Cadillac Powered 1951 Allard K2
When it comes to sports cars from the 1950s, there is one British manufacturer that is often overlooked and that’s the Allard Motor Company. Not only did Allard produce some very attractive cars, they also built some very high performance cars for the era. This 1951 Allard K2 is one of just a handful of these beautiful roadsters ever built and it’s being offered here on eBay with a BIN price of $175,000.
This K2 has recently undergone a full frame off restoration and everything looks excellent. The interior of the K2 was very spartan compared to its competitors, but was more luxurious than its predecessor, the K1. Even with the added luxury, many of the K2s were used for racing. The K2 could be ordered with a wide variety of American V8s installed, but the most popular and powerful was the 331 cui Cadillac V8.
This Allard has the Cadillac engine installed and we imagine that when combined with the low weight of this roadster it can be a handful to drive. The Cadillac V8 only produces 160 hp, but over 300 lbs. of torque. This made the Allards very potent sports car for their day and are believed to have played a significant role in inspiring Carroll Shelby and the development of the Shelby Cobra. In fact, Shelby raced a Cadillac powered Allard in the ’50s with great success.
We love Allards and this K2 is an amazing example of this rare roadster, but we question the seller’s asking price and their choice of paint schemes. While many of the Allards came painted in this style of two tone paint scheme, the color choice is not our favorite. We cant help but wonder if it will be mistakened as a parade car to those unfamiliar with Allards. Given the current market and what K2s have recently been selling for at auction, we would think the asking price should be closer to $130,000 then $175,000. Perhaps there is some history behind the car that the seller hasn’t mentioned that would justify the high asking price?
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Comments
This is one beautiful car…
Every Allard photo I have seen shows the car with a solid red paint job.
Horrible paint job. Looks like a clown car or amusement park ride. Needs one color.
I liked the J2 better, more visceral and primitive. That paint job really sucks. People who restore cars to sell should not go so individual. How many cars on E-bay or Craigslist turn people off with odd colors. At least it’s not satin “hot rod” black.
I had a customer K2 in a couple years ago with a 317 Lincoln motor. I put a few miles on it after sorting it out.You sit on top of the frame with legs nearly straight out in front of you. I had to learn to drive it properly. It required you to always acell thru the corners or else the split I beam suspension might decide to take you off in a field. If you would do what the car asked it was entertaining to drive. Could not imagine doing more than 500 miles in it though. Must have been some brave men who raced these at Watkins Glen in the early 50’s. Alloy body looked much better in white with red interior. I believe there were about 118 built. Allard’s most popular model.
Aptly put: “clown car” “amusement park ride.” Perhaps there’s some historical significance with this car and that color scheme.
I agree fully on the “clown car”! I am usually accepting of peoples tastes and keeping things original (if that is an original scheme?) …but this one goes beyond that for me!! I would be embarrassed to drive it!!
Great cars, always my favorites at car shows but the color scheme is just terrible. The only way that would be justified is if Fangio himself ordered it from the factory that way.
Well, I’ll admit the paint job is a little over the top for my taste, but it IS a definate automotive fahion statement. The car itself must be a beast of the road though, and very exciting!
Mark, from what I heard they put a new meaning into driving excitement, and British cars. Definitely not my Midget or Spitfire.
I saw this K2 ten-fifteen years ago when it was at an auction in Palm Springs Ca. Was told the paint job was done by famous pin strip artist Von Dutch . Never saw it again. Did someone reprint . Too bad.