conclusion. The JR is ready to be campaigned by its first owner in historic racing, indeed this JR has seen further development this year, visiting various circuits including Silverstone, Goodwood and Prescott to further develop the car.

On and off the track, this would be an exciting opportunity for any historic racer or vintage sports car enthusiast as an investment into the rebirth of one of the most celebrated manufacturers of the 1950s. A potential gateway to some of the most prestigious motorsport events in the world and offered at an extremely competitive estimate, this really is a one-off, exciting opportunity that represents superb value for money with a lovely story behind it.